Konya is a land of Sufi heritage. It has numerous religious sites, parks, and museums. The central Turkian city is a living example where culture plays an important part, irrespective of the presence of modernization in the air. If you want to uncover your spiritual side, Konya is one of the best places to start with. Konya Packages vary depending on the preference of the tourists. On your trip to Konya, whatever packages you opt for, all the Konya Tour Packages include myriad attractions comprising many historical edifices, mesmerizing gardens, parks, and museums.
Starting with the Mevlana Museum. This is one of the top iconic sights in Konya. Built during the 13th century, the museum is the tomb of the infamous religious leader, philosopher, and poet Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. The green conical dome pleases the eyes of every tourist. Along with the mausoleum, the archaic tekke for Sufism, built by Mevlana’s followers is another attraction of Konya. The tekke or the lodge was built, after the death of the great Rumi, in the 16th century. Apart from the tomb of the pre-eminent Sufi poet, there are eight other tombs dedicated to his wife, children, and the six dervishes famously known as ‘Soldiers of Horasan’. It also has various precious artefacts that were part of the Mevlana legacy.
The next best thing to do in Konya is to hike to the top of Aladdin Hill. Located in the heart of Konya, it gives a panoramic view of the city and bestows the tourists a chance to vibe in the calm aura idling around. This artificial hill is a favourite place for couples. This place is also the resting place of the great personalities of the Seljuq dynasty. These tombs are placed inside a mosque with outstanding architecture.
The Ince Minarelli Madrasa is the wood and sculpture museum of Konya. The minaret was known for its gigantic height. It stood in its aboriginal composition till the early 20th century. At present, only the lower portion stands. The lower minaret is carved with stone and brick and is in the shape of a square. It is said that the cylindrical brick was once wrapped in green tiles. The minaret, the madrasa and its entrance showcase the calibre of the Seljuk stoneworkers, especially the geometric trimming and the knots. The inscription visible in the madrasa entrance is ornamented with beautiful natural and floral motifs.
The Atatürk Museum is a sight to visit if you are well-acquainted with the Atatürk Museum in Izmir. The Museum showcases his visit to Konya, along with speeches he delivered during his time of visit.
The Sircali Madrasa comes next on the list. It is famous for its decorative mosaics and well-preserved mesmerizing architecture, especially the vaulted room which overlooks a rectangular facade, known as the 'Iwan'. Built in 1242, it is an open-air institute designed especially for Islamic teaching.
Konya is famous for its innumerable synagogues. It is in fact listed as the city with the most mosques in the whole of Italy. The total number of mosques in Konya is close to 3000. Though visiting each and every mosque is not conceivable, here are a few of the mosques, worth visiting on your Konya Tour - Alaeddin Mosque, Kapu/Kapi Mosque, Selimiye Mosque, Aziziye Mosque, Serafeddin Mosque, and the Haciveyiszade Mosque.
The succeeding attraction in the listicle is the ancient village of Sille Subasi. It was one of the few villages where the Greeks peacefully cohabited alongside the Turks. It is the city where the Karamanli Turkish writing originated.
Apart from sightseeing, another interesting thing to do in Konya is to attend a Turkish dance demonstration. Konya is the niche where the order of swiveling dervishes laid the first stone. Everyone has witnessed a Turkish man dancing and wearing a large white dress, this is the place where you can witness it live. This dance of the dervishes is a significant cultural jewel of the Sufis. It is a part of the ecclesiastical movement that was carried out in the 8th century. Jalal al-Din Rumi was a great Sufi personality who introduced this dance, and it was during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. Gradually, it spread to the Balkans followed by Egypt.
One of the famous historical facts concerning the dervish dance, known as Samas, is that it was banned in 1925 after the country was declared secular by Atatürk. The glorious dance was again enjoyed in the 1950s and continues to do so. The motive behind the dance is a form of meditation to get closer to the higher one. It is performed on the music orchestrated by various traditional instruments, along with prayers or traditional songs under the guidance of a spiritual master, called the shall.
Konya is a famous shopping hub for those who are fond of local goodies. The whole city of Konya has around 40 streets. In those streets, there are over 2500 streets set up selling authentic and traditional merchandise. Out of all, the most interesting thing to do when looking for a wonderful shopping experience is strolling in the Bedesten Bazaar.
The nightlife in Konya is a completely different experience. The best thing to enjoy a night in Konya is ambling in Kultur Park. Located next to the Aladdin Hill, the place comes to life even more during the nighttime. As you sit near the illuminated fountain of the park, the view of the Haciveyiszade Mosque through the lights is beyond explanation. When the azan starts the atmosphere around the park releases that serenity and peace that can only be elucidated when felt.
Konya is more of a religious place, and each monument and relic has its own rules and regulations. Thus, to witness the beauty and feel the cultural vibrancy without any discomfort, a tour guide is a must. Dook International provides myriad Konya Tour Packages that are all-inclusive and customizable as per your need. From airport transfers and accommodations to tours, everything is included in the packages along with ensuring your utmost safety and comfort.
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