Konya

About

Founded by the Hittites around 1500 BC, Konya is one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey. In the 12th and 13th centuries it flourished as the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate. During this time, the mystic Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi founded the Mevlevi Order, or as they’re called in the West, the Whirling Dervishes. Today, Mevlana’s green-tiled mausoleum is the city’s central monument. The 13th century building is a beautiful example of traditional architecture, and contains a museum with exhibits on Mevlana, mysticism, and his sect. The Alaeddin Mosque, built atop the city’s citadel in 1221, commands Konya’s skyline and serves as a reminder of the city’s religious dedication. To one side of the mosque are the remains of the Seljuk Imperial Palace. Near the palace you can visit the late-13th century Karatay Madrasah, which is now a museum displaying beautiful Seljuk-era artifacts.