Konya, the City of the Seljuks

History of Konya

The city of Konya is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The area around the city was inhabited as early as eight to nine thousand years ago, and the ruins of Çatal Hüyük are located close to Konya. Konya was conquered by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century. The Seljuk Turks came from Central Asia and previously belonged to the Oguz tribal confederation, the Oghuz Yabgu State. Konya was also the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Turkish state, the Sultanate of Rum, and they left the most significant mark on the city. The symbol of the Seljuk Turks, the double-headed eagle, still appears on Konya's coat of arms today.

Karatay Madrasa

In Konya, we first visited the Karatay Madrasa. The madrasa houses a museum displaying Seljuk and Ottoman tiles. The most beautiful feature is the central dome, which is full of decorations.

The dome of the Karatay Madrasa

Seljuk Turk tiles in the Karatay Madrasa

Another interesting sight is the Mevlana Museum. The Aziziye Mosque is located on the road between the Karatay Medrese and the Mevlana Museum. From the square in front of it, it offers a beautiful view with its ornate minarets. The bazaar is located near the Aziziye Mosque. In its shops, you can find a wide variety of sweets.

Aziziye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman Turkish architecture

Mevlana Museum

The Mevlana Museum is one of the symbols of Konya. Mevlana founded the dervish orders, and here in Konya you can even see dervish figures on road signs.

The turquoise dome of the Mevlana Museum can be seen from afar. Admission is free, and you can also visit the rose garden surrounding the museum. Mevlana rests under the turquoise dome, alongside his family members and followers, making the museum a mausoleum as well. The floor is covered with carpet, and you have to put shoe covers on your shoes when you enter.

the turquoise dome of the Mevlana Musem is the symbol of Konya

The exhibits include ancient Korans, one of the oldest of which was written on gazelle skin. Dervishes once danced in the museum hall, and we can learn more about them in the side rooms opening from the square in front of the museum, where their musical instruments and clothes are on display. In the last rooms, wax figures bring the exhibition to life.