Konya lies approximately 100 km west of Aksaray along the D300/E-90 highway, reachable in 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car or about 2 hours by intercity coach. The city is most famous as the home and burial place of the 13th-century Sufi mystic Jalal ad-Din Rumi, known in Turkey as Mevlana, whose tomb is preserved within the Mevlana Museum (Mevlana Müzesi) in Konya's historic centre. The museum occupies the former lodge of the Mevlevi dervish order and contains Rumi's ornate sarcophagus, rare illuminated manuscripts, historical musical instruments used in sema ceremonies, and a collection of textiles from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Entry to the museum is free. The surrounding Seljuk quarter offers an exceptional concentration of medieval architecture: the Alaeddin Mosque (12th century) on Alaeddin Hill, the Ince Minare Medresesi housing a collection of Seljuk stone and wood carvings, and the Sırçalı Medrese nearby. Konya's covered bazaar district provides a stop for traditional Turkish breakfast or lunch, with several köfteci restaurants near the museum serving Konya's distinctive etli ekmek — thin flatbread topped with spiced minced meat. A recommended itinerary from Aksaray departs at 08:00, arrives at the museum by 09:30, spends 2 hours inside, walks to Alaeddin Hill, takes lunch in the bazaar quarter, visits the Ince Minare Medresesi in the afternoon, and returns to Aksaray by 18:00. Konya is a conservative city; modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected at the museum and mosques.
How to get there
- Car: D300/E-90 west to Konya; approx 1h15min
- Bus: Aksaray Otogar → Konya Otogar (₺220-380; approx 2h; frequent departures)
Location
Mevlana Müzesi, Aziziye Mah., 42030 Selçuklu/Konya, Turkey
37.8717, 32.5047 View on map
Highlights
- Mevlana Museum: the tomb and former lodge of 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi, centrepiece of Konya
- Alaeddin Mosque (12th-century Seljuk): serene hilltop setting with views across the Konya plain
- Ince Minare Medresesi: intricate Seljuk portal carving and a collection of medieval stone sculpture
- Konya's etli ekmek (meat flatbread) — a regional speciality served at street restaurants near the museum
- December Şeb-i Arus ceremony: annual commemoration of Rumi's death with live sema (whirling dervish) performances
Tips for visiting
- Entry to the Mevlana Museum is free; a donation box is inside — carry small notes
- Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees are required at the museum and mosques; headscarves are available on loan at the entrance
- Depart Aksaray no later than 08:00 to reach the museum before tour groups from Cappadocia arrive around 10:30
- Intercity coaches from Aksaray Otogar to Konya Otogar run frequently (₺220-380 one-way); a taxi from the otogar to the museum costs approximately ₺80-120
- The December 17 Şeb-i Arus ceremony draws large crowds; accommodation in Konya must be booked well in advance for that period
- The Karatay Medrese (tile museum), near Alaeddin Hill, is a worthwhile 15-minute detour with an exceptional Seljuk tile dome
When to visit
Year-round destination; spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant walking temperatures. Arriving at the museum before 10:00 avoids the main visitor wave from Cappadocia-based coach tours.
Accessibility
The Mevlana Museum main hall is wheelchair accessible via a paved entrance approach and internal ramps. Some ancillary rooms and the Alaeddin Hill area involve uneven surfaces and steps. The broader Seljuk quarter is largely pavement-accessible but with inconsistent kerb drops.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to the Mevlana Museum free?
Yes, the Mevlana Museum has no admission fee. A donation is welcomed but not obligatory. Some temporary exhibitions within the complex may carry a small charge.
What is the dress code at the museum?
Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is mandatory. Free headscarves and shoe covers are provided at the entrance for visitors who need them.
How long does the Mevlana Museum typically take to visit?
Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to view the main halls, tomb chamber, manuscript displays, and artefact collection at a comfortable pace.
Can the Whirling Dervish sema ceremony be watched in Konya?
Free public sema performances are held at the Mevlana Cultural Centre on selected Saturday evenings; the current schedule is available via the Konya tourism office, as dates vary. The annual Şeb-i Arus event in December is the most prestigious occasion.
Is there parking near the Mevlana Museum?
Paid parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the museum on Mevlana Cad. Spaces fill quickly by mid-morning, so early arrival is strongly advised for car travellers.