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Known as Iconium in Roman times, Konya is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Türkiye and ranks as one of the country’s great cultural centers. The city served as the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th century. During that period of cultural, political, and religious growth, the mystic Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi founded a Sufi order there, known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes.
Konya has played host to important civilizations over the centuries, from the Neolithic Age until the present day. As a result, the city is a showcase of many works of art created by different communities using different production and manufacturing techniques. The oldest Christian settlements and churches in Anatolia are also in this region. All of this makes Konya an ideal shooting location for any genre.
LOCATIONS IN KONYA
The early permanent settlements in and around Konya go back to prehistoric times. Evidence of Neolithic, Paleolithic, and Early Bronze Age cultures can be seen in the region. The archaeological wealth of Konya is so plentiful that the whole region is practically an open-air museum, with multiple historical sites and many works of art.
What has earned the city its worldwide fame, however, is its association with the famous Islamic mystic Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi. Rumi’s reputation as a mystic and poet extends far beyond Konya, and every year thousands of people who respect and follow his teachings travel to Konya to mark the anniversary of his death (Şeb-i Arus) with ceremonies in remembrance of his life.
The largest lake in the region, Beyşehir is also home to 33 islands of various sizes. In addition to that, the wildlife in the region is rich enough to add color and visual interest to any film. Thanks to its unsurpassed landscape and history, Lake Beyşehir and the surrounding region are a natural shooting location suitable for all sorts of feature-film genres, and of course for documentaries.
As soon as you step foot in Çatalhöyük, you will feel as if you have traveled back thousands of years in time. Seeing evidence of the way the people of the Neolithic era lived and thought will amaze you. Preserving much of its authentic original character, the city will broaden your horizons and inspire new thoughts and ideas as you discover its mysteries.
"This place is a Kaaba to lovers;
Those who arrive wanting
Will find completion here.’’
The world-renowned Rumi was a mystic raised in Konya whose ideas were transmitted far beyond his era. His philosophy is centered on love—a universal love, embracing all human beings without regard for race, religion, or language. For him, the human is the principal concern, and every human is made in the image of the Creator. Rumi’s Tomb in Konya’s city center is filled with objects associated with him, and the haunting sound of the ney (a traditional reed instrument) floating in the air will affirm your creative dreams and enrich your project.
TRANSPORTATION
Konya is easily accessible by road, about three hours from Ankara and eight hours from Istanbul. Rail transport is also highly practical. The high-speed train from Istanbul reaches Konya in about four and a half hours. The Ankara–Konya high-speed train is only one hour and 50 minutes. There are daily flights from Istanbul to Konya, taking one hour and 15 minutes.
ACCOMMODATION IN KONYA
Konya offers top-quality accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury hotels throughout the city. It is possible to find accommodation located within half an hour’s travel of any shooting location in Konya.