Konya, Turkey

Konya
Towers of the Mevlana Museum, also known as the Green Mausoleum, Konya. Photo © Dick Osseman

Konya (also spelled Qonya, Koniah, Konieh, Konia, and Qunia) is an ancient city in central Turkey. It has a population of about 900,000 and is known for the piety of its residents and as the center of Sufi mysticism. Once known as Iconium, Konya is historically and religiously significant on several counts: it was one of the missionary destinations of St. Paul; the site of one of the first church councils; the capital of the Seljuk empire from 1150 to 1300; and the home of Rumi (Mevlana), the Sufi saint who founded the Whirling Dervishes. Follow a link below to explore the rich spiritual heritage of Konya.


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Alaeddin Mosque
Located on the site of Iconium's acropolis, this is the largest and oldest mosque in Konya. It was constructed by the Seljuk Sultan of Rum in 1221 and contains the tombs of a dozen Seljuk sultans.
Selimiye Mosque
Commissioned by Sultan Selim II, the Selimiye Mosque in Konya was built from 1558 to 1567.
Mevlana Museum (Green Mausoleum)
This museum contains the tomb of the 13th-century Sufi saint Mevlana or Rumi, which is an important place of pilgrimage.