Şeb-i Arus means wedding night and marks the anniversary of Rumi's death on December 17, 1273, which his followers see as his union with the divine. Every December, Konya hosts Sema ceremonies and commemorations in the days leading up to December 17. The city gets very busy, so book accommodation early.

How long does it take to visit the Mevlana Museum?

Most visitors spend about an hour in the Mevlana Museum, longer on crowded days. Allow an hour and a half if you want to take in the tomb, the Sema hall and the exhibition rooms properly. It is easy to pair with the neighboring Selimiye Mosque and Alaeddin Hill on a half-day walk.

How do I get to Çatalhöyük from Konya?

Çatalhöyük lies southeast of Konya near Çumra, about an hour's drive from the city center. Public transport is limited, so a guided tour, taxi or rental car is the easiest option. The excavations are viewed under protective shelters, and an hour to an hour and a half on site is usually enough.

Where can I watch the whirling dervishes in Konya?

Sema ceremonies are held regularly at the Mevlana Cultural Center, near the Mevlana Museum. Days and times vary by season, so check the schedule before you go. During the Şeb-i Arus period in December the program is much larger and seats go quickly.

Konya Tours and Things to Do

Visit Rumi's resting place, watch the whirling dervishes turn, admire Seljuk tilework and step into 9,000-year-old Çatalhöyük on a trip to Konya.

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Destination Guide

About Konya

Once the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, Konya is the city of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic whose message of love and tolerance still draws visitors from all over the world. His mausoleum, crowned by a turquoise-tiled dome, is now the Mevlana Museum and one of Türkiye's most visited museums. The Mevlevi Sema ceremony performed by the whirling dervishes is inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Around Alaeddin Hill, the Karatay and İnce Minareli madrasas showcase exquisite Seljuk tile and stone carving, while Çatalhöyük and the village of Sille add layers reaching back thousands of years.

Most itineraries start with a city walk taking in the Mevlana Museum, Alaeddin Hill, the Karatay and İnce Minareli madrasas and the old bazaar. A short drive away, Sille offers stone houses and the Aya Elena church, while half-day trips head southeast to Çatalhöyük. Try to catch a Sema performance at the cultural center one evening. Two days covers the main sights, but if you plan to attend the Şeb-i Arus ceremonies in December, book accommodation well in advance. TurTalebi lets you compare guided trips in Konya from local firms side by side and book securely by card.

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Highlights

Top Things to See

Mevlana Museum

Housed in the former Mevlevi lodge, the museum holds Rumi's tomb beneath the famous turquoise Green Dome, along with manuscripts, musical instruments and the ritual hall. As a shrine, it calls for a calm and respectful visit.

Whirling Dervish Sema

The Mevlevi Sema is a spiritual ceremony of music and turning prayer, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Regular performances are held at the cultural center, and the Şeb-i Arus commemorations in December bring the fullest program.

Alaeddin Hill and Mosque

The green hill in the city center is topped by the Alaeddin Mosque, a key Seljuk-era monument whose grounds hold the tombs of Seljuk sultans. The surrounding park is a pleasant spot for a stroll.

Karatay Madrasa

Now the Museum of Tile Works, this madrasa is famous for the deep blue and turquoise tiles covering its dome, a masterpiece of Seljuk art. The nearby İnce Minareli Madrasa is known for its elaborately carved portal.

Çatalhöyük

Southeast of Konya, this UNESCO World Heritage Neolithic town dates back about 9,000 years. Its tightly packed houses, entered through their roofs, and its wall paintings offer a vivid picture of early village life.

Sille Village

A short drive from the city, Sille has rock-cut chapels, old stone houses and the Aya Elena church, which tradition links to Empress Helena. Its quiet lanes and craft workshops make an easy half-day escape.

Planning

Plan Your Trip

When to Go

The most comfortable months are April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the city is pleasant to explore on foot. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold with occasional snow. In December, the Şeb-i Arus ceremonies held in the days leading up to December 17, the anniversary of Rumi's death, fill the city with visitors from around the world, so arrange accommodation and ceremony entry early. Weekends and religious holidays are busiest around the museum.

Getting There

Konya Airport, northeast of the city, has flights from İstanbul and other cities. High-speed trains link Konya with Ankara in about two hours, and there are direct high-speed services from İstanbul too. Cappadocia is about three hours away by road, and many travelers combine the two. The historic center is easy to explore on foot or by tram, while a tour vehicle or taxi is the practical way to reach Sille and Çatalhöyük.

Practical Tips

Visit the Mevlana Museum early in the morning, keep quiet in the tomb hall and wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders.
Sema is a form of worship rather than a show, so do not applaud and avoid flash photography during the ceremony.
Try Konya's etli ekmek, a long, thin meat flatbread, and fırın kebab, slow-roasted lamb, before you leave.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Two days is ideal. Spend the first on the Mevlana Museum, Alaeddin Hill and the Seljuk madrasas, and the second on Sille and Çatalhöyük. Set aside one evening for a Sema performance, and add an extra day if you are coming for the Şeb-i Arus ceremonies in December.

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