Konya: The Spiritual Heart of Turkiye

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yır]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-she-kur e-de-rim]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur di-le-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-sul-suh-nuz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Sez]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ingiliz-je konu-shu-yor mu-sunuz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-la-mi-yo-rum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Me-nu-yu gur-mek is-tee-yo-rum, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-de-mek is-tee-yo-rum, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-dum e-din]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [U-zak-laş]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-li-si a-ra-yın]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ğır-ın]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kay-bol-dum]
• I'm illHasta oldum
  [Has-ta ol-dum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Satın al-mak is-tee-yo-rum]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sa-de-ce ba-ku-yo-rum]
• How much is it?Kaç lira?
  [Kach lee-ra]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Bu chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fiyatı in-di-re-bi-lir mi-sin-iz]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-le-den af-te-ruh]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [Dun]
• TodayBugün
  [Bu-gun]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-rin]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Dort]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Ye-di]
• 8Sekiz
  [Se-kiz]
• 9Dokuz
  [Do-kuz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [Ner-e-de]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res ne-dir]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-ta-da) gos-te-re-bi-lir mi-si-niz]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-ki (o-to-bus) ne za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ye)
  [Beer bee-let (....-ye)]

Konya, known as Iconium in ancient times, has a history that stretches back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as early as 3000 BCE. It was an important city in the Hittite Empire and later came under the control of the Phrygians and Lydians. The city's strategic location made it a vital center for commerce and culture.

Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Iconium became part of the Hellenistic world. It later fell under Roman control in the 1st century BCE. During Roman times, the city flourished and became an important center of early Christianity. It is mentioned in the New Testament as a place visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys.

Konya rose to prominence during the 11th century when it became the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. Under Seljuk rule, the city experienced a golden age, becoming a major center of learning, culture, and art. The construction of impressive architectural works such as the Alaeddin Mosque and the Karatay Medrese are testaments to this period.

One of the most significant cultural contributions of Konya is its association with the famous Persian poet and Sufi mystic, Jalal ad-Din Rumi, also known as Mevlana. Rumi lived in Konya in the 13th century, and his poetry and teachings have had a profound impact on Sufism and Islamic thought. The Mevlana Museum, which houses his mausoleum, is one of Konya's most visited sites.

Konya became part of the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century. During the Ottoman period, the city continued to be an important administrative and cultural center. Many classical Ottoman structures, such as mosques, baths, and caravansaries, were built during this time, contributing to the city's rich architectural heritage.

In the early 20th century, Konya played a role in the Turkish War of Independence. Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Konya modernized rapidly while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Today, it is an important agricultural, industrial, and educational hub, known for its blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

Konya is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The nearest airport is Konya Airport (KYA), which receives both domestic and limited international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center, approximately 15 kilometers away. Konya is also accessible by high-speed trains (YHT) from major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. The train station is centrally located, and you can easily find taxis or public transport to reach your accommodation. Additionally, long-distance buses operate frequently from various cities in Turkiye to Konya's main bus terminal (Otogar).

Konya has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams. The tram system is particularly useful for getting around the city center and to major attractions like the Mevlana Museum. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For short distances, you can rent bicycles or electric scooters. If you prefer more autonomy, renting a car is a convenient option, especially for exploring the surrounding areas and historical sites.

The official currency in Turkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Konya. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and public transport. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and you can withdraw Turkish Lira using international cards. It's a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Konya is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Konya, but staying vigilant is always a good practice. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Konya. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Most pharmacists speak basic English and can assist with common ailments.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Konya like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Turkish goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Mevlana Museum, which is a significant cultural and spiritual site. For a unique experience, attend a Whirling Dervishes ceremony, offering a profound insight into Sufi traditions. Exploring the Alaeddin Hill and its park is also a favorite local pastime, offering beautiful views of the city.