KONYA CULTURAL & HISTORY 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

In this history and culture-rich region, you will visit a few highlights beginning in Catalhuyuk and ancient town with complex centres for early settlers with a flair for the craftsman. 

Kilistra an archaic city found southwest of Konya was a Hellenistic and Roman settlement that can be found as mentioned in the Bible. 

Sille is your final stop with Siyata Monastery is an important centre for early Christian developments.

DAY 1 - ORMANA - BUTTON HOUSES - ALTINBEŞIK CAVE 

Our itinerary today is a village surrounded by forests, surrounded by nature and history, with its clean air and largely preserved architecture unique to the region: Ormana ... 

Ormana village, whose name was "Erymna" at the time of the Roman Empire. Ormana is famous for its button houses. 

Button Houses are unique to the region, built with a wooden jetty and cedar wood stone walls. We do our photo shoots in the streets of Ormana, where the locals still live, in the streets where the Button Houses are intense. 

Later our journey continues to Altınbeşik Cave, which was formed in Altınbeşik National Park, located near Ürünlü village of İbradı district, which was recently opened to tourism and took its name of the national park. In the verdant nature of Taurus across Turkey's largest underground lake in Europe, although it has No. 3 located in Turkey, the only known underground cave lake the length of the cave is 2200 meters Altinbesik. 

We can take a boat trip depending on the availability of water. After a pleasant boat ride, we head to Beyşehir to finish our first day of visit.

Then we go to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our 3 * Beyşehir Hotel.

DAY 2 - BEYŞEHİR - KURUÇEŞME HAN - SILLE

Having breakfast in the hotel  

Beyşehir, where history, culture and unique natural beauties are experienced together, is one of the few cities in the world that has been able to maintain these features until today. Beyşehir, which has hosted many civilizations in its 8000-year history, has a privileged place with its historical buildings inherited from its deep-rooted past, magnificent natural beauties and rich culture.

Lake Beyşehir is Turkey's second largest lake, the largest freshwater lake. Beyşehir Lake has a special place in our lakes with its wildlife, natural beauties and historical values; It is one of the most beautiful lakes in our country with its beautiful blue color, large and small islands, beaches, karst caves and unspoiled vegetation. 

After visiting Beyşehir Lake, we move on to Eşrefoğlu Mosque. 

Eşrefoğlu Mosque; It was built by Eşrefoğlu Süleyman Bey between 1296-1299. It is like a mosque-museum with its monumental crown gate, unique altar and pulpit, superior wood and tile workmanship. The entire mihrab is covered with tile mosaic, and its pulpit is completely carved from walnut wood with a superior workmanship and rich decoration, with a crack and without glue. The mosque is one of the most beautiful wooden examples of Turkish architectural style.

On 15 April 2011, it was decided to include Eşrefoğlu Mosque in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List and it was included in the World Cultural Heritage Temporary List. Justification statements are that "Eşrefoğlu Mosque contains all the main architectural elements of early Anatolian Turkish architecture. It is the largest and best preserved mosque with wooden columns and roofs in the Islamic World until today.

Kuruçeşme Han is on the Konya-Beyşehir route and is also known as Hanönü Inn. The inn extending in the east-west direction has a rectangular planned session area consisting of a courtyard and a covered / shelter section. In the middle of the east façade of the building, there is a portal consisting of a vertical rectangular mass designed as a face with the façade and opening to the façade as a pointed arched eye; The rectangular courtyard, which is included through a deep entrance iwan covered with a pointed barrel vault to which the low-arched door opening is connected, is surrounded by two opposing portico institutions that extend along the north and south sides and are divided by square plan pillars. 

The courtyard is delimited by a room on the north and south wings of the entrance iwan and connected to the entrance iwan with a flat weft door. Both rooms have a rectangular plan and are covered with pointed barrel vaults; 

The mihrab niche on the qibla wall of the room in the south wing reveals that it was used as a mosque in the past. The closed / shelter section in the west wing of the courtyard is divided into three stages covered with pointed barrel vaults with five feet on a square plan placed in the depth direction; the middle aisle is wider and higher.

Regular cut and rough cut stones were used in the construction of the inn; It is seen that ancient building materials were used as spolia in the masonry. According to the highly damaged marble inscription on the pediment of the portal of the closed / shelter section, it is understood that the building, which is described as ribad, was built during the second reign of the Seljuk Sultan I. Gıyâseddîn Keyhüsrev and in 1207.

SILLE

Sille is a former residential area approximately 8 kilometers away from down town of Seljuk district of Konya. According to the recent excavations, the first settlement dates back 6000 B.C. Sille used to be a Greek village untill the exchange of agreement between Turkey and Greece made in 1925 which is a small settlement today so most of the houses are the Greek style. Sille, an old Greek village, is one of the important visiting stops that needs to be explored with its rich history while spending some time in Konya city.

Sille is a special place that has an important place in Anatolian civilizations and where cultures live together. Sille is a settlement with a different lifestyle with its natural silhouette and historical traces that are integrated with this silhouette, its civil architecture and settlement texture, customs, traditions, vineyards and gardens. In 327 AD, Helena, mother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine, stopped by Konya on her way to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, saw the carved temples of the early Christian times there, decided to build a temple in Sille and personally participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. The Aya-Elena Church has survived to the present day after being repaired for centuries. In addition, there are Turkish-Islamic artifacts such as Taş Mosque, mosques, Hacı Ağa Hamam, Subaşı Bath, fountains, bridges belonging to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

SILLE AYA ELANA CHURCH

Aya Elana Greek Orthodox Church in Sille village is a heritage of  former  Greek inhabitants whom  they emigrated to Greece in 1925 agreement. This glorious, precious house of worship is one of the oldest churches in Anatolia which shows that  has a very deep and rich historical tissue. With this aspect, the holy building as symbol of Orthodox faith is visited by  both domestic and foreign tourists every year.

Sille which has a special  meaning for Anatolia civilization and was a place where different cultures were living in peace and a significant centre for early Christiyanity period. After Christ in 327, Byzantium Emperor Constantine’s mather Helena whilst she was going to Quds for pilgrimage stoped off in Konya had saw the significant carved temples from the early Christianity period, she then had decided to have a temple constructed.

Aya Elena church reached the present time through many constructions have been applied for centuries. There is an inscription written in Greek alphabet in Turkish about the history of the church where is located over the internal gate. Another three lined inscription indicates that the church was restored at the time of Sultan Mejit. The church was constructed by smooth hewn stone. Rooms that were carved in its courtyard are available.  Narthex is approached through the north gate of the church. Bidirectional stone stairs which lead to the women mahfil  are located here. The church’s main dome is situated on four elephant feet, it has three nefl. Within the church, the wooden preaching seat (throne-like) which its top was decorated with gypsum and a wooden gypsumed latticework which devides the main hall are an art masterpiece. There are pictures of Christ, holy Mary and apostles on the passing places of the domes and on the columns.

Then we go to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our 3 * Konya Hotel.

DAY 3 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 THOUSAND - MERAM - TROPICAL BUTTERFLY VALLEY

Having breakfast in the hotel  

After two days of visits, we will dedicate this day for visits of relaxation and fun

Around the World Park in 80 Thousands; a first in our country. There is another park with a combination of three parts found in Turkey. First one; Finding prehistoric creatures in motion. Second; miniature works, and the third is the discovery of fairy-tale heroes, the park is a first.

Inspired by the Jules Verne novel ‘Around the world in 80 days,’ the park covers 80 thousand square meters, hence the name ‘Around the world in 80 thousand’. It's a fantastic place housing everything from Turkish Islamic works of art like the Taj Mahal, to historical figures like Suleyman Shah; you can even find the super heroes of your childhood.

The park built on Dutlu Street in Durunday District and has 3 sections. The children especially like the section named “Pamuk Şekeri (Cotton Candy)” where you can find the characters of fairy tales and the one named “T-Reks (T-Rex)” where there are dinosaur models very much.

Meram Vineyards and Gardens

Meram Vineyards are the first places that come to mind among places to go for picnic, stroll and rest in Konya. The word "to have a house in front of the mausoleum and a bond in Meram" specific to the people of Konya shows how valuable this region is for Konya. Meram vineyards are located 6 km away from the city center and many landowners spend the summer months in Meram Vineyards due to their nature in spring.

Meram Vineyards, a corner of the heaven in Anatolia, attract great attention due to its clean and cool air, magnificent water and nature in green. These lands, which have been suitable since the Seljuk times, have been inhabited since the Hittites.

The Gedavet wind, which blows even in the hottest weather of summer, acts as a natural air conditioner. Literary assemblies were established in the gardens and vineyards, and the musical realms were organized. Hazret-i Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi also enjoyed being here. Sometimes he dived into the realm of contemplation, staying here alone with nature for days. In the beautiful mansions belonging to the Çelebils, very decent science and opinion conversations were held and literary assemblies were established.

After lunch and sipping your tea in the tea gardens next to the Historical Meram Bridge in the historical Meram Vineyards region; We're going to the valley of butterflies

TROPICAL BUTTERFLY GARDEN (BUTTERFLY VALLEY)

You will encounter a unique atmosphere in Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden, where 20 thousand tropical plants from 98 species and 5,000 butterflies fly around in a 3.500 m² excursion area.

When you enter the garden, you will encounter a unique atmosphere with thousands of plants and butterflies. You will discover butterflies, the enormous colorful jewels of nature, in their natural life. You will witness the harmony of butterflies and nature in a tropical environment and have the opportunity to see the perfect patterns of their elegant wings.

While our nature guides accompany you throughout the trekking, you will have the chance to examine the life cycles of butterflies, camouflage, protection, feeding and sunbathing. A magnificent journey to the mysterious worlds of important insect teams awaits you in our insect village. You will also meet amazing and mysterious animals that maybe you have never seen before.

Watch the butterflies dance with nature, get away from stress and relax. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of nature and get ready for new experiences. If you're lucky, a butterfly lands on your shoulder and can accompany you throughout the walk.

Then we go to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our 3 * Konya Hotel.

DAY 4 -  KONYA HISTORY CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS

Having breakfast in the hotel  

MEVLANA MUSEUM

While the location of the Mevlana Lodge, which is used as a museum today, is the Rose Garden of the Seljuk Palace, the garden was gifted to Mevlana's father, Sultanü'l Ulema Bahaeddin Veled by Sultan Alaeddin Keykûbad. When Sultanü'l Ulema died on January 12, 1231, he was buried in its present location in the tomb. This is the first burial in the rose garden. After Sultanü'l Ulemâ's death, those who loved him applied to Mevlana and said that they wanted to have a shrine built on his father's grave, but Mevlana said, "Is it a better shrine than the Sky Dome?" he denied this request. However, when he died on December 17, 1273, his son Sultan Veled accepted the requests of those who wanted to build a tomb on Mevlana's grave.

The tomb, called "Kubbe-i Hadra" (Green Dome), was built on four elephant legs (thick columns) by the architect Bedreddin of Tabriz. After this date, construction activities were never finished and continued in parts until the end of the 19th century. This construction activity, which started with the construction of a mausoleum on Mevlana's grave in 1273, was completed in 1854 with the construction of Derviş Cells.

Mevlevi Dervish Lodge and Mausoleum started to serve as a museum in 1926 under the name of "Konya Âsâr-ı Âtika Museum". In 1954, the exhibition arrangement of the museum was overhauled and its name was changed to "Mevlana Museum".

MEVLÂNA JELALEDDİN RÛMÎ

Mevlâna Jelaleddin Rûmî who have been influencing the whole world for centuries, enlightening the human beings is an outstanding scholar and a philosopher. The journey that began from Belkh and ended in Konya presented Mevlâna Jelaleddin Rûmî who is the greatest sufi philosopher and an artist throughout the human history. Konya became a peaceful, comfortable and a tolerance city due to Mevlâna philosophy. His Mathnawi is now enlightening thousands of hearts. Mevlâna is also well known scholars and thinker enlightening human beings with his works beside Mathnawi, Divân-ı Kebir (the Great Divan), Fîh-i mâ Fîh (what he has in him is in him), Mektûbât (Letters) ve Mecâlis-i Seb’a (Seven Courts) in every corner of the world.

KONYA ISTIKLAL HARBI MARTYRS ABIDES

Çanakkale War Front was organized with a composition describing the situation of Konya after 1915, the preparation for the War of Independence, Konya and village life after the war and the victory of the war, and the War of Independence Martyrdom was built adjacent to the Üçler Cemetery between the Mevlana Museum and the Mevlana Cultural Center.

ÜÇLER CEMETERY

Huge cemetery in the centre of city of Konya called "Üçler Mezarligi". This second largest cemetery in Konya is located near local well-known Mevlana Mausoleum and is reachable just across the road. Number of graves: cca. 50 thousands or more

It is the second largest cemetery in Konya, in the Karatay district of Konya, just opposite the Mevlana Tomb.

There are different rumors about where he got his name from. According to one of them, it comes from three unseen people who have graves right at the entrance and named Konya according to a legend.

According to the other; When they came to Konya for a visit from Khorasan, the three brothers learned that Mevlana passed away, stating that they wanted to die next to Mevlana. Three sisters, whose wishes were accepted and believed to have died in Konya, are buried in the cemetery near the Mevlana Tomb. And over time, the cemetery began to be known as the Üçler Cemetery.

According to another rumor, the Üçler cemetery was named after three Selçuk tombstones in the form of a cist. The cemetery is called threes, it is also called the three girls martyrdom.

AZIZIYE MOSQUE

Located at the centre of the city Konya. This mosque is a prominent example of late Ottoman architecture which was made by Hewn Gödene stone. The mosque which was built by Shayh Ahmed between 1671-1676 burnt down in a fire and was reconstructed with the help of Sultan Abdulaziz for the sake of his mother Pertenihal and it was called the present name. The mosque that was constructed in Turk baroque style has two fountaine structured minarets which was located both side of three domed narthex that was situated on six marble column attract attention. It is covered by a commodious dome.

KAPI MOSQUE

Located on the Tevfikiye street in the city centre of Konya. Originally it was called Ihyaiyye mosque later it has been called Kapı mosque because the location of the mosque was around one of the gate of the castle of Konya. The mosque first time was constructed by one of the Postnishes of Mewlevi Lodge Pir Hüseyin Çelebi. The mosque which became demolished in time, was reconstructed by Mufti of Konya Esenlizade Seyyid Abdurrahman in 1811. The mosque was burnt down in a fire with the charity shops attached to the mosque in 1867. About the new construction, its inscription dated 1285 H. (1868 A.C.) is hung on the stone gate. The Kapı mosque is the biggest mosque in Konya during the Ottoman period. There is a high narthex which is contructed on ten marble columns located at the north of the mosque and a low arched gate. Besides there are two gates located in the east and the west. The mosque, which was constructed by hewn stones, was covered by a roof from out side by eight domes in different sizes from inside.

Then we go to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our 3 * Konya Hotel.

DAY 5 -  KONYA ARCHEOLOGICAL AND RELIGIOUS

Having breakfast in the hotel  

SAHİP ATA MOSQUE AND COMPLEX

Sahip Ata, one of the viziers of the Seljuk Empire, had the mosque built between 1258-1283. It includes a tomb, a Turkish bath, and a hanigah. The architect was Abdullah Keluk.

The Seljuk vezir Sahip-i Ata Fahrettin Ali was one of the Seljuk Turkish Empire‘s great builders.

Besides Konya‘s sublime Ince Minare Medresesi, he endowed this külliye (mosque complex) south of Konya‘s Alaettin Tepesi, and had it built between 1259 and 1283, just when the Mongol invasions and overlordship was bringing an end to the golden age of the Seljuk architecture.

The formal entrance to the complex is a fine Seljuk taç kapı, or monumental gateway, an asymmetrical but harmonious structure with its own grand and unusual minaret. The gate was beatifully restored in 2006-07.

The center of the complex was of course its mosque, only part of which has survived the centuries. What has survived is much smaller and quite simple, except for the mihrab (prayer niche) with its mosaic tiles in geometric designs.

Behind the mosque, the fine medrese (theological school), has been beautifully restored (2006-07) as a Museum of Seljuk Arts(Sahip Ata Vakıflar Eserleri Müzesi). Its classic Seljuk cruciform configuration has four eyvans (three-walled rooms) for classes, a central pool for the sound of water, and exquisite dark-and-sky-blue Seljuk tilework.

Off to one side of the main medrese structure is a türbe(tomb) chamber containing cenotaphs of Sahip-i Ata himself, his daughter, sons and grandsons. (The actual tombs are beneath, underground.) Long, graceful Kur’anic inscriptions high on the walls and arches are fine reminders of the artistic excellence of Seljuk tilemakers and architects.

The architect of both the Sahip-i Ata Külliyesi and the Ince Minare Medresesi was Kelûk ibn Abdallah, who also designed the Çifte Minare Medrese in Sivas.

The complex also had a tekke, or dervish hall, and a hamam

Just west of the Sahip-i Ata Külliyesi is Konya’s worthwhile Archeological Museum, with artifacts from the Neolithic excavations at Çatal Höyük.

ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM

Konya Archaeology Museum was opened in Karma Secondary School in 1901. later it was moved to Mevlâna museum in 1927 was moved to Iplikçi mosque in 1953 finally the present building was constructed in 1962. 

Works of art belonging to the Neolithic, Early Bronze, Middle Bronze (Asur trade colonies) Iron (Phyrigian, Urartu), Early Hittite, Roman, Greek and Byzantine periods are displayed in the museum. Roman sarcophagus are worth seeing in the archaeology. 

Altar tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods are displayed in its courtyard and inside. Embossing excavations which were made by the museum management the findings which is about church floor mosaics belongs to 6th century A.C. in Sille Tatköy and Çumra Alibeyhöyük were removed from there and displayed in the museum.

Konya‘s Arkeoloji Müzesi (Archeological Museum) is just west of the Sahip-i Ata Mosque Complex, south of the Alaettin Tepesi hill.

Besides the expected Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk artifacts, the museum holds an assortment of finds from the Neolithic tumulus at Çatal Höyük, which in itself is a reason to visit.

The museum is of the old Turkish style, rather bare and spartan, but this doesn’t matter as the exhibits speak for themselves. The collection is particularly rich in sarcophagi and other burial treasures.

THE SIRÇALI MEDRESE MUSEUM

The Sırçalı Medrese which is from a Seljuk period was built by Bedreddin Muhlis in 1242, as a school for the Fıqh (Islamic Jurisprudence). It became a public museum in 1960 as a “Tomb Monuments Museum” is one of the museums decorated by tiles. Historically and artistically significant tombstones which were excavated from graveyards that were expropriated in the city of Konya are classified through its period like Seljuks, Beyliks and Ottomans and are displayed. Even more the tombstones are cronologically classified by its shape, pattern and letter types.

Konya‘s Sırçalı Medrese (“Glazed Seminary”) takes its odd name from its “glazed” mosaic tiles of the Seljuks’ favored light and dark blue.

As with most Seljuk Turkish buildings, you pass through an elaborate portal to enter the medrese. To the right after you enter is the türbe (tomb) of the medrese’s founder, Bedreddin Muhlis, who had the seminary built in 1242.

Unlike Konya‘s two other famous medreses, the Great Karatay and the Ince Minare, the Sırçalı Medrese‘s main interior space was not covered, but open to the sky. This presents a completely different ambience to the visitor.

As with the other medreses, there is a lofty eyvan for study in hot weather, and students’ cells on either side.

The Sırçalı Medrese, is now Konya’s Museum of Gravestones. The old Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman gravestones are mildly interesting to non-specialists. It’s the medrese itself that you come to see.

ALAADDİN HİLL VE MOSQUE

The history always talks in praise about Alaaddin Keykubat. He is an enlightened protector of the art activities, a proficient commander, a leader and an expert craftsman. 

He is the one who invited and accommodated an inteligent and a wisdom person Mevlânâ to Konya.  However, his the most perfect work that is identical with his name in Konya is the famous palace of Seljuk Sultans which were built at the north of the Alaaddin Hill. 

The Alaettin Camii (Alaettin Mosque) rests at the top of the Alaettin Tepesi hill in the center of Konya, Turkey. It is the city’s oldest, largest and most venerable mosque.

The most impressive part of the mosque which was built with 41 stone marble colomnar pertained by classical and Byzantine period is its minbar. 

One of the most significant samples of Anatolia Seljuks wooden embroidery  of The minbar made of ebony wooden which is a masterpiece was made by Mengum Berti from Ahlat in 1155. 

There is a field which was covered by a dome that was decorated by çini (piece of earthenware decorated with opague colored glazes and motifs that are charecteristic of Turkish art) in front of the Mihrap (niche of a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca) which was decorated by çini. 

Partly çini of the Mihrap and dome was pulled up. Historian Eflaki says that Mevlâna was giving speech when the mosque was built. A mausoleum was added constructured later next to the mosque during the time of Kılıçarslan II. There are eight sarcophagus, which was decorated by çini, belongs to Seljuk Sultans in this mausoleum.

Alaettin Tepesi, the “Hill of Alaadin,” is itself a tumulus, a mound built up by millennia of human occupation. If excavated, it might well yield archeological evidence of habitation from as early as Hittite times, and perhaps even earlier.

After visiting the Alaettin Mosque, walk north down the hill past the ugly modern shelter of the ruined remains of the Seljuk sultans’ palace to the Great Karatay Medrese and the Ince Minare Medrese.

THE INCE MINARE MUSEUM       

The Ince Minare Medrese (Seminary of the Slender Minaret) is among Konya‘s finest and most impressiveSeljuk Turkish architectural masterpieces.

Located on the west side of the Alaettin Tepesi hill near the Great Karatay Medresesi, the Ince Minare is one of Konya‘s must-see buildings.

Though built (1267) as a Muslim theological seminary, it has been restored and is now Konya’s Museum of Wooden Artifacts and Stone Carving. The exhibits inside are significant, but it is the building itself that you come to see.

It’s grand portal, heavily and completely carved with Seljuk decoration and Kur’anic inscriptions, is among the finest of all Seljuk grand portals.

The minaret, partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1901, was exceptionally tall and finely decorated with typically Seljuk sky-blue tiles.

Inside, the tile decoration is also fine: in the dome, the squinches, and above the windows. Only a fraction of the tile decoration has survived, but even that fraction is very impressive.

Exhibits within the museum include elaborately carved wooden mosque doors and decorative panels, marble panels carved with typical Seljuk designs of birds, lions, angels and double-headed eagles and even a few elephants.

Keep in mind the building’s original purpose: the main hall, with its restful, refreshing pool of water, was the center of seminary life. The large eyvans (alcoves) were used for classes, the smaller rooms as living quarters.

THE KARATAY MUSEM

The Büyük Karatay Medresesi, on the north side of Alaettin Hill near the Ince Minare Medrese and just down the hill from the Alaettin Mosque, has Konya‘s finest Seljuk Turkishtilework in it.

In Karatay Museum, the excavation findings; wall tiles, tile and glass plates in Kubadabat Palace wherein Beyşehir lake coast and tile, porcelain plates, lamps, gypsum findings in Konya and its around of the Seljuk period and Ottoman periods are displayed in the museum.

The dome of the medrese is spectacular in its dark and light blue Seljuk tiles.

The squinches supporting the dome are just as elaborate, and significant amounts of the tilework in the eyvans (alcoves) and the main hall have survived.

The water pool at the center of the main hall has a curlicue drain to generate a musical ripple to soothe those at study in the seminary.

This elegant seminary was endowed by Emir Jelaleddin Karatay, one of the Seljuk Turkish empire‘s greatest generals, statesmen and grand vezirs. Even though the museum is currently closed to visitors, you should walk by and admire its elaborate marble portal of light and dark marble and carved stone, then be sure to visit the nearby Alaettin Mosque, Ince Minare Medrese, Sirçali Medrese and Sahip-i Ata Mosque Complex.

Then we go to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our 3 * Konya Hotel.

DAY 6 -  KONYA UNESCO ÇATALHÖYÜK - TULIP GARDENS - GÖKYURT KILISTRA

Having breakfast in the hotel and leaving for our last day

On our way back to Antalya

TULIP GARDENS

After breakfast, we move to the Tulip Fields in Çumra. The tulip, which symbolizes love, splendor and elegance, gave its name to a period in the Ottoman Empire. Extending like a rainbow in white, purple, orange, pink, red, yellow and black colors on the lands of the Konya Plain, after the eye feast and photo break here, we visit Çatalhöyük Ancient City, one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia and a city that pioneered agricultural societies.

ÇATALHÖYÜK

It is located in the boarder of Çumra district in the place of Küçükköy. One of the most important archaeological field, Çatalhöyük’s past goes back to 5000-7500 B.C. years. 

Archaeological excavations which were begun by James Mellaart in 1961 and it was stopped in 1963, later it was re-began its studies by Prof. Ion Hodder. 

So many valuable excavation findings included goddess Kibele statue are displayed in the Konya Archeolgy Museum. Besides this archaeological excavation works are still continuing.  

Çatal Höyük (“Forked Tumulus”) holds the remains of a Neolithic (New Stone Age) settlement believed to be among the world’s oldest human communities.

Çatalhöyük Neolithic City, which witnessed important social changes and developments such as the beginning of agriculture and hunting, with the transition to settled social life, which is an important stage in the development of humanity, is located on an area of approximately 14 hectares in the Southern Anatolian Plateau. The longer East Mound of the Çatalhöyük Neolithic City, which consists of two mounds, consists of 18 Neolithic settlement layers dated between 7400 and 6200 BC. There are murals, reliefs, sculptures and other artistic elements symbolizing social organization and transition to settled life in these layers. The West Mound, on the other hand, shows cultural characteristics belonging to the Chalcolithic Period, dated between 6,200 and 5,200 BC. With these features, Çatalhöyük is also an important proof of the transition from villages that have existed in the same geography for more than 2000 years to urban life.

The residential buildings in Çatalhöyük, which are entered through the roofs and adjacent to each other, have a unique feature. Although other Neolithic sites have been found in the Middle East and Anatolia, Çatalhöyük Neolithic City is of extraordinary universal value with its unique combination of the size of the ruins, the density of the living community, strong artistic and cultural traditions and continuity over time. As a result of these features, it was proposed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009. Çatalhöyük Neolithic City, which sheds light on human history, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012.

Some artifacts from Çatalhöyük and similarly old Neolithic sites are now in the Konya Archeological Museum.

Old as it is, Çatalhöyük is not as old as the world’s first temple at Göbekli Tepe, and positively young compared to the cave at Karain near Antalya, which was continuously occupied for an estimated—and incredible—25,000 years.

KILISTRA

It is an archaic city located southwest of Konya in the village of Gökyurt; as if Kilistra is a small Kapadokya. It is on the famous King’s Road. St. Paulos, whose name is mentioned in the Bible, is believed to have stopped by on his journey. At the west of Kilistra which was located on an archaic city, there are chapels bored in the rocks, water reservoir and vinestored in the Söğütlüdere. Morever, at the west of the village there are valleys lay down to the mountains full of beauties as beautiful as Peribacaları.

The unbelievable, nostalgic and original settlement, Kilistra Ancient City is located on Gökyurt, village of Konya. This ancient city that catches the eye for its dreamy ambiance also impress the visitors its magical landscape, amazing natural beauty and historical tissue.

As a result of many excavations, it was figured out that the history of famous Kilistra Ancient City, valuable and extraordinary settlement dates back the Hellenistic and Roman Times (BC the 2nd century - AD the 3rd century). During those excavations and examinations, ıts name ‘’Kilistra’’ approves itself in a gravestone inscription belonging to the Roman (Byzantine) Era which affirms the existence of a historical village by that name.

In the period of Rome, the Christians, the public of Lystra escaped from the Idolaters, pagans and the other different religions due to those oppressions. They settled today’s location named as Kilistra and built various churches, sanctuaries and chapels here in order to protect themselves against any attacks. Afterwards, especially in Ottoman Period, Turkish nomad tribes in Anatolia began to live in this glorious ancient city. They interested in the agriculture and livestock thanks to the geological features of the land within this time there.

Additionally, even now, some traditional and cultural things are seen around this magnificent settlement such as handicraft, weaving, honey production using classical methods, stock rising and stable works.

Moreover there was made a very perfect system like Illumination and ventilation inserted in the hidden loopholes. Also this incredible and unique site contains churches, chapels, monasteries, houses, cisterns, fountains, wine storages, watch towers, garrison and shelters.

Kilistra stands out as an important place in the life of St. Paulus and with valuable examples such as churches, chapels, monasteries, watchtowers, shelters, ancient roads, neighborhoods and ceramic workshops.

In our day, it is possible for the visitors to see this dreamy location opening its doors to archaic world.

Arrival Antalya and transfer to your hotels  

PRICE INCLUDES:

*Hotel pick up-drop off

*Hotel with half board (Only breakfast at the hotel is included )

*Guidance

*Entrance fees 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS: 

All meals and drinks are not included.Only breakfast at the hotel is included

Important information

Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change.

Note: The Guide may make corrections and adaptations in the course of the tour program according to the conditions and situations of the planned places of visits

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