Independent tourism and recreation in Konya Historical information about the city of Konya 1. The Oldest Times...
Type of the tour: On-road Level: All Riding days: 8 Accommodation: 9 nights and 10 days Accommodation type: Double room in hotel …
1. The Oldest Times and the Preantine Period
Neolithic and Bronze Age
The region of Konya was settled already in the Neolithic (VII thousand BC). Near the modern Konya is the world-famous settlement of Çatal-Hyük, one of the earliest proto-city formations in human history.
Çatal-Hüyük was different:
It's a dense building with no streets,
Mother goddess cults,
developed agriculture and crafts,
wall painting and symbolism.
In the Bronze Age, the territory was in the sphere of influence of the Hittites and then the Phrygians.
2. Antiquity
Hellenistic period
In the third century BC, the city was known as Iconium. It was at the intersection of trade routes between the Aegean coast, Syria and Mesopotamia. After the conquests of Alexander the Great, Iconion came under the influence of Hellenistic culture.
Roman era
In the first century BC, the city became part of the Roman Empire. During this period:
roads, aqueducts, public buildings are being built;
Iconion becomes an important administrative center.
The city is mentioned in the New Testament - here the Apostle Paul preached.
3. Byzantine period (IV-XI centuries)
After the division of the Roman Empire, Konya became part of Byzantium.
Characteristics of the era:
strengthening the city due to Arab raids;
development of Christian communities;
construction of churches and monasteries.
The city gradually lost its economic importance, but retained its strategic role in Central Anatolia.
4. The Seljuk Period – Konya’s Golden Age
Conquest by Turks
In 1071, after the Battle of Manzikert, the Seljuks began an active advance into Anatolia. In 1080 Konya was captured, and in 1097 became the capital of the Rum (Anatolian) Seljuk Sultanate.
Blossoming (XII-XIII centuries)
This is the most brilliant period in the history of the city:
Konya becomes the political, religious and cultural capital.
Madrasahs, mosques, caravanserai are being built;
Calligraphy, philosophy, poetry, Sufism are developing.
Jalaladdin Rumi
In the XIII century in Konya lived the great poet and mystic Jalaladdin Rumi (Mevlyana).
Right here:
The Sufi teaching of Mevlevi was formed,
There was a famous dance of whirling dervishes,
Konya became the spiritual center of the Islamic world.
Rumi Mausoleum is still a symbol of the city.
5. Decline and transition
After the defeat of the Seljuks from the Mongols (Battle of Kyos-dag, 1243):
The Sultanate has lost its independence.
The konya is in decline.
The city was alternately owned by the Mongols and the Turkic Beyliks (Karamanids).
6. Ottoman era (XV-early XX century)
In 1467 Konya was finally incorporated into the Ottoman Empire.
Features of the period:
The city becomes a provincial center;
religious significance (the Order of Mevlevi) is preserved;
The economic role is declining compared to Istanbul and Izmir.
Konya remained an important spiritual and agricultural region.
7. New and new times
XX century
After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the formation of the Turkish Republic (1923)
Konya:
It's being actively modernized.
It has become a major agricultural and industrial center,
It retains the reputation of one of the most religious cities in Turkey.
Modern Konya
Today, Konya is:
One of the largest cities in the country,
major transportation hub,
religious tourism center,
A city that combines ancient heritage and modern infrastructure.
City where epochs meet
Konya is one of the oldest cities in the world.
Here on the same land intertwined:
Neolithic Çatal-Hüyük,
ancient Iconion,
Christian heritage of Byzantium,
the glorious capital of the Seljuks,
Rumi's Sufi philosophy.
Walking through the city, you literally walk through layers of history that are thousands of years old.
The Spiritual Heart of Anatolia
Konya is the spiritual capital of Turkey.
The main pearl of the city is the Museum-mausoleum of Mevlyana Rumi:
The turquoise dome is visible from afar.
inside - silence, incense and music with it,
Pilgrims come from all over the world, regardless of religion.
It was here that the dance of whirling dervishes was born - a meditation ritual that can be seen live. This is not a show, but a real spiritual practice that can deeply touch even a person far from mysticism.
Architecture you won’t find in other cities
Konya is the capital of Seljuk architecture:
Alaeddin Jami - Sultan Mosque on an ancient hill
exquisite madrasahs with stone carvings,
Caravanserais, where the merchants of the Silk Road rested.
There are no crowds like in Istanbul, so the architecture can be viewed calmly, thoughtfully, without haste.
Taste of Anatolia
Konya surprises with gastronomy:
Etley Ecmeck - thin meat bread, the local "ancestor of pizza",
The kebaba is a meat that is cooked for hours.
sweets according to ancient Seljuk recipes.
The food here is simple, hearty and honest - like Anatolia herself.
Space and silence
In contrast to resorts and megacities:
In Konya wide avenues and open sky,
The city is surrounded by steppes and salt lakes.
Nearby - Çatal Hüyük (UNESCO site) and mystical Anatolian landscapes.
It is the perfect place to slow down, breathe out and feel Turkey without tourist filters.
1. Comfortable and upscale hotels (4-5 ★)
For travelers who want a high level of service, spacious rooms and maximum amenities.
Recommended options
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Konya is a modern hotel with excellent reviews, convenient for walking and transport around the city.
Novotel Konya is a well-known international network with quality service.
Hilton Garden Inn Konya is a strong choice for travelers who value the brand’s standard.
Grand Millennium Konya Hotel is a stylish option with large rooms and amenities.
Bair Diamond Hotel & Convention Center, Dedeman Konya Hotel & Convention Center are good options with spacious rooms and service.
Such hotels often include breakfast, a fitness center, a restaurant, sometimes a spa and are suitable for families, couples and those who appreciate a vacation “without unnecessary worries”.
2. Medium level – comfortable and comfortable (3 ★)
Good price/quality balance: good reviews, coziness and convenient location, but without top services.
Good options.
Grand Hotel Konya is a popular city hotel.
Hich Hotel Konya is a cozy hotel with high guest ratings.
Bera Konya Otel is conveniently located and often chosen by tourists.
Sırçalı Hotel is a small but very pleasant option with excellent reviews.
Pertevniyal Aziziye Hotel is a stylish and friendly hotel of the middle category.
Great for independent travelers, couples and those who want comfort, but without a high price.
3. Budget hotels and guest houses
If you want to save money or prefer inexpensive options, there are many decent budget hotels in Konya:
Budget proposals
Araf Hotel is affordable and with good reviews.
Rumi Hotel is a popular low-cost option.
Nun Otel is a simple yet clean and convenient option near the center.
Eser Palas Otel and Garre Hotel are inexpensive hotels within walking distance of attractions.
Think Hotel is a stylish and inexpensive option in the center.
A great choice if you plan active walks and excursions, and the room is needed only as a lodging.
1. Museum-mausoleum of Mevlana
This is the most visited place in the city. The mausoleum of the great poet and mystic Rumi with a recognizable turquoise dome is not just a museum, but a living spiritual space. Sufi music is played here, and the atmosphere is conducive to silence and reflection.
How to get there: The place is in the center. It is easy to reach on foot, as well as reach by tram or bus - stops are located nearby.
2. Alaeddin Hill and Alaeddin Mosque
Alaeddin Hill is considered the heart of old Konya. Here stands one of the oldest Seljuk mosques, surrounded by a green park. This is a good place to pause and look at the city from a height.
How to get there: From the mausoleum of Mevlana - about 10-15 minutes walk. There are also trams and buses, the stop is right by the hill.
3. Seljuk madrasahs
Konya is especially appreciated for its madrassas - ancient educational institutions decorated with stone carvings and tiles. Many of them are now converted into museums.
The most famous are:
Karat madrasah (ceramics),
Inje Minare (stone art),
Smurls of madrasah (tiles).
How to get there: All of them are located in the city center, conveniently inspected on foot in one walk.
4. Centers of Sufi Culture and Dance of Dervishes
In Konya, you can see the ceremony of whirling dervishes - not as entertainment, but as part of spiritual practice. This is one of the most memorable experiences for tourists.
How to get there: The ceremony halls are located next to the Mevlana Museum and are easily accessible on foot or by public transport.
5. Konya Archaeological Museum
The museum provides a better understanding of the region’s ancient roots, from Neolithic settlements to the Roman and Islamic periods.
How to get there: From the center you can walk or get by bus; the road takes no more than 15-20 minutes.
6. Çatal-Hüyük
One of the oldest settlements on the planet is outside the city. This place is especially interesting for those who want to see how the urban life of mankind began.
How to get there: Çatal Hüyük is located about 40–45 km from Konya. It is most convenient to go by taxi, rented car or with a tour.
7. Parks and recreation areas
The city has well-kept parks, including the Japanese Park, where it is nice to stroll after excursions.
How to get there: The parks are easily accessible by bus or taxi; many are in residential areas with good transport connections.
Transportation in Konya: brief and clear
Tram - passes through the center, convenient for tourists.
Buses cover the entire city.
Taxis are affordable and affordable.
Hiking is the best way to explore the center.
How to get into town
High-speed trains from Ankara and Istanbul
airport 20-30 minutes from the center,
developed long-distance bus service.
1. Mevlana Festival / Şeb-i Arûs
December (climax – December 17)
The main event of the year dedicated to Jalaladdin Rumi.
Passing:
dervishes (sema),
Sufi music concerts,
Poetry evenings and lectures.
It attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. At this time, it is better to book hotels in advance.
2. The International Konya Mystic Music Festival
End of September
Music of spiritual traditions of different countries:
Turkey, Iran, India, Africa, Central Asia. The format - concerts, open-air performances, cultural meetings.
3. Tulip Festival (Tulip Festival / Lale Festivali)
April-May
The city is decorated with millions of tulips.
Passing:
street concerts,
fairs,
Family activities and photo zones.
4. Konya Agricultural Fair (Konya Agriculture Fair)
March - April
The largest agricultural exhibition in Turkey:
modern technology,
Farm innovation,
international participants.
It is interesting not only for specialists, but also for tourists as a large-scale event.
5. Summer district festivals and city holidays (İlçe Şenlikleri)
June to August
Small but lively holidays:
folk music,
street food,
Concerts, games, sports events.
You can see the everyday, non-tourist horse.
6. The Konya Book and Culture Fair
Fall or winter
Meetings with writers, exhibitions, lectures, cultural discussions.
7. Nasreddin Hodja Festival (in the region)
July (Akşehir, about 130 km from Konya)
A folk festival of humor and folklore is often included in excursion routes.
Religious holidays
Ramadan (Ramazan)
Feast of Breaking Up (Ramazan Bayramı)
Kurban Bayramı (Kurban Bayramı)
These days:
a special atmosphere in the city,
changes in the work of museums and cafes,
Many evening activities and family celebrations.
Spring (March-May)
Air temperature:
March: +8...+12 °C
April: +13... +18 °C
May: +18...+25 °C
The weather:
Moderately warm.
Short-term rainfall is possible
Nature is actively green, gardens and tulips bloom
Summer (June-August)
Air temperature:
June: +25... +30 °C
July: +30 ... +35 °C
August: +30...+36 °C
The weather:
Very dry.
Rainfall rare
It's hot in the day, it gets cooler in the evening.
Autumn (September-November)
Air temperature:
September: +22 ... +28 °C
October: +15... +20 °C
November: +8 ... +12 °C
The weather:
Dry and soft
Little wind.
Very comfortable for long walks
Winter (December – February)
Air temperature:
In the afternoon: 0 ... + 5 °C
At night: -5... -10 °C
Sometimes it goes down.
The weather:
Snow is possible.
Frost nights
The air is dry and fresh
Language of communication
Official language: Turkish.
English: understand hotels, tourist spots and major restaurants.
Russian: rare, but in tourist points and guides can find support.
Tip: It's helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Turkish: hello, thank you, "how much is it?" - this is always welcomed by locals.
Examples of basic phrases:
Hello, Merhaba.
Thank you - Teşekkür ederim
Please - Lütfen
How much does it cost?
Traditions and customs
Konya is the spiritual capital of Turkey, a city with a strong religious culture and Sufi traditions.
What a tourist should know:
Modest clothing
In mosques, men should wear long pants, women should cover shoulders and legs; women sometimes need a headscarf.
Shoes are removed before entering the mosque.
Conduct in public places
Loud conversations and the display of violent emotions in religious places are not welcome.
It is possible to take photos inside mosques and museums, but it is better to check with the staff.
Family and cultural values
Respect for older and older people is highly valued.
Public manifestations of tenderness (kissing, hugging) are best limited.
Ramadan and religious holidays
During Ramadan, many restaurants are closed during the day but open to tourists in tourist areas.
Believers do not eat or drink in front of people who fast.
Laws and regulations
Highlights:
Documents: Always carry your passport or ID card; police may ask for documents.
Alcohol: Allowed in restaurants, bars and some shops, but outdoor use is strictly restricted.
Smoking is prohibited in closed public places, transport and museums.
Road traffic: crossing the street only at pedestrian crossings; fines for violation are high.
Medical and pharmacy rules: it is better to carry medicines with you in the original packaging and with instructions in English.
Features in Konya
Konya is more conservative and religious than Antalya or Istanbul.
It is important for tourists to observe respectful tone, clothes and general norms of behavior - this will create a pleasant impression and avoid misunderstanding.
1. Greetings and general phrases
Merhaba - Merhaba - Hello / Hello
Günaydın - Günaydın - Good morning
İyi akşamlar - iyi akşamlar - Good evening
Hoşça kal - hoshcha kal - Goodbye (to the one who remains)
Güle Güle - Güle Güle - Goodbye (to the one who leaves)
Nasılsınız? - How are you?
İyiyim, teşekkür ederim - iyyim, tešekkür ederim - OK, thank you.
2. Politeness
Lütfen - Lutphen - Please
Teşekkür ederim - teşekkür ederim - Thank you
Bir şey değil - bir şey değil - Nothing for nothing
Affedersiniz - Affedersin - Sorry / Sorry
Özür dilerim - Özur dealerim - Excuse me (formally)
3. Shopping and restaurants
Bu ne kadar? - How much does it cost?
Çok Pahalı - Chok Pahala - Very expensive
Daha ucuz var mi? - Daha uzuz var we? - Is it cheaper?
Menü lütfen - Lutfen menu - Menu please
Hesap lütfen - Hesap lutfen - Account, please
Su - su - Water
Kahve - kahwe - Coffee
Çay - tea - tea
Example of dialogue:
Tourist: Bu ne kadar? - How much does it cost?
Salesman: 50 lira. - 50 liras.
Tourist: Daha ucuz var mı? - Is it cheaper?
Seller: Maalesef yok. - Unfortunately, no.
4. Directions and transport
Nerede? Where?
Sağ - saga - Right
Sol -- Sol -- Left.
Düz - Duz - Straight
Otobüs - Otobus - Bus
Tramvay - tram - tram
Taksi - taxi - taxi
Havalimanı - havalimans - Airport
Example of dialogue:
Tourist: Havalimanına nasıl gidebilirim? - How do you get to the airport?
Local: Taksiye binebilirsiniz. - You can take a cab.
5. At the hotel.
Rezervasyon yaptırdım - reserve Yaptyrd - I made (a) reservation
Odam hazır mi? - Shall we give the Khazir? - Is my number ready?
Anahtar lütfen - Anathar Lütfen - Key please
Kahvaltı dahil mi? - Kahvaltı dahil mi? - Breakfast included?
Wi-Fi şifresi nedir? - Wi-Fi shifresi nedir? - What's the Wi-Fi password?
Example of dialogue:
Tourist: Odam hazır mı? - Is my number ready?
Administrator: Evet, buyurun anahtarınız. - Yeah, here's your key.
6. In case of emergency
Yardım edin! - Yardım edin! - Help me!
Polis çağırın - Chagyrn policy - Call the police
Doktor lazım - Dr. Lazym - Need a doctor
Kayboldum - Kayboldum - I'm lost / lost
Acil -- ajil -- Urgent.
Example of dialogue:
Tourist: Doktor lazım! - We need a doctor!
Local: Hemen arayalım. - We'll call you.
Food and drink
Konya is famous for traditional Turkish cuisine, with local features of Seljuk and Central Anatolian cuisine.
Main course:
Tandir Kebab (Etli Ekmek / Tandır Kebabı)
Thin bread with meat filling, resembling a long pizza.
In Konya, it is prepared with lamb or beef, with minimal spices.
Bamie (Bamya)
Stewed with meat and tomatoes, often served with rice.
Sultan dessert (Fırın Sütlaç)
Baked rice pudding with milk caramelized with crust.
Tea and coffee
Local tea (çay) is served in small cups of sugar.
Turkish coffee with thick foam - often sold in souvenir packages.
What to try:
Etli Ekmek is the famous dish of Konya, almost a symbol of the city.
Mevlana şekeri - sweets in the form of small rolls with nut filling, often bought as a souvenir.
Medicinal and useful remedies
In Konya, herbs and natural products are traditionally used, many of which can be bought in the bazaars:
Honey and propolis
Local Anadolian honey has a rich taste and aroma.
Propolis is used to strengthen immunity.
Herbal collections and spices
Rosemary, mint, thyme, black cumin.
Often sold in Turkish pharmacies (for example, aktarlık).
Local oils
Olive oil, sesame oil and black cumin oil.
They are used in cooking and cosmetics.
Turkish lollipops and syrups
For example, sheckerler and syrups made of rosehip or pomegranate.
Souvenirs and gifts
Traditional souvenirs of Konya:
Souvenirs with symbols of Mevlana and dervishes
Dervishe figures, magnets, plates with the image of rotating dervishes.
Ceramics and tiles
Karatai Madrasah is famous for tiles and ceramics with traditional patterns.
Turkish sweets
Lukum, rahat-lukum, Mevlana şekeri.
Packed beautifully, convenient to give.
Textiles and textiles
Shali, handkerchiefs, products with traditional Turkish patterns.
Tea and coffee
Turkish coffee in gift packaging.
Tea and herbal mixtures in decorative jars.
Natural cosmetics
Olive soap, oils, handmade creams.
Safety of rest
Konya is a calm and safe city for tourists.
The crime rate is low, but as in any city, you should take basic precautions:
Do not leave valuables unattended;
Keep documents and money in a safe place;
Avoid low-light streets at night.
Beware of intrusive traders and suspicious offers.
Features: Konya is a more conservative and religious city than Istanbul or Antalya, so respectful behavior and modest clothing increase the comfort and security of your stay.
Documents required
Passport or ID card
It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Visa
For most citizens of Russia, Ukraine and CIS countries, an electronic visa (e-Visa) or a visa sticker in the passport is required.
Electronic visa can be issued in advance through the official website
Tickets and proof of accommodation
Paper or electronic confirmation of hotel/apartment reservations.
Insurance policy
Travel health insurance is mandatory, especially to cover treatment and hospitalization.
Health insurance and services
Tourists are advised to have international health insurance covering:
treatment for illness, injuries;
transportation to the hospital;
Emergency dental services.
Pharmacies (Eczane) are open from 9:00 to 18:00, duty round-the-clock pharmacy points are in the city center.
Emergency services in Turkey
Police: 155
Fire protection: 110
Ambulance: 112
Road assistance: 114
Tip: Keep these numbers on your phone and carry a piece of paper with them.
Mobile communications
Connected operators: Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom.
Roaming is available from most international operators, but it is more profitable to buy a local SIM card for the Internet and calls.
Public Wi-Fi is available in the city center and major hotels, but it is often slow – it is better to have a mobile connection for emergency communication.
Term of stay of the tourist
Citizens of most CIS countries can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without leaving (for a visa regime via e-Visa or visa-free entry, it depends on the country).
Extension of stay is possible only through the migration service for good reasons, but it is easier to plan a trip within these terms.
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
