6 places to visit in the Akören district of Konya: Akören Mound (Höyük), Dinorna and Gavurlar Hammam. Plan your trip to Akören with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The district’s former name was “Akviran”, and it has an area of 640 km². The settlement near Akören is estimated to date back to around 7000–6500 BC.

History

The area was also used as a settlement during the Hittite, Roman and Byzantine periods. The remains at the places known as “Gavurlar Hammam” and “Horoz Hill” show that there was a settlement here in the Hittite and Roman periods. In the Ertaş gorge of Orhaniye village, 3 km from Akören, there is an ancient city called “Dinorna”, dating from the Byzantine period. From the 11th century AD onwards, it is said that the Bayındır and Kayı Turkish tribes settled in the region.

Geography

Within the district boundaries are the May Dam, the Akören Pond, and the May and Çat streams. The average elevation of Akören district centre is 1,106 metres above sea level.

Economy

The people of the district make their living from farming, livestock and textiles.

History and Culture

It is said that after the 11th century AD, the Bayındır and Kayı Turkish tribes settled in the region. It is rumoured that there was a Hittite settlement in Akören.

Key Facts

The settlement near Akören is estimated to date back to around 7000–6500 BC. The ancient city of Gökyurt (Gilisra-Lystra) is one of five important colonies that the Roman Emperor Augustus founded in Anatolia.

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Places to Visit in Akören

  • 2 Historic
  • 3 Ancient City
  • 1 Nature
Ancient City

Akören Mound (Höyük)

An archaeological mound near Akören, showing an ancient settlement that dates back to around 7000–6500 BC.

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Ancient City

Dinorna

An ancient city from the Byzantine period, east of Orhaniye village.

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Ancient City

Gavurlar Hammam

Remains showing that there was a settlement here in the Hittite and Roman periods.

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Nature

May Dam

A dam within the district boundaries.

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Historic

Gavurlar Hammam and Horoz Hill

Two sites where remains from the Hittite and Roman periods are found.

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Historic

Koca Mosque and Koca Fountain

A historic mosque and fountain in the district centre.

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Places to Visit Around Konya Province

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While you are in Akören, you can also see the highlights of Konya province. These places are in other districts; Akören is about 80 km from the provincial centre.

  • Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum — The mausoleum and dervish lodge of Mevlânâ Celâleddîn-i Rûmî, a museum since 1926. With the tomb known as the Green Dome, the semahane (whirling hall), the dervish cells and manuscripts of the Masnavi, it is one of the most visited museums in Türkiye.
  • Çatalhöyük — A Neolithic city in Çumra, inhabited for about two thousand years from around 7400 BC. With its adjoining houses entered through the roof, its wall paintings and its figurines, it is one of the first urban settlements in human history.
  • Karatay Madrasa (Museum of Tile Works) — A madrasa built in 1251 by Emir Celaleddin Karatay; its dome, covered in turquoise and navy-blue tiles, is a masterpiece of Seljuk tile art.
  • İnce Minareli Madrasa — A darülhadis (hadith school) built in 1264 by the vizier Sahip Ata, with Kölük bin Abdullah as its architect; it is famous for its richly carved portal.
  • Alaeddin Hill and Mosque — On the hill in the city centre, the Alaeddin Mosque, which houses the tombs of the Seljuk sultans, and the remains of the Kılıçarslan II Pavilion; this is the oldest settled area of the city.
  • Sille — A village 8 km north-west of the city where Greeks and Turks lived together for centuries; it is known for the Aya Eleni Church, which goes back to the 4th century, its rock-cut chapels and its stone houses.

Practical Information for Visiting Akören

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring months
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Akören

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  • Etli Ekmek (meat flatbread)

    Konya's famous etli ekmek is also made in Akören's traditional bakeries. This flavour, which has an important place on local tables, is prepared using traditional recipes.

  • Tarhana Çorbası (tarhana soup)

    Tarhana, prepared using traditional methods, is an essential soup of the winter months.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Akören

  • Rural Way of Life Tradition

    The traditional rural way of life of Central Anatolia is maintained in Akören. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local community's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Wheat — Wheat grown on the fertile soils of the Konya Plain is Akören's main agricultural product.

Economy

The economy of Akören is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, barley and lentils are the main agricultural products.

How to Get to Akören

Akören is 80 km from Konya city centre. Access is by road.

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Akören: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Akören?

The 6 highlights of Akören are: Akören Mound, Dinorna, Gavurlar Hammam, May Dam, Gavurlar Hammam and Horoz Hill, and Koca Mosque and Koca Fountain.

What should I eat in Akören?

Etli Ekmek and Tarhana Çorbası are the standout flavours on Akören's tables.

What is Akören famous for?

Akören is known for Wheat and the Rural Way of Life Tradition. Wheat grown on the fertile soils of the Konya Plain is Akören's main agricultural product.

How do I get to Akören?

Akören is 80 km from Konya city centre. Access is by road.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Akören?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring months.

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