Konya: Attractions and more...
The ruins of the Neolithic township of Catal Huyuk dating back to 7,500 BC are spread over 15 acres in Konya. It is an example of excellent town planning. The city also has several sites containing Neo-Hittite reliefs and monuments; Eflatun Pinar is a monumental fountain from that period.
The city is well known for the shrine of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, the founder of the sect of Whirling Dervishes. These are Sufi Muslims who believe in unity and peace with God through ‘controlled trance-like spinning dance movements’ called Sema.
Other places of interest are the thirteenth century Aladdin Mosque and Palace and the Karatay Medresse mosque. The Ethnographical Museum and Ataturk’s House are every historian’s delight. The nearby town of Sille has several rock chapels with beautiful frescoes.
The main event in this town is the commemoration of Rumi’s death (Mevlana) every December, wherein the Sema dance is performed by the devout men.
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