- ISTANBUL
- ADANA
- ADIYAMAN
- AFYON
- AGRI
- AKSARAY
- ALANYA
- AMASRA
- AMASYA
- ANKARA
- ANTAKYA
- ANTALYA
- ARDAHAN
- ARTVIN
- ASSOS
- AYDIN
- AVANOS
- AYVALIK
- BALIKESIR
- BARTIN
- BATMAN
- BAYBURT
- BERGAMA
- BEYPAZARI
- BILECIK
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- BURDUR
- BURSA
- CANAKKALE
- CANKIRI
- CESME
- CIRALI
- CORUM
- CUMALIKIZIK
- CYPRUS-KIBRIS
- DALYAN
- DALAMAN
- DATCA
- DEMRE
- DENIZLI
- DIDIM
- DIYARBAKIR
- DOGUBEYAZIT
- DUZCE
- EDIRNE
- EDREMIT
- ELAZIG
- EGIRDIR
- ERDEK
- ERZINCAN
- ESKISEHIR
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- GIRESUN
- GOCEK
- GOKOVA
- GOREME
- GUMUSHANE
- HACIBEKTAS
- HAKKARI
- HARPUT
- HASANKEYF
- HATAY
- HATTUSAS
- IGDIR
- ISKENDERUN
- ISPARTA
- ICEL
- IZMIR
- IZNIK
- KAHRAMANMARAS
- KALE (DEMRE)
- KARABUK
- KARAMAN
- KARS
- KASTAMONU
- KAYSERI
- CAPPADOCIA
- KAS
- KEMER
- KIRIKKALE
- KIRKLARELI
- KIRSEHIR
- KILIS
- KOCAELI
- KONYA
- KOYCEGIZ
- KUSADASI
- KUTAHYA
- MALATYA
- MANISA
- MANAVGAT-SIDE
- MARMARIS
- MARDIN
- MERSIN
- MIDYAT
- MILAS
- MUGLA
- MUDANYA
- MUS
- NEMRUT
- NEVSEHIR
- NIGDE
- ORDU
- OSMANIYE
- PAMUKKALE
- RIZE
- SAFRANBOLU
- SAKARYA
- SAMSUN
- SELCUK
- SIDE
- SIIRT
- SINOP
- SIVAS
- SANLIURFA
- SIRNAK
- TARSUS
- TEKIRDAG
- TOKAT
- TRABZON
- TUNCELI
- USAK
- URGUP
- VAN
- YALOVA
- YALVAC
- YOZGAT
- ZONGULDAK
KONYA
AREA: 38.183 km²
POPULATION: 1.750.303 (1990)
TRAFFIC CODE: 42
The history of Konya dates back to pre-historic times with early permanent settlements from the Neolithic, Paleolithic and early Bronze Age. One of the most important Neolithic sites in the world is Catalhoyuk, located near Konya, where excavations are still continuing.
There were also Hittite settlements at Karahoyuk on the outskirts of town. The findings from the Aladdin mound, Karapinar, Gicikisla and Sizma belong to the seventh millennium B.C. Konya (Cavania) was invaded by the Lycians, Alexander the Great and the Romans. During Roman times Konya was called Iconium and in 25 AD Saint Paul arrived by ship to Antalya and went inland passing through Antiochia (Yalvaç) and then came to lconium. As Christianity gained a hold in Anatolia, Lystra, Laodica and Sille became the predominant Byzantine settlements. Later the introduction of Islam in Asia Minor brought Arab raids. After the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071 a large part of Anatolia, including Konya, was captured by Seljuk Turks, and the dominance of the Eastern Roman Empire began to disappear. Suleyman Shah, the Anatolian Secuk Sultan, declared Konya the seat of his empire in 1076. In 1080 Iznik was made the capital and then in 1097, Konya was declared again the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire and remained so until 1277. Karamanoglu Mehmet Bey took over the rule of the Karamanogullari State. The Ottoman Sultan Murad II captured Konya in 1442 and ended their rule. Konya enjoyed many years of esteem, making for herself a notable reputation during the Ottoman period. Konya was a stop over for Yavuz Sultan Selim during his campaigns to Egypt and Persia. Suleyman the Magnificent and Murad IV also stopped in Konya on their way to Bagdad. The city grew larger and developed rapidly after 1923. Konya is almost an open-air museum, with numerous historical sites and a large number of works of art. The Karatay, Meram and Selcuklu districts make up the city of Konya Metropol. Konya also is famous for its Seljuk carpets, and carpets are still woven in the surrounding regions. Konya boasts many local crafts while its culinary delights include 'etli ekmek' (bread and meat), "bamya corbası'"(okra soup) and "tirit" (bread soaked in gravy).
MEVLANA AND KONYA
Konya is also famous for being the city of Mevlana. Mevlânâ Celaleddin Rumi was the founder of the Mevlevi order, known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. Mevlana was born in 1207 AD in the city of Belh in Horasan, which now falls within the boundaries of Afghanistan. Mevlana's father was Bahaeddin Veled, the son of Huseyin Hatibi, who, besides being one of the notables of city, was also known in his life time as the "Sultan of the Scholars". His mother was Mumine Hatun, the daughter of Rukneddin, who was the Emir of Behl. Sultanu'l - Ulema Bahaeddin Veled, because of certain political incidents and the approaching Mongolian invasion could no longer stay in the city. Thus, in the year 1212 or 1213 he left Behl with the members of his family and close friends. His first stop was Nisabur where he met the well known Sufi Feridddin Attar. There, despite his young age Mevlana was noticed by Feridddin Attar who showed his appreciation and approval of the young man. Sultan'l - Ulema moved from Nisabur to Baghdatd and later took off for Kaaba. On his way back from the pilgrimage he stopped in Damascus and from Damascus he continued to Larende (Karaman) passing through Malatya, Erzincan, Sivas, Kayseri and Niğde. They settled in the theological school (medrese) built by Subası Emir Musa. Sultan'l - Ulema and his family who arrived at Karaman in 1222, stayed there for 7 years. There, Mevlana married Gevher Hatun who was the daughter of Serefeddin Lala. The marriage gave Mevlana two sons named Sultan Veled and Alaeddin Çelebi. Years later, with Gevher Hatun dead, Mevlana married for a second time with Kerra Hatun, who was a widow with a child. Second marriage also gave him two sons, Muzaferreddin and Emir Alim Çelebi, and a daughter called Melike Hatun. During those years the greater part of Anatolia was under the reign of the Seljuk State and Konya was the capital. Hence Konya was bestowed with works of art and artists, and scholars were abundant in the city. In short, Seljuk State headed by Alaeddin Keykubad, was enjoying its most spectacular days. Alaeddin Keykubad invited Sultan'l - Ulema Bahaeddin Veled from Karaman and asked him to settle in Konya. Bahaeddin Veled accepted the invitation of the Sultan and arrived in Konya on May 3, 1228 with his family and friends. Sultan Alaeddin met them with great ceremony and allocated the Altunapa (Iplikci) Medrese (theological school) for their use. Sultan'l - Ulema died in Konya on January 12, 1231. The rose garden of the Seljuk palace was chosen for his grave and he was buried at the same spot the grave stands today at the Mevlevi Lodge which is now used as a museum. When Sultan'l - Ulema passed away, his students and followers gathered around Mevlana, regarding him as the sole heir of his father. In fact Mevlana had become a great scientific and religious scholar and was giving speaches at the Iplikci Medrese. His sermons were drawing large crowds. Mevlana met Sems-i Tebrizi on November 15, 1244. Mevlana found in his character "the existence of absolute maturity" and saw in his face "the spiritual lights of God". However their companionship did not last long as Sems suddenly died. After this death, Mevlana went into long years of seclusion. In later years, Selahaddin Zerkubi and Hsameddin Celebi tried to compensate the loss of Sems-i Tebrizi. Mevlana, who summarized his life with the words, "I was raw, cooked and then burned" died on Sunday, December 17,1273. He had willed his burial prayers to be led by Sadrettin Konevi. However, Sadrettin Konevi was completely shattered with the death of Mevlana whom he loved greatly, and fainted at the ceremony. The prayer was then led by Kadı Sıraceddin. Mevlana believed the day of death to be a day of rebirth. Death would take him to his beloved; that is, the God. With this believe he was referring to the day of death as "Seb-i Arus" which means wedding day or the bridal night and willed his friends not to cry and wail after him. "When we are dead, do not turn your eyes to the ground, seeking my grave! My grave will be in the hearts of the wise" The biggest event in Konya is the annual Seb-i Arus (Night of Union) ceremony held on December 17th to celebrate the union of Mevlana with God upon his death in 1273.
SIGHTS OF INTEREST IN KONYA
THE MEVLANA MUSEUM:
The building was constructed in 1274 as a tomb for Mevlana and his son Sultan Veled. Today it is the Museum of Seljuk and Ottoman Calligraphy and also contains relics from the Prophet Mohammed. You will also see the Tomb of Mevlana which is covered with a tiled green dome.
INCE MINARE MEDRESE - MUSEUM
The original building is now being used as a museum of stone and wood works. The school was built by vizier Ata during the reign of Sultan Izzettin Keykavus II in 1285 and it was a school for the teaching of Khadis.
ALAEDDIN HILL AND MOSQUE
At the center of Konya stands the Alaeddin Hill with the most impressive Selcuk structure of Konya perched at the top. The Alaeddin Mosque is the oldest mosque built by the Seljuks and was completed in 1221 during the reign of Alaaddin Keykubat I over what was originally an ancient tumulus.
KARATAY MEDRESEThe Buyuk (Grand) Karatay Medrese was built by the Seljuk vizier Abdullah Bin Karatay in 1251 and has served as a Museum for Seljuk and Ottoman Ceramics since 1955 but is now under reconstruction and may be viewed from outside only.
SIRCALI MEDRESE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF KONYA
The museum houses works uncovered in Catalhoyuk, Canhasan, Suberde and Karahoyuk.
SELIMIYE MOSQUE
This mosque is an Ottoman mosque which was built from the years 1558 - 1587 and is located next to the Mevlana Museum. Also of interest is the Library of Yusuf Aga attached to the western wall of this mosque.
AZIZIYE MOSQUE
This mosque is an Ottoman mosque built in 1676 by Mustafa Pasa who was the bookkeeper of Sultan Mehmet IV.
CATALHOYUK
Catalhoyuk is one of the oldest human settlements in the world dating back 9000 Years
MEKE CRATER LAKE
SILLE
KILISTRA
Kilistra is an ancient site with an authentic village set upon a stone promontory over a valley with ancient cave churches and dwellings and rock formations.
KADINLAR PAZARI (MARKET)
Konya’s covered market is also of interest.
DISTRICTS: Konya (center), Ahırlı, Akören, Akşehir, Altınekin, Beyşehir, Bozkır, Cihanbeyli, Çeltik, Çumra, Derbent, Derebucak, Doğanhisar, Emirgazi, Ereğli, Güneysınır, Hadim, Halkapınar, Hüyük, Ilgın, Kadınhanı, Karapınar, Karatay, Kulu, Meram, Sarayönü, Selçuklu, Seydişehir, Taşkent, Tuzlukçu, Yazlıhöyük, Yunak.
SITES OF INTEREST: Çamlıköy, Yakamanastır, Kale, Huğlu, Karaburun and Kızılören forest recreation areas, Meram vinyards, hot springs, İvriz stone relief, Beyşehir Castle, Akmanastır (monastry), Hagia Eleni Church, Sırçalı old theological school (medrese), Tacül Vezir old theological school (medrese) and Mausoleum, İnce Minareli Medrese, Ali Gav, Küçük Karatay, Karatay and İsmail Aka (Taş Medrese) old theological schools (medrese), Has Bey and Nasuh Bey Quran schools for children (darülhuffaz), Seydişehir school for teachers (muallimhane), İplikçi Mosque and school, Sadreddin Konevi Mosque and Mausoleum, Alaeddin Dursunoğlu, Selimiye, Kapı, Aziziye, Eşrefoğlu and Pir Hüseyin mosques, Sahip Ata, Karabaş Veli and Lala Mustafa Pasha mosque complexes, Akşehir and Ereğli Grand Mosques, Mevlana Mausoleum and Dervish Lodge, Nasreddin Hoca Mausoleum, the small mosques (mescit) - Taş Mescit, Sırçalı Mescit, Karatay, Tahir and Zühre, Altunkalem, Güdük Minare and Küçük Ayasofya mescits, Yusuf Ağa Library, Kubadabad Palace, Seyyid Mahmud Hayran and Şeyh Şahabeddin lodges, Kızılviran, Sultan, Zazadin, Horozlu, Kadın, İshaklı and Kuruçeşme inns, Rüstem Pasha inn (caravansary), Konya Archeology, Karatay Tile Works, Konya Stone and Wood Works, Konya Monument Graves, Atatürk's House and Culture, Konya Ethnography, Konya Mevlana, Koyunoğlu, Akşehir Stone Works, Akşehir, Atatürk and Ethnography, Ereğli Museums.
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (332) 353 40 20 - 21 - 22
Fax: (332) 353 40 23
Konya Turkish Sufite Music Ensemble Directorate
Address: Mevlana Meydanı Eş'arizade Sok. No:21
Konya
Topluluk Tel: (0 332) 350 42 29 - 30
State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate
Babıaksaray Mah. Mevlana Alanı No:21
KONYA
Tel: (0 332) 350 39 25
Fax: 353 40 23
Museums
Mevlana Museum
Detailed Information
Address: Mevlana
Mah. - Konya
Tel: (332)
351 12 15
Archeology Museum
Address: Larende Cad. - Konya
Tel: (332) 351 32 07
Museum for Tile Works
Address: Alaattin Meydanı - Konya
Tel: (332) 351 19 14
Museum for Monument Graves
Address: Gazi Alemşah Mah. Sırçalı Cad. - Konya
Tel: (332) 352 80 22
Museum for Stone and Wood Works Eserler
Address: Alaattin Meydanı - Konya
Tel: (332) 351 32 04
Etnography Museum
Address: Larende Cad. - Konya
Tel: (332) 351 89 58
Akşehir Museum
Address: Dr. Aziz Perkun Cad. No: 94 Akşehir - Konya
Tel: (332) 813 15 68
Ereğli Museum
Address: Bulvar Cad. No: 16 Ereğli - Konya
Tel: (332) 713 45 92
Historical Sites and Ruins
Kilistra
Konya Ethnography Museum
Çatalhöyük - Küçük Köy Çumra
Bolat Ruins - Hadim / Bolat Village
Karahöyük (tumulus) - Meram / Harmancık Mah
Kubadabat - Beyşehir - Gülkaya
Ayaelena Church - Selçuklu - Sille Mah.
Ereğli Museum
İvris Rock Monument - Aydın Kente / Halkapınar
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Konya
Sites
Archaeological Sites: 406
Urban Sites: 1
Natural Sites: 40
Historical Sites: 43
Other Sites
Archaeological and Natural Sites: 18
Archaeological and Urban Sites: 1
Archaeological, Urban and Historical : 1
Historical and Urban Sites : 4
Historical and Natural Sites: 1
Archaeological, Historical and Natural Sites: 1
Total: 515
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 1079
TOTAL: 1594
Significant Days
Local Days of Celebration:
Commemoration Day for Hadimi Hz.
Hadim
4-12 September
Rose Festivity
Konya
12 June
Cooking Competition
Konya
10-11 September
Traditional Minstrel's Holiday
Konya
24-28 October
Akşehir Glory Day
Akşehir
24 August
Commemoration Day for Mevlana
Konya
10-17 December
Arrival of Atatürk at Konya
Konya
3 August
Expositions:
Industrial and Export Products Exposition
Selçuklu
10 December
Konya Exposition
Konya
5 August-5 September
Festivals:
Çakıllar Strawberry Festival
Akşehir-Çakıllar Town
11 June
Derebucak Wrestling Matches
Derebucak
30 July
Traditional Wrestling Festival
Konya
30 September
Festivities:
Akşehir Nasreddin Hodja Festivities
Akşehir
5-10 July
Huğlu Gun Celebrations
Beyşehir
13 June
Apple and Tufana Festivities
Ereğli
17-18 August
Economy and Development Holiday
Seydişehir
5-7 August
Turkish Jereed Games
Konya
25-26 September
Hadim Grape Harvest Festivities
Hadim
18-20 September