Discover Konya – A City of History, Spirituality, and Timeless Beauty

Konya, one of Turkey’s oldest continuously inhabited regions, has a rich history dating back to 3000 BC. With a population of over 2.1 million, the city seamlessly blends modern life with centuries of tradition, making it an essential destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and spirituality.

🏛 A Journey Through Time – The History of Konya
🔹 Ancient Settlements (3000 BC) – Archaeological evidence shows that Konya has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, making it one of Anatolia’s most significant historical centers.

🔹 Seljuk Empire (11th – 15th Century) – Konya became the capital of the Sultanate of Rum, a Turko-Persian state established in Anatolia after the Seljuks conquered the region from the Byzantines. For over 400 years, the city flourished as a center of politics, art, and Islamic learning.
🔹 Ottoman Empire (15th – 20th Century) – The Ottomans took control of Konya in the 15th century, ruling for over 500 years. The city remained an important cultural and religious hub within the empire.
🔹 Modern Turkey (1923 – Present) – Following the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923), Konya became part of the Republic of Turkey. Today, it is a dynamic and modern city, while still preserving its deep-rooted heritage.

🌟 Konya Today – A City of Culture & Spirituality
Konya remains one of Turkey’s most fascinating cities, offering visitors a blend of ancient history, spiritual significance, and modern charm.
✔ The Mausoleum of Rumi (Mevlana Museum) – The final resting place of Jalaluddin Rumi, the founder of the Mevlevi Sufi Order (Whirling Dervishes). A must-visit for anyone interested in Sufism, poetry, and philosophy.

✔ Alaaddin Mosque & Seljuk Architecture – One of the oldest and most magnificent mosques in Turkey, built during the Seljuk era.
✔ Karatay Madrasa – A beautifully preserved 13th-century Islamic school, now a museum showcasing Seljuk tilework and art.
✔ Ince Minare Museum – A fascinating example of Seljuk-era architecture, once a madrasa and now home to an extensive collection of stone and wood carvings.
✔ The Whirling Dervishes Ceremony – A mesmerizing spiritual performance that represents divine love and unity, held regularly in Konya.
✔ Modern Konya – While deeply connected to its past, Konya is also a thriving metropolis with modern shopping centers, cultural venues, and vibrant local cuisine.

🌍 Why Visit Konya?
✔ A city rich in history, dating back over 5,000 years.
✔ The spiritual heart of Sufism, home to Rumi’s mausoleum.
✔ Incredible Seljuk-era landmarks and Islamic architecture.
✔ A mix of modernity and tradition, offering a unique cultural experience.
✔ Authentic Turkish hospitality in a city less crowded than Istanbul or Cappadocia.
Konya is a magical place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Turkey.

Day 1 :

🏛 Konya Full-Day Tour – A Journey Through History, Culture & Spirituality

Explore the historical and spiritual heart of Turkey on this full-day Konya tour, where you will visit significant landmarks, ancient mosques, museums, and traditional marketplaces. This immersive experience will take you through thousands of years of history, from early Christian settlements to the legacy of the Seljuks and Ottomans, offering a deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of Konya.

Morning: Hotel Pickup & Start of the Tour
Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel, followed by a journey to the most iconic sites in Konya, starting with the city’s spiritual center.

☪️ Mevlana Museum – The Heart of Sufi Mysticism
Your first stop is the Mevlana Museum, the final resting place of Rumi (Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi), the 13th-century Sufi mystic, poet, and theologian. Once the home of the Whirling Dervishes, this museum showcases:
✔ The Ritual Hall, where the dervishes performed their spiritual dances.
✔ The Holy Tilavet Chamber, where Quranic recitations and chants take place.
✔ The Tomb of Rumi, a deeply sacred site for Sufis and spiritual seekers.
✔ The Dervish Lodges, Kitchens, and Artifacts, providing insight into their mystical way of life.

🏛 Alaaddin Mosque – Konya’s Historic Centerpiece
Located in the heart of Alaaddin Hill Park, this 12th-13th-century mosque was once part of the Seljuk Palace. It features:
✔ Islamic Seljuk architectural styles, with evidence of a Christian basilica dating back to 1080 beneath it.
✔ The Eastern Door, built during the Ottoman period.
✔ The ebony Minbar (pulpit) from 1155, one of the earliest examples of Seljuk artistry.
✔ A courtyard with the tombs of 8 Seljuk Sultans, adding to its historical significance.

🏛 Ince Minaret & Madrasa Museum – Seljuk Art & Architecture
This 13th-century structure is now a museum showcasing Islamic wood and stone carvings, featuring:
✔ Intricately carved minarets and a beautifully detailed entrance.
✔ Exhibitions of stone reliefs, sculptures, and wooden panel artwork.
✔ Well-preserved Seljuk-era inscriptions and calligraphy.

🎨 Karatay Madrasah & Museum – A Ceramic Masterpiece
Located near Alaaddin Mosque, this historic Islamic school is famous for:
✔ Stunning Seljuk ceramic and tilework, decorating the walls and ceilings.
✔ Artifacts from the Kubadabad Royal Summer Palace, providing insight into medieval Turkish art.
✔ An educational glimpse into the role of madrasahs in Islamic history.

🛍 Old Bazaar – A Sensory Delight of Sights & Sounds
Next, you’ll explore Konya’s Old Bazaar, a bustling marketplace packed with:
✔ Local crafts, traditional textiles, and handmade souvenirs.
✔ Religious artifacts, spices, and authentic Turkish delights.
✔ A lively atmosphere filled with the rich aroma of street food and Turkish coffee.

🕌 Azizye Mosque – A Baroque Beauty
Unlike the typical Seljuk-style mosques in Konya, the Azizye Mosque (built in the 17th century, reconstructed in 1867) surprises visitors with:
✔ Ottoman Baroque architecture, featuring large domes, marble columns, and intricate woodwork.
✔ A stunningly ornate interior, blending traditional Islamic designs with European influences.
✔ A fascinating history, as it was rebuilt by Pertevniyel, the mother of Sultan Abdulaziz.

🧵 The Felt House – A Unique Cultural Experience
Step into Konya’s ancient textile tradition at The Felt House, where you will:
✔ Learn about the 2,500-year-old history of felt-making in Turkey.
✔ See artisans crafting traditional felt clothing, hats, and carpets.
✔ Explore how felt has been used in nomadic Turkmen tents for centuries.

🍽️ Lunch – A Taste of Konya’s Cuisine
Enjoy a delicious lunch included in the tour, featuring local specialties such as:
✔ Etli Ekmek – A Konya-style Turkish flatbread topped with minced meat.
✔ Fırın Kebabı – Slow-cooked lamb kebab, a regional delicacy.
✔ Traditional Turkish tea or coffee, served in an authentic setting.

🏛 Sahip Ata Museum Complex – A Cultural Treasure Trove
This historic complex, built by Sahip Ata (a high-ranking Seljuk official) in 1288, includes:
✔ A dervish lodge, mosque, tomb, double bath, and fountain.
✔ Over 200 ethnographic items, including handwritten Qurans, carpets, candelabras, and historical doors.
✔ A well-preserved example of a Seljuk-era religious and social complex.

🏡 The Village of Sille & Hagia Eleni Church – A Hidden Gem
Located 8 km northwest of Konya, the charming village of Sille is home to:
✔ A 3,000-year-old settlement, where Greeks and Turks coexisted for centuries.
✔ One of the world’s first monasteries, showcasing early Christian history.
✔ Hagia Eleni Church, built by Empress Helena (mother of Emperor Constantine) during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
This stop provides a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it one of Konya’s most picturesque locations.

Evening: Return to Your Hotel
After a day filled with history, culture, and spirituality, you will be transferred back to your hotel, arriving at approximately 18:00 PM.

📌 Important Information
✔ Pickup Zone: Complimentary pickup is available in Konya city center. Additional charges may apply for other locations.
✔ What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. Modest attire is recommended for mosque visits.
✔ Tour Duration: Full-day tour (approx. 9-10 hours).
✔ Best Time to Visit: Konya is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

🌟 Why Choose This Konya Tour?
✔ A deep dive into the history, art, and spirituality of Konya.
✔ Visit iconic landmarks, mosques, museums, and hidden gems.
✔ Enjoy a mix of historical exploration, cultural experiences, and scenic views.
✔ A must-see tour for those interested in Sufism, the Seljuk Empire, and early Christian history.
This Konya full-day tour provides a comprehensive, immersive experience, perfect for travelers seeking to understand the city’s cultural richness and historical significance.