Konya
The legacy of Rumi and the whirling dervishes, and Seljuk architecture.
About Konya
Konya is the spiritual city of Türkiye and the cradle of Sufism. This is where Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi lived and taught: the 13th-century mystic poet whose teachings of universal love and tolerance still inspire millions of people around the world. The whirling dervish ceremony (sema), inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was born in this city.
The Mevlana Museum, with its iconic turquoise-green dome, is one of the most visited sites in Türkiye. It holds Rumi's tomb, original manuscripts, 13th-century musical instruments and a priceless collection of prayer rugs. The atmosphere of spiritual contemplation is palpable.
But Konya is also the capital of the Seljuk heritage in Anatolia. The İnce Minare and Karatay madrasas, the Alaeddin Mosque on the central hill and the caravanserais of the nearby Silk Road reveal the grandeur of the Sultanate of Rum, which made Konya its capital in the 13th century.
What to See in Konya
Mevlana Museum
The spiritual heart of Konya, recognisable by its turquoise-green dome. It holds the tombs of Rumi and his father, manuscripts of the Masnavi (his great work), antique prayer rugs and the cells where the dervishes lived and practised. More than 3 million people visit it every year.
Read more about Mevlana MuseumSema Ceremony (Whirling Dervishes)
A mystical Sufi ritual in which the dervishes whirl as a form of meditation and connection with the divine. Every movement has a symbolic meaning. In Konya, ceremonies are held regularly at the Mevlana Cultural Centre, above all during the December festival.
İnce Minare Madrasa
A jewel of 13th-century Seljuk architecture with a carved portal of extraordinary beauty. Today it houses the Museum of Stone and Wood Art, with Seljuk reliefs showing influences from China to Persia, a reflection of Konya's position on the Silk Road.
Alaeddin Mosque
Konya's oldest mosque, built on an artificial hill in the city centre. It contains the tombs of eight Seljuk sultans. Its architecture, with columns reused from Roman and Byzantine temples, is a fascinating example of cultural syncretism.
Karatay Tile Museum
A former Seljuk madrasa from 1251, now a ceramics museum. Its inner dome is entirely covered in turquoise and cobalt tiles with Islamic calligraphy, creating one of the most beautiful spaces in all of Anatolia.
Read more about Karatay Tile MuseumMust-See Places
Food in Konya
Konya has a culinary tradition all its own. Etli ekmek (long flatbread with minced lamb) is the most emblematic dish: a kind of elongated pizza almost a metre long, crisp and juicy. You eat it in the traditional bakeries (fırın), where it's made before your eyes.
Other essentials are fırın kebab (lamb slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven), bamya soup (with okra), tirid (bread in meat broth, a centuries-old dish) and şekerpare (semolina cake in syrup). Konya is a conservative city, so places serving alcohol are few, but the food more than makes up for it.
Practical Tips
- The Mevlana Museum is open every day. Remember to take off your shoes and dress respectfully.
- If you want to see an authentic sema ceremony, go on a Saturday evening to the Mevlana Cultural Centre (check the times).
- The Mevlana Festival (7–17 December) is the best time to experience Konya's spirituality, but hotels fill up fast.
- Konya is usually visited en route between Cappadocia and the Aegean or Mediterranean coast: it makes a perfect half-day stop.
- Don't leave without trying etli ekmek in the traditional bakeries of the centre: Bolu Etli Ekmek and Hacı Şükrü are the most famous.
Getting There
Konya has an airport (KYA) with daily flights from Istanbul (1 h 20 min). The high-speed train (YHT) links Konya with Ankara in 1 h 45 min. From Cappadocia it's about 3 hours by road, and from Antalya about 4 hours.
On private tours, Konya is visited as a stop between Cappadocia and Pamukkale or Antalya, using the roads that cross the Central Anatolian plateau.
Frequently Asked Questions about Konya
How many days do I need to visit Konya?
I recommend spending at least 1 day in Konya so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Konya?
The best time to visit Konya is April to June, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Konya with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Konya. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Konya from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Konya in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Konya combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Konya with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Konya
Guides, tips and stories to help you plan your visit.
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