Central Anatolia, Turkey
Deepen your appreciation for Konya’s rich culture through direct engagement.
Workshops can be informal; performances offer deep cultural insight.
Attend weekly at Mevlana Cultural Center.
Spiritual ritual, not a show; respectful attendance.
Profound insight into Sufi spiritual practice.
Small workshops around Bedesten Bazaar may offer demonstrations.
Copperware, woodwork examples, and ceramic tiles.
Formal classes for tourists are not common.
Annual Mevlana Commemoration (mid-December).
International Mystic Music Festival (September).
Cultural centers occasionally host traditional music or dance.
Find opportunities for relaxation amidst your explorations.
Nightlife is quieter, centered on social gatherings.
Discover traditional markets and artisan crafts, and find unique souvenirs.
For efficient packing, especially when shopping for souvenirs, consider packing organizers like those from Eagle Creek.
Konya’s central location suits exploring significant sites in the wider Central Anatolia region.
UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the world's first urban settlements (9,000 years old).
Ancient rock-cut settlement with cave churches and houses, early Christian ties.
Charming town on Beyşehir Lake, home to the wooden-columned Eşrefoğlu Mosque (UNESCO Tentative List).
Scenic beauty, especially around the lake’s shores, and important birdwatching.
A natural wonder formed by a volcanic explosion, creating a crater lake with smaller islands.
An impressive historical caravanserai near a large sinkhole lake.
Best for Çatalhöyük (approx. 50 km SE, 1-hour drive) and Kilistra (approx. 40-50 km SW).
A private taxi for a half-day trip is a common choice.
Regular bus services from Konya Otogar to Beyşehir (approx. 90 km west, 1.5-hour bus ride).
Frequent services also available for Cappadocia (approx. 220-250 km east, 3-4 hour bus ride).
Direct high-speed train connection from Konya to Kayseri, then a bus/transfer to Cappadocia (total 4-5 hours).
Excellent YHT connections to Ankara and Istanbul.
For travel rewards on excursions and flights, look into cards like Capital One Travel.
Konya’s central location makes it a logical starting or connecting point for longer regional travel.
Konya boasts excellent connections for onward travel.
Konya's position allows straightforward connections for varied regional travel experiences.
This transforms your visit into an adventure, with engagement with Turkey's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
