Konya: Where culture whirls through sustainability

"Konya whirls with culture, heritage, and sustainability, a city that inspires visitors and professionals alike".

An inspiring city in Türkiye, Konya is where rich culture, centuries-old traditions, and modern hospitality meet sustainability. 

Centuries-old traditions blend effortlessly with modern hospitality, creating a living circle rooted in community, identity, and responsible tourism. Home to the country’s longest cycling path and a candidate for the 2026 European Cycling City, Konya invites visitors to explore its vibrant cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences—all in an eco-friendly, unforgettable way.


A Crossroads of history and culture

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love". Rumi

Nestled in the heart of Anatolia, Konya is where history, culture, and spirituality collide. For centuries, caravans, pilgrims, and travelers have threaded their way through its streets, leaving behind a rich tapestry of stories and traditions. From the ancient Silk and spice routes to the spiritual journeys of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi’s followers, Konya pulses with a living heritage, a place where East meets West, and past meets present. Wander through its streets and you’ll be greeted by soaring Seljuk architecture and the mesmerizing Mevlana Museum, each offering a glimpse into the city’s timeless charm and vibrant soul.


Photo: Mevlana Museum exterior. ©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya.

Culture at the heart of sustainability

Konya puts culture at the heart of sustainability — from Silk Road landmarks to Çatalhöyük and traditional cuisine, heritage and hospitality thrive together.

Konya’s heritage isn’t just preserved — it’s alive. Festivals of music, dance, and craftsmanship celebrate community identity, while restored mosques, caravanserais, and museums act as living classrooms, passing stories from one generation to the next. Konya Büyükşehir Belediyesi (Metropolitan Municipality of Konya) has made bold investments to keep culture thriving, revitalizing ancient Silk Road landmarks, opening traditional restaurants like Mutfak Konya (Konya Cuisine) establishing digital information centers, and bringing archaeological treasures such as Çatalhöyük — one of the world’s earliest cities — to life for visitors.

The city’s tourism master plan, developed through extensive dialogue with the hospitality industry, travel professionals, and academic experts, ensures that cultural preservation, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship are woven into every aspect of sustainable development. A national campaign launched last year invites everyone to respect, celebrate, and sustain Türkiye’s rich cultural legacy, reinforcing Konya’s commitment to living heritage and ensuring that culture always takes center stage.


Photo: Whirling Dervish Performance at Obruk Hanı – Museum Hotel. ©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya.


Photo: Church of St. Helena, Sille, Konya. ©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya.


Çatalhöyük Archaelogical Site - Neolithic settlement (7500–5700 BCE). ©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya.

Hotels as keepers of heritage

Every hotel tells a story, every experience celebrates culture.

Turkey’s National Sustainability Program — the only one of its kind globally — requires all hotels to pursue sustainability certification. In Konya, this is more than a bureaucratic checkbox; it’s a way of life. Local hotels weave cultural heritage into every experience: guests can savor meals from age-old recipes, join pottery or weaving workshops, or attend performances inspired by the whirling dervishes. Each property becomes a storyteller, transforming the city’s legacy into authentic, memorable experiences.

Guided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, Konya ensures sustainability goes beyond “green” initiatives. Cultural preservation, community engagement, environmental care, and economic responsibility are all intertwined. Every visitor, business, and institution contribute to a living heritage, strengthening both the local economy and the community’s sense of identity. 


Photo: Tourism Masterplan 2030 Workshop, June 2025. ©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya.


Photo: Tourism Masterplan 2030 Workshop, June 2025. ©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya.

A living circle of heritage and hospitality

It is a circle — beginning and ending with culture — that binds Konya together.

In Konya, sustainability feels less like a policy and more like a pulse. Every restored site, every festival, every community program creates a ripple effect: visitors leave with a richer understanding of the city, hotels deepen their offerings, and residents see tangible social and economic benefits. It is a circle — beginning and ending with culture — that binds together heritage, hospitality, and the shared responsibility of keeping Konya’s soul alive.


Photo: Nasreddin Hodja festival, Akşehir, Konya. ©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya.

Where the past and future dance together

In Konya, the past and future truly dance together.

For me, living here is a daily reminder of why culture matters. Watching the whirling dervishes, you see not just a dance but a metaphor for the city itself — in motion yet centered, rooted in tradition yet open to the world. Konya teaches that sustainability is not merely about environmental responsibility; it is about ensuring that the values, stories, and artistry of a place endure. Here, the past and the future truly dance together, inviting all who visit to take part in its ongoing journey.

Konya is more than a destination — it is a living circle where heritage meets hospitality, where every gesture is a welcome, and every street is a story.

Konya what it feels like….



Madlina Puka Özgür

Sustainable tourism expert and researcher specializing in cultural and regional development.
GSTC-certified auditor for the hotel industry.
Member of Skål International Konya.