December 17th is the night of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi's death who was the founder of Sufi Philosophy. On that day "Seb-i Arus" means "Wedding Day" celebrated as Mevlana believed his reunion with his Beloved, with the Divine. Ceremonies held in Konya and it was very good chance to watch a real Whirling Dervishes Ceremony.
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| Tomb of Mevlana and Mosque |
Konya was one of the
first inhabited cities in the world and to this day, it still contains traces
of many ancient civilizations that have earned it the nickname of a museum
city.
Its location in the
middle of the barren Anatolian plains is significant because it was a major
stopping point on the ancient and exotic Silk Road.
Spice and cotton traders
traveling from the Middle East to Europe used to stop there overnight in one of
the many stone caravansaries of which a few can be seen today.
The main reason for
anyone to visit is to see the shrine of the famous poet, philosopher, and
ancient Sufi master called Rumi.
The Konya Alaeddin Mosque was constructed between the 12th and 13th
century. It is in perfectly preserved condition and is a major landmark of the
city. It was originally a Christian basilica but was converted in 1080 when
Seljuk Turks captured the city. The grounds hold the gravestones of a number of
sultans of the Seljuk dynasty.
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| Konya Alaaddin Mosque |
Konya Archaeological Museum opened in 1962 and has many artefacts from
civilization up to the Byzantine era. They include Greek artefacts and
sarcophagus from Roman times.
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| Konya Museum |
Konya
is also well known for its traditional carpets, made painstaking by hand for
many months by local women. They first came to the attention of the traveller
Marco Polo when he said, “they are the
most beautiful carpets I have ever seen”. Carpets shops are situated in the
city however we advise you take your guide with you to ensure you are buying an
authentic and genuine carpet.
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