Konya is known as the City of Hearts, thanks to the influence of the great 13th-century poet Rumi, who is buried here. His tomb is one of the city's main attractions. It is inside the Mevlana Museum, a stunning building with a distinctive green roof. The interior of the museum is decorated with passages from Rumi's works. On Thursday nights in summer, the museum's rose garden hosts performances by the whirling dervishes, devout Sufi worshippers whose remarkable display is considered a form of physically active meditation. Rumi founded the order of dervishes, and the city remains a key spot for the group.
You can learn more about dervishes at the Mevlana Cultural Center. There is a festival held each December where the dervish displays are truly spectacular, but whirling takes place throughout the year. It is spellbinding to watch, but remember to be respectful. This is a form of religious worship, and for the participants, it is a sacred moment.
With a rental car in Konya, you can take a trip back in time. Çatalhöyük is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of a city that dates back 9,000 years. Discovered by chance in 1958, this incredible ancient settlement continues to amaze archeologists. Forty houses have been unearthed, along with pottery, artworks and primitive sculptures.
For something entirely different, head to the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden. This is the largest butterfly sanctuary in Europe, with over 10,000 colorful insects living inside the enormous dome. The tropical plants and year-round good weather make a stroll through this sanctuary a true pleasure.
You can find examples of Ottoman art and architecture all over Turkey, but few buildings are as impressive as the Aziziye Mosque. Inside, you can admire the stunning calligraphy and geometric decorations. The mosque welcomes visitors, but it is still a working house of worship, so do not enter during prayer time. You will need to dress modestly, and women should cover their heads.
Renting a car or van in Konya is a great way to turn your vacation into a larger road trip. If you're up for an adventure, then Turkey's capital city, Ankara, is about 260 km away. Often overlooked in favor of Istanbul, Ankara has several impressive museums and mosques, and is a great place to learn about history. The enormous mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, is its star attraction, drawing visitors from across the country who wish to pay their respects.