Konya

Konya was once the capital of Sultanate of Rum, known in Turkish as Anadolu Selçukluları, a situation which resulted in much of the architectural heritage visible today. The Persian poet and Sufi thinker "Mevlana" or Rumi also settled in the city during this period.

Despite rapid growth in recent years, and the arrival of many students from out of town in the Selçuk University (Selçuk Üniversitesi), founded in 1975, Konya still retains the air of an Anatolian provincial town. Even though the influx of tourists from the west has increased considerably visitors are still left in peace, and do not have to suffer the hassles they get in Istanbul. On the downside perhaps is the fact that fewer people speak English (or any other foreign language), but the natural hospitality of the people of Konya usually makes up for that. Be careful with taxi drivers, who sometimes have no scruples about ripping off visitors to their city.

Konya is also one of the most conservative cities in Turkey with more women covering their heads with headscarves (though visitors will notice that the number of women covering is perhaps slightly above 50%). Dress modestly if you want to fit in with the local population, although not many people will bat an eye lid if you choose not to.

The city lies on a totally flat ground, with the sole exception of a small hill called Alaattin Tepesi in the very centre of the city—which is actually a man-made hill, erected during the Seljuk period so noble residents could easily watch the city below from their palace. Almost nothing remained of the palace and the hill now serves as the central park, which is a quite pleasant and shady one.

• Mevlana Museum/Mausoleum of Rumi (Mevlana Müzesi), (Once downtown around Mevlana Cad., just follow the signs toward Mevlana Muzesi),  9am-5pm. This must-see tourist destination of Konya is the tomb of the famous mystic/sufi/thinker Rumi (also known as as Mevlana in Turkish, or with the full name Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi in English literature), as well as the neighbouring museum that displays relics of his life and his time. The items on display in the museum range from old manuscripts, hand written copies of the Koran to some of Rumi's belongings. Also on display are musical instruments used in his time, as well as numerous art works dating from the Seljuk era. 

Also of interest to the curious traveller, especially for those looking for scenic photographic opportunities or a short walk through an authentic neighborhood, are the parts of the city that surround the Mevlana Museum. Since this neighborhood hasn't quite kept up with recent times, it still maintains an authentic feel from older days with narrow streets and houses of old architecture, almost with historic significance.

• Sille ,8 km northwest from Konya center. Nearly 7.000 years old village on the historic Kings Road, Silk Road and Pilgrims Road to Jerusalem. Several restorated mosques, the Hagia Heleni Church, Milk Church, 7 cave churches, catacombs, ancient rock dwellings, a roman water bridge, cultural museums and traditional houses to see. İnteresting for cultural and religious tourism. Restaurants, cafes, shisha cafes, the sille lake and much more. The location is perfect for wandering around, trekking the landscape and Konya is a short drive by car or by bus. For accommodation there is a boutique hotel at the cay mosque, a beautifully and profesional restored old turkish manison in the center of the village. Sillehan = a must see in Konya.

Located 5-6 city blocks away from the Mevlana museum, one can also find other historic buildings and mosques dating from the 12th and 13th century Seljuks Turks (the most significant one of these is the "İplikçi Camii").

• Iplikçi Mosque (İplikçi Camii). This old mosque dating from the 13th century was restored about 50 years ago and is still open for prayer service. It is a nice example of the Seljuk architecture to be seen in Konya, conveniently located between the city centre and the Mevlana Museum. Free.  

• Ince Minare Museum (İnce Minare, literally 'thin minaret'), Alaaddin Meydanı. İnce Minare is the remains of a 13th century madrasah (school) built by the Anatolian Seljuks. Located close to the city centre near the northern end of "Alaaddin Tepesi", this minaret and the surrounding small buildings today serve as a museum that displays various artifacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras. It is a popular tourist attraction, owing mostly to the noteworthy ornamental architecture which has been very well preserved over the centuries. 
• Alaaddin Hill (Alaaddin Tepesi). This is an artificial hill that was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat. Today it stands right in the middle of the city, and serves mostly as a park. Even though the small hill or the park on it may not be very interesting in themselves, the two places to see are 1) the Alaaddin Mosque, and 2) the remnants of the old palace with partly earthen construction located on the north end of the hill - this old structure is protected from the elements with a concrete umbrella.  
• Meram. Meram is the district of Konya which lies somewhat away from the city centre, with lighter construction, elegant villas and more greenery. The name "Meram" also refers to the popular picnic area located in the far corner of the Meram district. Near this picnic area there are a few historic buildings to see, some of which are the "Tavus Baba Türbesi" and the "Ateşbazı Türbesi". 

Seljuk Palace remains

• Seljuk Palace remains, (on the Alaaddin Tepesi Hill). Just one small part of the Seljuk Alaaddin palace remains. Built by Seljuk Sultan Kilicarslan II, restored by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Kekubad. Restauration is in progress (May 2016). 

• Japon Parki,  A friendship park built in a joint cooperation between the municipalities of Kyoto, Japan, and Konya. Though the style *leans* towards Japanese, it's really more of a pan-Asian design. It covers several acres, comes complete with pagodas, ponds, small waterfalls, etc. It's a favourite for wedding day pictures. There's a great restaurant there (which supposedly funds the upkeep of the park) selling, of all things, everything from chicken and beef fajitas to traditional Turkish food.