Darülmülk Sergi Sarayı

In the heart of the historic Karatay district lies the Darülmülk Exhibition Palace — a unique space that opened in 2023. This venue has become an important cultural bridge connecting modern Turkey with the heritage of the great Seljuk state. Konya, which served as the capital of this empire for over two centuries, carefully preserves its history within the walls of this modern center.

Darulmulk Exhibition Palace. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building's architecture harmoniously combines the strict lines of modernism with elements of traditional Turkish style. Inside, visitors will find three exhibition halls and one digital hall, where history comes to life through technology. This attraction is a must-see for those who want to experience Turkey not just as a land of beaches, but as the cradle of ancient civilizations.

Of particular value is the collection of 20 realistic silicone sculptures, created based on deep anatomical research. Thanks to free admission, the exhibition palace is accessible to every traveler wishing to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past and learn more about the sultans and great battles of antiquity.

For the most up-to-date information before your visit, you can use the following contact details:

The main impression guests come for is meeting the past "face-to-face." In the palace halls, you will see 20 amazingly accurate silicone figures of the rulers of the Seljuk dynasty. Here, you can examine the facial features of such legendary figures as Kilij Arslan I and Melik-Shah. The sculptures are made with such detail that they create the feeling of being in the presence of a living person from a distant era.

Numismatists and antiquity lovers will be impressed by the extensive collection of Seljuk coins, numbering 2,764 specimens. These silver and gold artifacts, minted in the empire's major cities (such as Kayseri and Antalya), speak to the economic power of the state. Don't forget to visit the digital hall as well: it screens a captivating panoramic film about the Battle of Myriokephalon, providing full immersion into the events of those years.

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the center regularly hosts cultural events, concerts, and workshops dedicated to traditional Turkish art. It is an excellent place for a family outing: teenagers will likely enjoy the digital installations, while adults will appreciate the depth of historical research and the calm, reflective atmosphere.

This modern cultural center is located in the heart of the city, in the Selçuklu district at Kılıçarslan Square. Thanks to its central location near the Karatay Madrasa, it is easy to find — look for signs in the historic center or use a navigator with the address: Ferhuniye, 42060 Selçuklu/Konya.

Getting there by public transport is very simple: use the tram lines and get off at the Alaaddin or Karatay stops, which are just a few minutes' walk away. If you are coming from the Konya Otogar (bus terminal), the tram or bus ride will take about 15–20 minutes.

For those who prefer comfort, a taxi from Konya Airport (KYA) will take you to the site in 20–30 minutes, costing approximately 200–300 lira. If you are already walking around the center, the palace is just a 5-minute walk from the Alaaddin Mosque and 10 minutes from the famous Mevlevi Lodge.

The Darülmülk Exhibition Palace is a key part of the large-scale Darülmülk Projesi, aimed at reviving the city's cultural code. The name "Darülmülk" dates back to the Ottoman era and translates as "House of the State", emphasizing the city's status as an ancient capital.

The most striking part of the exhibition — the silicone sculptures — was created over six years. These are not merely artistic fiction but the result of painstaking scientific DNA analysis and anatomical studies of the remains of 17 members of the ruling dynasty, recovered from the tomb at the Alaaddin Mosque. Thanks to this, visitors can see the faces of real people who ruled these lands hundreds of years ago.

The coin collection presented in the halls spans the period from the reign of Izz ad-Din Kilij Arslan II to Ghiyath ad-Din Mesud II. These artifacts allow visitors to trace the development of minting and the economy of Anatolia during the Seljuk period, turning the museum into an important research center for Turkish-Islamic history.

To leisurely explore all the halls and soak in the atmosphere of the Seljuk era, most visitors need 1 to 2 hours. This time is quite sufficient to study the main exhibits and watch the multimedia content.

We recommend dividing your time as follows: about 45 minutes to view the sculpture gallery and the numismatic collection, and 20 minutes to watch the panoramic film in the digital hall. The remaining time can be spent taking photos and reading the information boards.

At the moment, the exact operating schedule for the Darülmülk Exhibition Palace is not officially fixed in open sources; however, visitors note that the center is open daily during daylight hours.

To ensure your visit goes smoothly, we recommend checking the current opening hours on the official website of the city of Konya or calling the provided contact number shortly before your trip. Typically, cultural centers of this type welcome guests from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.

Exploring the surroundings of the Exhibition Palace can significantly enrich your trip, as the site is located at the epicenter of the city's cultural life. A walk through the adjacent streets will allow you to see not only historical monuments but also modern entertainment venues.