Itineraries — Central Anatolia

Central Anatolia is Turkey's geographical and identity heart — a vast plateau of 700,000 km² (two-thirds of the country) that constitutes the historical cradle of the Turkish nation since the Battle of Manzikert (1071, which opened Anatolia to the Seljuk Turks). It is also the least touristified Turkey — the vast majority of foreign travellers only cross the region by plane between Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast, without stopping in Ankara, Konya or at the lakes. This tourist desertion is paradoxically one of the region's great assets: preserved authenticity, immersion in deep Turkey, unbeatable prices, warm welcome from a population little accustomed to foreigners.

For a short thematic stay (3-5 days), focus on Konya and its whirling dervishes. Day 1: arrival in Konya by YHT train from Ankara (1h45) or Istanbul (5h30), visit to the Mevlana Mausoleum and Mevlana Museum in the afternoon. Day 2: exploration of Konya's historic district (Alaeddin Mosque, Selimiye complex, Karatay Medrese), excursion to Çatalhöyük (50 km, major Neolithic UNESCO site) at midday, whirling dervishes ceremony at the Cultural Center Mevlana Friday evening. Day 3: road to Cappadocia (3h) or the Mediterranean coast (4h).

For a deeper stay (7-10 days), add Ankara, Hattuşa and the lakes. Day 1-2 Ankara (Anıtkabir, Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, citadel, old town). Day 3 Hattuşa (day trip from Ankara). Day 4-5 Konya. Day 6-7 Lake Salda and connection to Pamukkale or Antalya.

For long-stay travellers (15+ days), eastern Anatolia opens up: Lake Van, Akdamar Island and its Armenian church, Mount Nemrut (colossal heads of King Antiochus, UNESCO, 700 km east of Konya), Kurdish Diyarbakır and its black walls. A radically different Turkey — poorer, more ethnically diverse (Kurds, Armenians, Syriacs), historically more complex. Demanding but unforgettable trip.