Let’s travel to Konya, the capital during the Seljuk era. 4 recommended sightseeing spots!

The most famous tourist spot in Konya is the Mevlana Museum. Mevlana (Rumi) was born in Afghanistan in 1207 and later moved to Konya, where he guided his disciples as a poet and mystical philosopher. His teachings were unique — everything in this world is infinitely rotating (circulating), and by continuously whirling and emptying the spirit, one can become closer to God. The whirling dance, known as Sema, is truly beautiful and unforgettable once you see it!
After the Turkish Revolution, the order was dissolved and the whirling dance was banned as part of secular reforms. The mausoleum, mosque, and monastery were turned into a museum. Today, the whirling ceremony is only permitted once a year during the annual Mevlana Commemoration Festival. For visitors who wish to see it, performances are held at the Mevlana Cultural Center, and some large hotels also offer paid shows — be sure to check them out.

2: Alaaddin Mosque

Standing on Alaaddin Hill, overlooking the city of Konya, is the Alaaddin Mosque. It was built in 1220 by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I on the site of ancient Konya Castle.
Compared to mosques in Istanbul and other cities, it may look plain and simple, but when the Turks first migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia, mosques were typically simple square structures without domes — a reflection of Central Asian architectural influence. Later, during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, domed and more ornate mosques became common.
Inside, the highlight is the pulpit (minbar), made of ebony wood, showcasing the Seljuk dynasty’s superb woodworking craftsmanship. The mosque’s blue tiles and modest design create a calm atmosphere. From the entrance, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Konya’s city center, and from the back, the residential area — making it a popular spot for visitors.

3: Karatay Medrese

The Karatay Medrese in Konya was built in 1251 by Jalal al-Din Karatay, a high-ranking Seljuk official. It functioned as a religious school where students studied Islam and memorized the Quran until the late 19th century during the Ottoman Empire.
Since 1955, it has been open as a ceramics museum, displaying numerous tiles, ceramic plates, lamps, and plaster artifacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, discovered in and around Konya. Many sightseeing tours don’t enter the interior, but make sure you don’t miss the magnificent Seljuk-style reliefs of the main entrance, adorned with stalactite (muqarnas) decorations.

4: Ince Minare Medrese

Another must-visit site in Konya is the Ince Minare Medrese, another former religious school. Built in 1267, it was founded in 1254 by Seljuk vizier Sahip Ata Fahreddin Ali as a school for studying Hadith, the sayings and actions of the Prophet. Since 1955, it has also been operating as a museum, exhibiting stone and wooden crafts, as well as ceramics from the Seljuk, Karamanid, and Ottoman periods.
The name Ince Minare means “slender minaret,” but the slender tower that gave it its name was struck by lightning in 1901, reducing its height to about one-third of its original — so it doesn’t look particularly slim anymore. Still, it’s a site worth visiting when you come to Konya.

Summary

In most Turkey tour itineraries, Konya is included as a one-night stay, making it a common destination for Japanese tourists as well. The main attractions — mosques, mausoleums, and former religious schools — may seem modest, but take your time to explore this inland city. You’ll find that Konya’s architecture and decorations differ greatly from Istanbul’s, which makes comparing the two even more interesting.
And don’t forget to try Etliekmek, Konya’s specialty — a long, thin Turkish-style pizza!

Let’s travel to Konya, the capital during the Seljuk era. 4 recommended sightseeing spots!