Konya Food and Agriculture University and Konya’s Historical Sites
Konya, in central Turkey, is known for its agricultural prominence and historical heritage. The city brings together sites from ancient civilizations and contemporary innovation: Konya Food and Agriculture University (KFAU) represents modern sustainability and research, while the Mevlana Museum and Çatalhöyük Neolithic Settlement are among its notable cultural and archaeological attractions.
For official information, see the official KFAU website, Konya Tourism, and Mevlana Museum.
History and Significance
Çatalhöyük is one of the world’s earliest urban centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into early agricultural society.
The Mevlana Museum is the final resting place of Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi mystic, and is a major pilgrimage and tourist site. Konya also hosts an annual Whirling Dervishes Festival in December.
Alaeddin Hill includes the Seljuk-era Alaeddin Mosque, described as one of Turkey’s oldest mosques. İnce Minareli Medrese is a 13th-century Seljuk theological school, known for its intricate stonework and slender minaret.
Aziziye Mosque was built in the 19th century under Sultan Abdulaziz. Its ornate minarets and detailed tilework make it an example of Ottoman architecture. It remains a place of worship and community gatherings in Konya.
What to See
Konya Food and Agriculture University
KFAU’s campus includes several visitor areas:
- Educational and Research Zone Modern faculty buildings and state-of-the-art laboratories feature sustainable materials and innovative architectural design. This is the university’s intellectual center.
- Residential and Social Zone The Cultural and Convention Center hosts public exhibitions and seminars. The library is open to guests and offers a space for study and reflection.
- Techno-City and Innovation Hub Startups and incubators focus on agricultural technology and biotechnology. Pre-arranged tours allow visitors to see research and entrepreneurial activity.
The campus has green roofs, solar panels for renewable energy, rainwater harvesting for landscaping, and over 22,960 m² of green space. Facilities for bicycles and electric vehicles support sustainable transport.
KFAU also regularly holds conferences, exhibitions, and public seminars. One notable event is the “Building the Cities of Future” conference.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
- Çatalhöyük Neolithic Settlement Guided tours cover murals, dwellings, and artifacts.
- Mevlâna Museum (Mevlana Mausoleum) A major site associated with Rumi.
- Alaeddin Hill and Alaeddin Mosque The hill offers panoramic city views.
- İnce Minareli Medrese A Seljuk theological school known for its stonework and minaret.
- Aziziye Mosque A centrally located Ottoman-era mosque with ornate minarets and detailed tilework.
Practical Visiting Information
Konya Food and Agriculture University
- Hours Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Admission Free. Some research or innovation centers may require prior arrangements or event registration.
- Guided tours Available by appointment through the visitor center.
- Access Most public areas are open; some buildings require permission. The campus is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators.
- Location Melikşah District, Beyşehir Street, No:9, 42080 Meram, Konya, Turkey.
- Getting there The campus is accessible by public transport, taxi, or private car; ample parking is available.
- Dining On-campus dining offers local and international options.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
| Site | Visiting hours | Admission and access |
|---|---|---|
| Çatalhöyük Neolithic Settlement | Daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | 50 TRY; discounts for students and seniors. Terrain is uneven; comfortable shoes are advised. |
| Mevlâna Museum | April–October, 9:00 AM–6:30 PM; November–March, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM | Adults: 30 TRY; students and seniors: 15 TRY; children under 12: free. Closed on certain religious holidays. Fully wheelchair accessible. |
| Alaeddin Hill and Alaeddin Mosque | 8:00 AM–7:00 PM | Free. |
| İnce Minareli Medrese | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | 20 TRY. |
| Aziziye Mosque | Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed during prayer times | Free. Ramps and assistance are available for visitors with mobility challenges. |
Aziziye Mosque is accessible by public transport, taxi, or on foot from the city center, with parking nearby. Guided tours can be arranged through the Konya Tourism Office or local travel agencies, with multilingual options available.
Tips
- When to visit Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are also identified as the best seasons to visit.
- Accessibility Major sites are accessible, though some archaeological locations have uneven terrain.
- Guided tours Tours are available at major attractions and can help visitors learn more about the sites. KFAU tours require advance arrangements through the visitor center; tours of its Techno-City require pre-arrangement.
- Photography Photography is allowed in KFAU public areas and at Aziziye Mosque outside prayer times. It is permitted in most areas, though flash may be restricted in museums. KFAU’s design and landscaping are also noted as suitable for photography.
- Aziziye Mosque dress code Modest attire is required; women should bring a headscarf.
- Check KFAU’s online calendar for current conferences, exhibitions, and public seminars.
Nearby Places and Transport
Additional attractions include the Konya Archaeological Museum, which exhibits artifacts from regional history, and Sille Village, a historic village with ancient churches and caves.
Nearby Aziziye Mosque are the Mevlana Museum, Ince Minaret Medrese, and Karatay Medrese.
Konya is connected by air, rail, and road. The city center and major attractions are accessible by public transport or taxi. Shuttle buses, taxis, and car rentals are available for travel from Konya Airport to the city center. The city offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are guided tours available?
Yes. KFAU tours can be arranged through the visitor center in advance. Tours are also available at Çatalhöyük and other major sites; Aziziye Mosque tours can be arranged through the Konya Tourism Office or local travel agencies.
Is there a fee to enter the KFAU campus?
No. Campus entry is free.
Can visitors access all KFAU buildings?
Most public areas are open; some buildings require permission.
Where can visitors stay nearby?
Konya has a wide range of hotels and guesthouses.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, in KFAU public areas and in most areas at the sites. Aziziye Mosque photography is allowed outside prayer times; flash photography may be restricted in some museums.
What are the Mevlana Museum’s visiting hours?
It is open from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM from April to October, and from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM from November to March. It is closed on certain religious holidays.
Is Aziziye Mosque free to enter?
Yes, entry is free for all visitors.
