KONYA
Famed for being the place of Rumi’s tomb, Konya has long attracted both spiritual pilgrims and wanderers drawn to the city’s spiritual, even mystical, atmosphere. Its most famous site is the Mevlâna complex, at once a worldly museum with exhibits on dervish life and a memorial where the spiritual devotion the renowned Sufi philosopher inspires is instantly palpable. During the anniversary Mevlâna Festival in December, Konya is changed by an influx of followers—and other curious souls—who arrive from around the world to celebrate the anniversary of Rumi’s death. The other principal event is the World Mystic Music Festival in September.
The balance of the year, Konya is a quiet, rather provincial city; nevertheless, visitors can find evidence of its long and fascinating history. Konya, for the situation, was the capital of the Seljuk Empire during much of the 12th and 13th ages, and some notable ancient mosques and theological academy buildings—now housing museums—showcase the original architectural style of that period. You can apparently see most city sights in a day. Going back further in time, the Neolithic archeological site of Çatalhöyük can explore on a side trip.
Not surprisingly, Konya is known during Turkey as a religious and rather a conservative city, where nearly all of the restaurants are dry. Until lately, it catered mainly to domestic tourists, who still make up the incredible majority of guests. But the last few years have seen the possibility of several hotels and inns aimed more at international guests, and the museums typically have good signage in English.
The balance of the year, Konya is a quiet, rather provincial city; nevertheless, visitors can find evidence of its long and fascinating history. Konya, for the situation, was the capital of the Seljuk Empire during much of the 12th and 13th ages, and some notable ancient mosques and theological academy buildings—now housing museums—showcase the original architectural style of that period. You can apparently see most city sights in a day. Going back further in time, the Neolithic archeological site of Çatalhöyük can explore on a side trip.
Not surprisingly, Konya is known during Turkey as a religious and rather a conservative city, where nearly all of the restaurants are dry. Until lately, it catered mainly to domestic tourists, who still make up the incredible majority of guests. But the last few years have seen the possibility of several hotels and inns aimed more at international guests, and the museums typically have good signage in English.