Konya: A 2-Day Historical Route from Seljuk to Ottoman

Konya, in the heart of Anatolia, is rich with a history stretching from the Seljuks to the Ottomans. This two-day route begins with important stops in the city center and continues with ancient structures and natural beauties in its surroundings. Both a spiritual journey and a pleasant discovery into the past await you.

Selimiye Mosque (Sultan Selim Mosque) - Konya

Rising right next to the Mevlana Museum in central Konya, Selimiye Mosque is an important example of classical Ottoman architecture from the 16th century. This structure, notable for its central dome and twin minarets, also exhibits a robust stance with its cut stone exterior. As you step inside, a spacious and airy prayer area welcomes you. Sultan Selim Mosque garners admiration from visitors with its elegant dome and overall architecture.

Yusuf Ağa Library

Located right next to the Selimiye Mosque, the Yusuf Ağa Library is an Ottoman waqf library built in 1795. This historical building houses over 3,000 manuscripts and more than 8,000 printed works. Today, it continues to be an important center for manuscript researchers. The architecture of the building itself is also worth examining.

Aziziye Mosque

Standing in the very center of Konya's bazaar, Aziziye Mosque was built in the 17th century and rebuilt in the Turkish Baroque style by order of Sultan Abdülaziz after a great fire in 1867. It distinctly stands out from other mosques in the city with its ornate minarets, wide domes, and European-influenced decorations. The mosque was rebuilt in the 19th century with the support of Pertevniyal Valide Sultan and attracts visitors with its historical texture.

Sırçalı Madrasa

Built in 1242, Sırçalı Madrasa is one of the important educational structures of the Anatolian Seljuk period. This madrasa, which owes its name to the glazed (sırça) tiles used in its decorations, is impressive with its open courtyard and two iwan architecture. The preserved decorations of the main iwan showcase the subtleties of Seljuk art.

Alaaddin Tomb

Rising on Alaaddin Hill in the very heart of Konya, Alaaddin Tomb is a mausoleum from the Anatolian Seljuk period. Reflecting Seljuk architecture with its stone craftsmanship and geometric decorations, this structure is an important stop for those who want to get to know the city's historical fabric. The tomb stands out for history enthusiasts as it houses the names of eight to eleven sultans who ruled the Anatolian Seljuk State.

Atatürk House Museum

You can conclude the day at the Atatürk House Museum, located on Atatürk Street. This historical building, constructed in 1912, was one of the places where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed during his visits to Konya. Documents, photographs from the War of Independence period, and Atatürk's personal belongings are exhibited. The museum is open to visitors free of charge and is a small but meaningful stop.

On the second day, the route moves away from central Konya to the historical texture of Sille and the surrounding caravanserais.

Aya Elenia Church

Located in the Sille neighborhood of Konya, Aya Elenia Church is a structure believed to have been built in 327 AD by Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. It carries architectural traces of the Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk periods. Considered one of the oldest standing churches in the world, this monument is an important stop for those who want to explore the historical texture of Sille.

Devil's Bridge

After Aya Elenia Church, proceed to Devil's Bridge, located in the Sille neighborhood. This stone bridge, notable for its approximately 5,000-year history, crosses a deep valley between two steep slopes with its narrow arched structure. Initially built as an aqueduct, it was later used as a bridge. Its location within the valley offers a visually impressive view.

Kuruçeşme Han

Located at the 32nd kilometer of the Konya-Beyşehir highway, Kuruçeşme Han is a caravanserai from the Anatolian Seljuk period. Consisting of a courtyard and a covered section, this han formed the third stop on the trade route extending from Konya to Antalya. It carries the typical features of Seljuk caravanserai architecture to the present day.

Kızılören Han (Kandemir Han)

After Kuruçeşme Han, stop at Kızılören Han, located at the 40th kilometer of the Konya-Beyşehir highway. This 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai was one of the important accommodation points on the Silk Road route. It stands out with its monumental stone gate and open-courtyard plan.

Ruzbe Han

Conclude the day at Ruzbe Han, located on the Konya-Ankara highway. This caravanserai from the Anatolian Seljuk period is currently operated as a tourist facility. It carries a tangible trace of the trade routes of centuries past and offers a different example of Seljuk caravanserai architecture.

During your trip to Konya, you can reach many places in the city center on foot, and you can go to Sille by public transport or taxi. Renting a car would be a more comfortable option for the caravanserais. For dining, you can choose traditional restaurants around Mevlana.

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