10 Places to See and 5 to Avoid in Konya, Turkey

Konya is a city in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey, and one of the oldest cities in the world. It is home to the famous Mevlana Museum, which houses the tomb of Rumi, the great Sufi saint and poet. Konya is also home to many other historical sites and cultural attractions, making it a great destination for tourists. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 places to visit in Konya, as well as five places to avoid.

1. Mevlana Museum

The Mevlana Museum is one of the most important sites in Konya and a must-see for any visitor. It is home to the tomb of Rumi, the famous Sufi saint and poet. The museum also houses a library, a mosque, and a number of other exhibits. Visitors can learn about the life and teachings of Rumi, as well as the history of Sufism.

2. Alaeddin Mosque

The Alaeddin Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Konya. It was built in the 12th century and is an impressive example of Seljuk architecture. The mosque is open to visitors, who can admire its beautiful interior and exterior. It is also a popular place for locals to gather for prayer.

3. Karatay Medresesi

The Karatay Medresesi is an old Islamic school located in Konya. It was built in the 13th century and is now a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of Islamic education and see the beautiful calligraphy on the walls.

4. Ince Minareli Medrese

The Ince Minareli Medrese is another old Islamic school located in Konya. It was built in the 14th century and is now a museum. The building is notable for its beautiful minaret, which is decorated with intricate tilework. Visitors can explore the building and learn about the history of Islamic education.

5. Tarihi Konya Evleri

The Tarihi Konya Evleri are a collection of traditional Ottoman homes located in Konya. The homes were built in the 16th century and are now open to visitors. They provide a unique glimpse into the past and demonstrate the beauty of Ottoman architecture and design.

6. Aziziye Camii

The Aziziye Camii is a large mosque located in Konya. It was built in the 19th century and is a popular place of worship for locals. The mosque is notable for its beautiful interior and exterior, as well as its impressive minaret.

7. Meram Park

Meram Park is a large public park located in Konya. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park features a variety of trees, plants, and flowers, as well as a lake, playgrounds, and other amenities.

8. Akşehir Gölü

Akşehir Gölü is a large artificial lake located in Konya. It is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and fish.

9. Seyitgazi Aqueduct

The Seyitgazi Aqueduct is a large Roman aqueduct located in Konya. It was built in the 4th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. The aqueduct is notable for its impressive size and engineering.

10. Sultanhanı Caravanserai

The Sultanhanı Caravanserai is a large caravanserai located in Konya. It was built in the 13th century and is now a museum. Visitors can explore the building and learn about the history of trade in the region.

5 Places to Avoid in Konya

Although Konya is a great destination for tourists, there are some places that should be avoided. Here are five places to avoid in Konya:

1. Güney Park

Güney Park is a public park located in Konya. Unfortunately, the park has become a hotspot for crime and is best avoided.

2. Konya Castle Ruins

Konya Castle Ruins is a site of a former castle located in Konya. The ruins are unsafe and should be avoided by visitors.

3. Yörük Park

Yörük Park is a public park located in Konya. The park has become a center for drug use, and it is best to avoid it.

4. Beyşehir Gölü

Beyşehir Gölü is a large lake located in Konya. The lake is polluted and should be avoided by visitors.

5. Develi Caves

The Develi Caves are a network of underground caves located in Konya. The caves are dangerous and should be avoided by visitors.

Konya is a city with a long and rich history, and it is home to many interesting places to visit. From the Mevlana Museum to the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, there are plenty of sites to explore. However, there are also some places that should be avoided, such as Güney Park and the Develi Caves. Regardless, Konya is a great destination for tourists and is sure to provide a memorable experience.