Konya: The Bible Belt of Turkey3/11/2011
Konya is one of Turkeys largest and most conservative cities. I visited Konya on my way to Dalyan for a couple of days to experience suburban Turkish lifestyle. I think I received a better understand of Turkish lifestyle in Konya than anywhere else.
I really enjoyed walking the streets of Konya observing the people. The Bizarre District is fantastic and littered with shops and food stands. The prices are cheap and food is plentiful. A kebab costs 1 Turkish Lira (.50 cents) and a small cup of Turkish coffee runs for .75 TL (35 cents).
In addition, Konya is famous for their world class carpets. Everywhere I looked carpet stores pitched their latest and greatest Turkish rugs. The rural areas surrounding Konya feature some of the finest wool around. I remember, in one instance, asking for directions in the city. The next thing I know, I’m in a Turkish man’s shop looking at carpets.
The People
The people of Konya are friendly but speak very little English. The guy at the front desk of my hotel was to practice his English on me when I arrived. He was one of about three people I met who understood my language.
Konya features more devout followers of Islam than most cities in Turkey. The city is equivalent to the “bible belt” in America.
Things to do
If your looking for a city bustling with things to do for tourists, Konya will disappoint. I recommend spending a day or two max.
The one sight worth visiting in Konya is the Mevlana Museum. The museum attracts close to 500,000 tourists a year. The tomb of Mevlana Muhammad, a 13th century saint, is one of the main attractions. In addition, the Meylana Museum is a great place to view historical Persian artifacts and documents. The place is very clean, wearing booties is a requirement, and costs about $2.50. A great way to spend an hour of your afternoon.
I recommend visiting Konya for the city’s historical significance. Take a break from sightseeing and late night parties to explore one of Turkey’s most important cities. Enjoy the lifestyle of the locals,and take in the sights and sounds of the Bizarre. As a travel, spend a day two days max visiting Konya, Turkey.