Sightseeing in Konya - what to see. Complete travel guide

Konya is one of the oldest towns in the world. Here you can see ancient monuments and architectural sights that are kept in a great state, visit best eastern markets, see wonderful temples and mosques.

Since ancient times local people have been respecting the traditions of their predecessors, so this place can be distinguished by unique mild atmosphere that covers guests of Konya with warmth and coziness. According to a legend, Konya was the first town the building of which has started right after the Flood. This happened in the 8th century BC. The name of this place is connected with another legend. According to it a courageous warrior Perseus killed the dragon that had lived on the land at that time. This way the hero freed the way to first inhabitants of Konya. The people made a huge obelisk of Perseus to thank him for his help. At that time such huge monuments were called eikon, so initially the city was called Iconium. However, through years the name’s pronunciation has changed, transforming into Konya.

The city has been always considered the center of religion and culture. Here lived famous masters who worked with stone and wood. Konya was also the place where were created best hand-made carpets in Turkey. Each year here takes place a carpet exhibition. This is another proof of careful keeping of ancient conventions. Konya has also been chosen the place of conducting of Violent Whirling Dervishes Festival devoted to the memory of the ancient religious order. During several days the town is filled with magnetic music and its inhabitants dance and sing. This grandiose event attracts numerous visitors year after year. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The suburbs of this place are no less interesting. You can make an excursion to one of the oldest villages that is called Çatal Hüyük. The locals consider this settlement a place of power. The suburbs of the village are full of nature reserves, the walk of which will leave simply unforgettable memories. Picturesque grottos, noisy waterfalls and birds singing – this is a true piece of paradise.

The beautiful Mevlana Monastery is one of the most important religious site in the city. It is considered the center of Sufi culture. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist destination. The monastery regularly conducts religious rituals, concluding in so-called dance meditation. Absolutely everyone can observe these beautiful religious activities.

An equally majestic religious structure is the Selimiye Mosque, which was built in the second half of the 16th century. The architectural plan of this mosque was designed by the famous architect Sinan. The complex was built from a reliable hewn stone. After many years, the beautiful mosque with tall towers and beautiful arches has not changed its appearance. It is still in effect now.

In the vicinity of Konya, there are many interesting natural attractions, among which the beautiful Lake Tuz. Its main feature is the high concentration of salt in its water. During the summer, due to increased evaporation pond surface is veiled with thick crust of salt. Therefore, you can literally walk on the lake. The thickness of the salt crust in some places reaches 50 centimeters. In the warm season, the lake resembles a huge ice rink.

Those who have long dreamed of taking a walk in interesting archaeological areas should go to the District of ​​Chatal-Huyuk. Once upon a time, there was a large city on this site, with which researchers now link a lot of incredible facts. Numerous excavations testify to the fact that during the city's existence, not one of its residents died a violent death. Now in the archaeological area, you can see fragments of ancient buildings. On the walls of some of them, fragments of painting have been preserved.

Interesting cultural events are regularly held at the exhibition center Tuyap Konya. Visiting it, you can witness interesting presentations, exhibitions, seminars and even fairs of the national economy often held here. The area of ​​this exhibition complex is 86,000 square meters; it has rooms for various events. The entrance to some events is absolutely free, which will certainly please economical tourists. Konya lives a rich cultural life.