The tomb of Shams al-Din of Tabriz
Born in 1185 in Tabriz, the wandering dervish Shams al-Din of Tabriz was originally named Mevlana Mohammed as the son of Melik Ali bin Dad of Azerbaijani-Turkic origin. He was later called Shams al-Din, meaning the Sun of Religion. Shams, as a young boy, proved to be a very talented student in theology and became a follower of Ebubekir Sellaf of Tabriz. Having appeared to be quite different to the respectable and prestigious scholar, Shams wandered in search for himself and was later the disciple of some other well-known sheiks whom he believed to shed light upon the spiritual matters. He was also called Shamseddin Perende, meaning flying Shams for his unceasing wanderings while some sages of cults used to call him Kamil-i Tabrizi, meaning “the dignified” or “the mature.”
Karatay China Museum
Located in the Alaeddin Square of Karatay County, the Karatay Madrasah was built in 1251 by Emir Celaleddin Karatay during the reign of Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus II. The architect of the madrasah is unknown. The madrasah that was used by the Ottomans after the Seljuks was completely abandoned in the 19th century. A good sample of covered architecture, the madrasah is a typical example of the wonderful stone-masonry which is a unique feature of the Seljuk era. Its walls are all covered with turquoise, dark blue and black china that are crafted with mosaic assembly technique. Also located in the same area, you can find the china samples that are crafted in Seljuk and Ottoman eras in The China Works Museum. The work of art and craftsmen that are presented include Kubad-Abad Palace, the coloured human and animal figures in luster technique that are discovered in the excavations of 1949-1967, china work with typical Seljukian patterns, china paintings that belong to the Nalinci Baba Madrassah of 18th century, china work from the excavations around Selcuklu Bridge (work of Professor Oguz Arik), china work from Mehmet Onder’s excavations, unglazed stoneware and glass plates.
İnce Minaret Museum
Dar-al-Hadith (school of theology) is a member of eclosed quad madrasah group that belongs to Seljuk era and has only one iwan. The building has a highly ornamented stone façade which includes relief work of scripts, geometric patterning and vertical ribbon-like lines. The crowned gate located to the east of the madrasah, is a beautiful sample of stone-masonry, representing magnificent Seljuk sculpture. The main cincture has three tiny pillars around. The girder of this cincture is decorated with botanic and geometrical patterns. The cross vault space can be seen after passing the crowned gate. The space –which does not catch one’s eye when entered from the front side— provides a symmetrical aspect to the main iwan of the structure. Two pieces of niche that are mounted to the side walls of this structure brings an aesthetic appearance to the main architectural layout. The cross vault entry leads the way to the lounge. The square shaped and domed lounge consist rectangular students-cells with barrel vaults at its north and south and also has a pool at its center. The crossing to the dome was made by using pendants. Two words in cufic letters are written on the rim of the dome; "El-Mülkü-Lillah"(All things are God’s) "Ayet`el Kürsi" (a verse of Qoran). The structure is illuminated by loophole, rectangular windows and the lantern on the dome. The edifice is used today as a museum where stone and wooden artifacts dating from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods are displayed.
Alaeddin Mosque
Alaeddin Mosque took 100 years to build. The building process witnessed the top of the Seljuk architecture and significantly influenced by it. At the end, the mosque gained this glorious look. Due to its long term building process, different sections of the mosque are built in different times. It has been covered with trees and land.
Etli Ekmek
Etli ekmek, a trademark of Konya and its surroundings, is much more different than the traditional pita bread. The ingredients such as mutton, onions, tomatoes and pepper are all mixed together in the same pot and laid on the dough that is spread longwise. The ideal length is 30 cm. Etli ekmek usually goes well with Ayran (traditional Turkish salted yoghurt drink). It is especially served to the guests of wedding and circumcision ceremonies. Another type of this food is made by the mixture of cheese and meat, known colloquially with the name of “Mevlana”. Etli ekmek is a delicious food when it is cooked by skillful hands. The reason that makes Konya special for having Etli Ekmek is the special dark flour in it, as Konya is the primal destination of dark flour. It is important not to mix this food with pita, as Etli Ekmek has much more different characteristics.
Meram
The keywords to describe Meram would be “history”, “green” and “water”. Meram has been a source of inspiration for poets and bards throughout centuries. Meram is regarded as the lungs of Konya. Konya breaths with Meram. Its soil is blessed with love. The weather is uniquely fine in Meram, the same came be said for its rich land, tasty fruit and vegetables. To be a resident of Meram, to live in Meram, to know Meram and to taste Meram’s beauty each and every way, is a privilege. One’s eyes can easily catch peace in land, green pasture of trees and in the deep blue of the sky of Meram. Konya, where the most glorious monuments of our civilization reside, has the part of its historical presence in Meram territory.
Çatalhöyük
Located in South Anatolia and with roots back to 7500 B.A, Çatalköyük is a settlement that belongs to both Neolithic and Copper ages. It has been recognized as the first settlement of humankind history; probably the oldest and most developed Neolithic settlement ever. Çatalhöyük was discovered by James Melhaart in 1958. The first excavations were made between the years of 1961 and 1965. The recent excavations which commenced in 1993 and still go on, are ran by Ian Hodder. Çatalhöyük is located the southeast of Konya, 136 kilometers away from Mount Hasan in wheat fields.