Konya, a major city in Turkey
Konya is a major city in the south-western edge of the Central Anatolian Plateau, at an elevation of over 1,000 metres. The plateau is covered with rich steppes, which have an impact on the agriculture sector. Additionally, the southernmost part of Konya is largely surrounded by the Taurus Mountains.
The city enjoys abundant sunshine and has huge potential for solar farming. The largest solar farm in Turkey is located 20 miles west of the city.
Konya, the home of Rumi
Konya was the final home of Rumi (Mevlana), whose tomb is in the city. In 1273, his followers established the Mevlevi Sufi order of Islam in Konya, and they became known as the Whirling Dervishes.
Konya is, on the one hand, the home town of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes but it is also of importance as a booming economic town. Konya has the reputation of being one of the more religiously conservative metropolitan centres in Turkey. However, the city also combines the charm of the old and the new. Ancient mosques and the market can be found together with a contemporary area around Alaaddin Tepesi, where university students hang out in the tea gardens.
Famous sites
- Mevlana Museum
- Sille: 8 kilometres northwest from Mevlana Museum, antique village, mosques, churches, cave churches and catacombs
- Ince Mineret Museum
- Karatay Medrese Museum
- Konya Archaelogical Museum
- Konya Ethnography Museum
- Atatürk’s House Museum
Watch this video for more information about Konya.
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