The city center of Konya is like a timeless open-air museum that draws you in the moment you step foot in it. These structures—ranging from the Seljuk’s geometric stone and tile mastery to the Karaman’s lean style and the Ottoman’s elegant lines—offer a continuous architectural feast in every alleyway. Every inscription or monumental portal you encounter around a corner is bold enough to reveal the city’s layered soul.
Let’s take a closer look at those architectural treasures that left us in awe on the streets of Konya.
Aziziye Mosque (19th Century – Ottoman)
This is where you truly feel the eclectic and mesmerizing style of late Ottoman architecture. Just as one might look for the Eiffel Tower while walking the streets of Paris, the compass of Konya for us was the unique, balconied minarets of the Aziziye Mosque. No matter which street we turned into, those elegant galleries seemed to greet us. It feels as if the beauty of Istanbul’s Ortaköy Mosque, perched by the Bosphorus, has found life on the Anatolian plains.
Karatay Madrasa (1251 – Seljuk)
Currently serving as the Museum of Tile Works, this building is a true masterpiece. Its celestial tile-covered dome and the exquisite tiles brought from the Kubad-Âbâd Palace represent the pinnacle of Seljuk aesthetics. Interestingly, the tiles found during excavations at the palace near Lake Beyşehir were never used; they are thought to have been kept as “spares.”
Sırçalı Madrasa (1242 – Seljuk)
It was under restoration during our visit, but that didn’t stop our exploration! Even through the iron bars at the entrance, watching the famous geometric tile mosaics in its iwan was a great pleasure.
Mevlana Museum (1274 – Seljuk)
A massive complex bearing traces from the 13th to the 19th century. Architecturally, what struck us most was the Turquoise Green Dome, which adorns Rumi’s tomb like a piece of jewelry. It remains the most iconic silhouette in the city.
Ince Minareli Madrasa (1265 – Seljuk)
Named after its famous double-balcony minaret, which was unfortunately struck by lightning in 1901. The stone masonry on the remaining body of the minaret is so detailed that you lose track of time just staring at it.
Depo No: 4 (1935)
We were thrilled to see an old tobacco factory repurposed so elegantly into the city’s modern cultural life. Add this to your list to see the contemporary face of Konya, visit exhibitions, and take a break in its stylish café.
Emir Nurettin Tomb (13th Century – Seljuk)
In Konya, you find treasures in the most unexpected places. Seeing this octagonal, pyramidal-roofed tomb standing right in the middle of a parking lot made it impossible not to walk towards it. It’s like a monument saying, “I am still here” amidst modern life.
A Feast for the Eyes and the Palate
We’ve talked about architecture and stone masonry, but Konya is also about tasting its legendary flavors. If we were to go back, we wouldn’t look for adventures; we’d head straight to these four iconic stops:
- Hasan Şendağlı Yağ Somunu: Follow the scent of freshly baked bread with moldy cheese and butter in the Women’s Bazaar (Kadınlar Pazarı).
- Mithat Tirit: The first name that comes to mind for Tirit. The meeting of yogurt, meat, and delicious broth with pita bread…
- Ali Baba Fırın Kebap: A local favorite since the 90s. We loved the authentic “tradesman restaurant” atmosphere.
- Seranade Etli Ekmek: Located inside the industrial site, we pushed the limits of our appetite with its paper-thin dough and perfect filling.
Notes in Our Diary
The story of Konya is endless. We’re saving the prehistoric roots of Çatalhöyük and the fascinating collection of the Konya Archaeological Museum for another day. We know there are many more stories to discover in these streets.
What is that one hidden corner or unforgettable flavor in Konya that makes you say, “This is pretty good!”? Let’s update our list together!