While you are enjoying your Turkey holidays, it is worth taking a visit
to the beautiful city of Konya.
Konya is located in Central
Anatolia, and is one of the larger cities in Turkey. It is considered the
heartland of the mystic Sufi order, and the city of “whirling dervishes”. It is
also well known for its beautiful and well preserved Seljuk architecture and
for being the site of Rumi’s tomb.
Long ago, Konya
was the capital of the Sultanate of Rum. The famous poet and philosopher Rumi
made the city his home during this era. Konya
still has the atmosphere of a provincial Anatolian town, although it has grown
over the years. Less people will speak English than in the major tourist
centres such as Istanbul, but the locals have a
wonderful natural hospitality and you are sure to be welcomed with friendly
greetings on your Turkey holidays.
Keep in mind that Konya is
one of the more conservative areas in Turkey, so women should wear
headscarves and dress modestly to fit in with the local population. It is
especially important that both men and women dress respectfully when visiting
mosques and religious sites.
If you will be visiting Konya
during your Turkey holidays, here are a few of the many
great things that you can do while you are there:
The Mausoleum of
Rumi
This is one of the more important tourist attractions of Konya, and a must-see on your Turkey holidays. It is the tomb of the famous
sufi mystic, poet and philosopher Rumi. The museum showcases relics from his
life and his time, such as old manuscripts, musical instruments, and handmade
copies of the Koran. You can also visit his tomb and see this legendary
thinker’s final resting place. The neighbourhood around the museum and tomb is
also very interesting, as it has many older buildings with historic
significance.
Whirling Dervish
Ceremony
A dervish is a person who is a Sufi Muslim worshipper on
the spiritual path of Tariqah, and they are known for their extreme austerity.
Dervishes of the Mevlevi order in Turkey conduct a formal ceremony
known as the Sama, where they engage in a form of twirling dance known as
“whirling”. They spin around and around in a quest to obtain religious ecstasy.
The dance of the whirling dervishes is amazing to watch, and there is a free
ceremony held at the Mevlana Cultural Centre in Konya every Saturday night. There is no need
to book in advance, but be sure to show up early to get a good seat.
Ince Minare
Museum
This is another one of the most popular tourist
attractions in Konya.
This museum showcases an assortment of artefacts from the Ottoman and Seljuk
eras, but its architecture is just as stunning as its contents. Its minarets
have been well preserved over many years since it was built in the 13th
century as a school for the Anatolian Seljuks.
These are just a few of the many great attractions you can
visit in the city of Konya on your Turkey holidays.
If you are visiting the city of Konya
on your Turkey holidays, here are
some ideas of things to do during your stay.
