KONYA, TURKIYE

Area: 38.183 km², the largest city in Türkiye

Population: 1.750.303 (1990)

Konya is one of the first inhabited cities in the history of mankind, and still contains traces of many ancient civilisations which gives it the atmosphere of a museum city. Because of its locations in the middle of the barren Anatolian steppe, it used to be one of the most important trading centres on the Silk Road. The fertile land around the city means Konya is also the heart of Türkiye’s grain industry, with farming a major industry. Steeped in tradition, it is one of the most conservative and religious places in the country, and best known as the adopted home of Celaleddin Rumi, the Sufic mystic who founded the Whirling Dervish sect. Today it is still a centre of Sufic practice and teaching, and one of the highlights for visitors is the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the dervishes.

How to Get

By Road: Konya is well connected to all areas of the country, with a good bus network. The main bus station is 3km north of the city, and from there regular services include Istanbul (10 hours), Izmir (8 hours), Nevsehir (2½ hours), Ankara (3 hours) and Antalya (6 hours). There is a tram into the city, and many minibuses.
Bus Station Tel: (+90 - 0332) 265 0244. Fax: 265 0194.

By Rail: The train station is in the southwest of the city centre. There are direct trains to Istanbul (14 hours), Adana (8 hours), Afyon (6 hours), Gaziantep (13hours) and Isparta (1 hour). Tickets should be purchased in advance for long distance fast trains.
Railway Station Tel : (+ 90 - 0332) 322 3670

By Air: There are daily flights to and from Istanbul. There is a Turkish Airlines bus service to and from the city centre.
Airport Tel: (+ 90 - 0332) 345 0288
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Adress:  3.Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığı Ankara Yolu Selçuklu/Konya, 42050 (3 Main Jet Base Command)
Phone:   +90 332 346 04 52
Fax:       0 332 346 13 07
Mail:      anatolianeagle@hvkk.tsk.tr