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A more traditional town than many, Konya is famous as being the burial place of Rumi, the esteemed Islamic poet and philosopher and founder of the Mevlevi Order, otherwise known as the Order of the Whirling Dervishes.
Even today, Konya is the most religiously conservative city in Turkey. The city’s history dates back to 3000 BC and it was a prominent settlement for several of the dynasties and empires which followed, eventually becoming the capital of the Sultanate of Rum during the Seljuk era.
Today, Konya is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, with antique mosques, traditional Seljuk architecture and a maze of narrow market streets, surrounded by the more contemporary university and shopping malls. The city’s centre is focused around this market district, an important Seljuk mosque on Alaaddin Hill (Tepesi), and the Mevlevi Museum, which attracts Muslim visitors from all over the world each year.
Konya was constructed according to the Hippodamus grid system, so is a very ordered city. Around 37 miles (60 km) from Konya is Catalhöyük, believed by the Turkish to be the oldest human settlement in the world. It contains a cave painting of a volcanic eruption, which dates back to 6500 BC.
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Suggested itinerary featuring Konya
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Konya, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Photos of Konya
Accommodation choices for Konya
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Konya. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Hich Hotel, Konya]()
Hich Hotel
Konya
Ideas for experiencing Konya
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Konya, and which use the best local guides.
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Visit to the Mevlana Museum and Karatay Madrasa ![Karatay Madrasa]()
Visit to the Mevlana Museum and Karatay Madrasa
Visit to the Mevlana Museum and Karatay Madrasa
Visit Konya鈥檚 Mevlana Museum with its mausoleum of the famous Sufi mystic, Rumi, and a dervish lodge of the Mevlevi. Then head to the Karatay Madrasa to view its archaeological finds from Kubadabad Palace.
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