Konya history

Konya is one of the most ancient cities in the world, with a history rooted in deep antiquity. Located in the heart of the Anatolian Plateau, it has witnessed the rise and fall of great civilisations for millennia, each leaving its mark on the city's rich cultural heritage.

Foundation and Ancient History

The first settlements in the territory of modern Konya emerged during the Neolithic era, around 7500 BC, as evidenced by findings in the nearby settlement of Çatalhöyük. In written sources, the city is first mentioned during the time of the Hittite Kingdom under the name Kuwanna. Later, in the classical period, it was known as Iconium and became part of Phrygia, followed by the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The city also holds significant importance for Christianity: according to the "Acts of the Apostles", the apostles Paul and Barnabas preached here.

Key Factors of Development

Konya owes its growth and significance to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city sits at the intersection of vital trade routes connecting the Mediterranean coast with central Anatolia and other regions.
• Political Role: The "Golden Age" for the city was the period from the 11th to the 13th century, when Konya served as the capital of the powerful Seljuk Sultanate (also known as the Sultanate of Rum). This status transformed it into the state's primary political, economic, and cultural centre.
• Fertile Lands: The surrounding plains have always been the region's breadbasket, contributing to economic prosperity and population growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During its peak as the Seljuk capital, Konya became a centre of attraction for scholars, poets, architects, and mystics from across the Islamic world. It was here that the great poet and philosopher Jalaluddin Rumi (Mevlana) lived and created his works, founding the Mevlevi Sufi order, known as the "Whirling Dervishes". This transformed Konya into a paramount spiritual centre, a status it retains to this day. The architectural heritage of that era, including mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais, still defines the appearance of the city's historic district.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Konya is a kaleidoscope of eras and civilisations that have shaped the city's appearance and culture. From Neolithic settlements to the capital of a powerful sultanate, here is a brief chronicle of the most important milestones.

• Around 7500 BC: Emergence of Çatalhöyük, one of the world's first proto-urban settlements, near modern-day Konya.
• Around 50 AD: The city, known as Iconium, is visited by the apostles Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journeys, making it an important centre of early Christianity.
• 1084: The city is conquered by the Seljuk Turks following their victory at the Battle of Manzikert and becomes a vital centre for their new state.
• 1134: Konya officially becomes the capital of the powerful Seljuk Sultanate (Sultanate of Rum), entering its "Golden Age".
• 1228: The distinguished poet and Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi, known as Mevlana, arrives and settles in the city.
• 17 December 1273: The passing of Jalaluddin Rumi, after which Konya becomes the centre of the Mevlevi Sufi order founded by his followers.
• 1277: Following the suppression of a rebellion and the decline of Seljuk power, the city loses its status as the capital.
• 1467: Konya becomes part of the expanding Ottoman Empire under Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror.
• 1896: The railway reaches the city, providing a new impulse for its economic development within the Ottoman Empire.
• 1923: After the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Konya becomes the administrative centre of the province of the same name.
• 1925: As part of Atatürk's secular reforms, the activities of Sufi orders, including the Mevlevi, were officially suspended.
• 1953: The Turkish government once again permits the performance of the "Whirling Dervishes" ceremonies, marking a revival of Mevlana's cultural heritage.

Key Stages of Konya's Transformation

Throughout its centuries-old history, Konya has repeatedly changed its guise, transforming from a provincial town into an imperial capital, and subsequently into a major industrial and spiritual centre of modern Turkey. Here are the main milestones that defined its development.

• Capital of the Seljuk Sultanate (11th–13th centuries): This period became the "Golden Age" for the city. Upon receiving capital status, Konya transformed into the political, economic, and cultural hub of the state. This facilitated massive urban planning: famous mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais were erected, shaping its historical appearance.
• Centre of Sufism and Rumi's Heritage (13th century): The arrival of the great poet and philosopher Jalaluddin Rumi (Mevlana) and the founding of the Mevlevi Sufi order permanently secured Konya's status as a paramount spiritual centre. This cultural heritage remains the city's calling card today, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
• Regional Centre in the Ottoman Empire (from 15th century): After becoming part of the Ottoman Empire, Konya lost its capital status but retained its importance as a key administrative and trade hub in Anatolia. Economic life was sustained through trade and crafts.
• Railway Construction (1896): The establishment of a railway connection with Istanbul gave a powerful boost to economic development. Known as the "breadbasket of Turkey", Konya gained the ability to effectively transport and export agricultural produce, strengthening its economy.
• Industrialisation in the 20th Century: During the Republican era, the city began to actively develop as an industrial centre. Enterprises in the food, textile, and machinery sectors were founded, which diversified the economy and contributed to population growth.
• Revival of Cultural Heritage (from the 1950s): The official permission to conduct "Whirling Dervishes" ceremonies became a turning point for cultural life. This not only restored the city's unique identity but also marked the beginning of modern tourism development.
• Modern Metropolis and Transport Hub: In the 21st century, Konya has become one of Turkey's largest cities with a population exceeding 2.2 million people. The launch of high-speed rail services to Ankara and Istanbul, along with the development of modern urban infrastructure, has turned it into one of the country's leading economic and logistics centres.

The architectural landscape of Konya is a unique blend of eras, where every historical period has left its distinct mark. From the monumental structures of Seljuk sultans to elegant Ottoman mosques and modern urban districts, the city represents a living chronicle of Anatolian urban development.

The Seljuk Era (11th–13th centuries) — The Golden Age of Architecture

As the capital of the powerful Seljuk Sultanate, Konya experienced a true construction boom. This period defined its historical core. Seljuk architecture, absorbing Persian, Byzantine, and Central Asian traditions, is characterised by monumentality, exquisite stone and wood carving, and the use of turquoise tiles. The distinctive features of this style are vividly displayed in the city's iconic structures.

• Alaaddin Mosque: Located on the historic Alaaddin Hill, this is the city's oldest mosque. It was built in several stages and represents a complex structure with a columned hall utilising Byzantine and Roman columns.
• Ince Minaret Madrasa: The name ("Madrasa with a Thin Minaret") speaks for itself. The building is famous for its magnificent carved portal, considered one of the masterpieces of Seljuk art.
• Karatay Madrasa: Today housing a ceramics museum, this was once one of the leading educational institutions. Its interior is adorned with splendid mosaics and tiles, demonstrating the supreme craftsmanship of Seljuk artisans.
• Mevlana Mausoleum: Originally a rose garden gifted to Rumi's father, after the philosopher's death, it was transformed into a complex containing his tomb. Its famous turquoise conical dome is the most recognisable symbol of Konya.

Ottoman Period and Baroque (15th–19th centuries)

After joining the Ottoman Empire, Konya ceded its capital status but remained an important provincial centre. The architecture of this period began to orient itself towards classical Ottoman styles developing in Istanbul. Buildings began to feature larger central domes and slender pencil-shaped minarets.

• Selimiye Mosque: Built by order of Sultan Selim II in the 16th century next to the Mevlana Mausoleum, it is a classic example of Ottoman architecture, created in the likeness of Istanbul's imperial mosques.
• Aziziye Mosque: A unique example of Ottoman Baroque and Rococo in Konya. Built in the 19th century, it stands out with its large windows, lavish decoration, and two minarets with unusual balconies, demonstrating the influence of European styles.

Modern Urban Planning (20th–21st centuries)

In the 20th century, particularly after the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Konya began to actively develop as an industrial and economic centre. This led to significant expansion of the city. Today, Konya is a metropolis where the historic centre with its medieval buildings harmoniously coexists with modern residential areas, wide avenues, universities, parks, and new architectural landmarks, such as the Konya City Stadium with its futuristic design. The development of high-speed rail connections has strengthened its role as a vital transport hub, which is also reflected in the city's modern infrastructure.

Notable Figures in the History of Konya

Over the centuries, Konya has been a centre of attraction for many distinguished figures — from rulers and theologians to poets and saints. Their legacy continues to define the unique cultural and historical character of the city today.

• Jalaluddin Rumi (Mevlana) (1207–1273) — Persian Sufi poet, theologian, and mystic. Undoubtedly the most significant figure in the city's history. Having spent most of his life in Konya, he founded the Mevlevi Sufi order, known as the "Whirling Dervishes". His teachings on love and tolerance, expressed through poetry, have had a tremendous influence on world literature and philosophy. Rumi's Mausoleum is the city's main symbol and a place of pilgrimage.
• Alaaddin Keykubad I (1190–1237) — Sultan of the Sultanate of Rum. His reign is considered the "Golden Age" of the Seljuk state. As a wise ruler and patron of the arts, he transformed Konya into a flourishing capital, adorning it with magnificent mosques, madrasas, and palaces, many of which have survived to this day.
• Shams Tabrizi (1185–1248) — wandering Sufi mystic and spiritual mentor of Rumi. His meeting with Rumi in 1244 radically changed the latter's life, transforming him from a respected theologian into a great poet. The mysterious and charismatic personality of Shams became a source of inspiration for many of Rumi's works.
• Apostle Paul (1st century AD) — one of the most revered apostles in Christianity. According to the New Testament book "Acts of the Apostles", Paul, together with Barnabas, preached in ancient Iconium (modern Konya) during his first missionary journey. This makes the city a significant site in the history of early Christianity.
• Sadreddin Konevi (1207–1274) — influential Sufi thinker and philosopher. As the stepson of the famous mystic Ibn Arabi and a contemporary of Rumi, he was one of the leading intellectuals of his time. Konevi founded a major educational centre in Konya, turning the city into a hub not only for poetic but also for philosophical Sufism.
• Nasreddin Hodja (presumably 13th century) — legendary folklore character, sage, and satirist. Although his historicity is a subject of debate, he is inextricably linked with the culture of Anatolia. His tomb is traditionally believed to be in the town of Akşehir near Konya. Stories and anecdotes about Nasreddin Hodja, full of humour and worldly wisdom, are popular throughout the Turkic world.