About
Konya sits on the Anatolian plateau in central Turkey, and it is widely regarded as the spiritual heart of the country. It is the home of the whirling dervishes and of the tomb of the poet Rumi, known in Turkey as Mevlana, which makes the city a place many visitors come to for reflection as much as for sightseeing.
What to see
- Mevlana Museum: the complex built around Rumi's tomb, where the mystical traditions of Sufism are presented in the spaces where they grew.
- Seljuk architecture: the city's mosques, madrasas and tombs reflect the period when Konya was a centre of the Seljuk Turks, and they give the old town a distinct character.
- The old quarters: walking between monuments on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to understand the city's rhythm.
When to go
Many travellers time their visit to the Whirling Dervish Festival, held each December. It draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world, so the city is busier then, and planning ahead for accommodation is sensible. Outside the festival, Konya is quieter and gives more room for contemplative visits to its monuments.
Konya suits visitors interested in religious history, Sufi music and dance, and classical Anatolian architecture. Those who appreciate slower travel, with time to sit with a place rather than rush through it, will likely find the city especially rewarding.
