Konya

Considered to be one of the first residential cities of the world, Konya is a town in the Central Anatolia region in Turkey, towards the south of Ankara. Konya houses numerous mosques and museums and is most popular for the Mevlana Museum, housing the Mevlana tomb. It is also the best place in Turkey to experience the Whirling Dervishes ceremony.

Primarily a hub for the growth of Sufi culture, Konya was once the capital of the Seljuk Turks or the Sultanate of Rum. It is known for its magnificent Seljuk architecture and intricate designs on the tombs of the elderly. Konya is an excellent alternative to Istanbul; free of the hustle and bustle of the big city, it is an ideal holiday destination for people who love to travel in quiet places with a hint of history.

The city of Konya is placed on flat land and is overlooked by an artificial hill, Alaattin Tepesi, built by nobles to enjoy picturesque views of Konya. This hillock in the city center houses the ruins of the old town, the palace and currently serves as the central park. Konya hosts several annual events celebrating the exuberant culture of the Seljuk Sultanate.