Things to do — Konya

Konya offers a strong thematic programme articulated around Sufi spirituality, Seljuk heritage and prehistoric archaeology.

Mausoleum of Mevlana (Mevlana Türbesi) — Konya's central site. Iconic turquoise dome, tomb of Mevlana Rumi and several disciples, sema ceremony hall (semahane), illuminated manuscripts of the _Masnavi_, dervish costumes, Mevlevi musical instruments. Free visit. Dress code: shoulders and knees covered, headscarf for women (provided at entrance). 1h30-2h visit. Go early morning (opening 9am) or late afternoon.

Whirling dervishes sema ceremony — the signature experience. Ceremonies every Friday evening at the Cultural Center Mevlana (Mevlana Kültür Merkezi, 1 km from the Mausoleum). Free entry, booking recommended 24-48h ahead. 1h30-2h in silent attendance (no applause, no photos during the dance). During the Mevlana Festival (10-17 December), daily ceremonies — booking 6 months ahead.

Karatay Medrese (Karatay Medresesi, 1251) — masterpiece of Seljuk architecture. Today Iznik ceramics museum and Seljuk mosaic. Exceptional sculpted portal, blue-green ceramic dome. Entry 200 TRY (€6). 1h.

İnce Minareli Medrese (1265) — another Seljuk jewel. Today stone sculpture museum (Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk bas-reliefs). Monumental portal. Entry 200 TRY (€6). 1h.

Alaeddin Mosque (Alaeddin Camii, 12th century) — one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia, on the eponymous hill at the heart of Konya. Austere Seljuk architecture, Seljuk sultans' tombs. Free visit. 30 min.

Konya Archaeological Museum (Konya Arkeoloji Müzesi) — Neolithic (Çatalhöyük), Hittite, Phrygian, Greco-Roman collections of the region. Mother Goddess statuette from Çatalhöyük (8,000 BC) — one of the first known representations of feminine divinity. Entry 200 TRY (€6). 1-2h.

Çatalhöyük (50 km south) — UNESCO Neolithic site, one of the first urban sites of humanity (7th-6th millennia BC). Testimony to the Neolithic revolution. 1-2h visit with guide (200 TRY / €6). Car essential from Konya.

Sultanhanı Caravanserai (100 km towards Cappadocia) — 13th century, Turkey's largest Seljuk caravanserai, stop on the Silk Road. Monumental architecture. Entry 100 TRY (€3). 1h. To combine with a Konya-Cappadocia trip.

Beyşehir and its lake (60 km west) — large lake and Seljuk mosque of Eşrefoğlu (1296, remarkable wooden framework, UNESCO since 2024). Day excursion from Konya.