2 places to visit in the Altınekin district of Konya: Zıvarık Caravanserai and Altınekin steppe. Plan your trip to Altınekin with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Altınekin is a district of Konya province.

History

The history of the district goes back to very ancient times, and in the Anatolian Seljuk period it was an important trading centre. The Zıvarık Caravanserai in the town centre is the most important building from the Seljuk period. In the Ottoman period the district became famous for farming and horse breeding.

History and Culture

In the Anatolian Seljuk period Altınekin was an important trading centre. In the Ottoman period it was famous for farming and horse breeding.

Key Facts

The district became a district by Law No. 3292, published in the Official Gazette No. 19507 on 4 July 1987. The Zıvarık Caravanserai is a 14th–15th century building, and its architect and patron are unknown.

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Places to Visit in Altınekin

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Nature
Historic

Zıvarık Caravanserai

Important building dating from the Anatolian Seljuk period.

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Nature

Altınekin steppe

Wheat fields and steppe landscape stretching to the horizon, offering a typical view of Central Anatolia.

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Places to Visit Around Konya Province

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While you are in Altınekin, you can also see the highlights of Konya province. These places are in other districts; Altınekin is about 67 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 Altınekin

Suggested time
A few hours
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
2 places

What to Eat in Altınekin

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  • Etli Ekmek

    Konya's long, thin-dough flatbread topped with minced meat.

  • Fırın Kebabı

    Konya speciality in which lamb is cooked in a stone oven.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Altınekin

  • Horse-breeding tradition

    In the Ottoman period the area was known for horse breeding.

Local Products

  • Buğday (Wheat) — The district is one of the granaries of the Konya Plain.

Economy

The economy is based on grain farming and livestock.

How to Get to Altınekin

Altınekin is 67 km from Konya city centre. It is reached from the city centre by road.

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Altınekin: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top sights in Altınekin?

The 2 highlights of Altınekin are the Zıvarık Caravanserai and the Altınekin steppe.

What should I eat in Altınekin?

Etli Ekmek and Fırın Kebabı are the standout dishes on Altınekin's tables.

What is Altınekin famous for?

Altınekin is known for wheat and its horse-breeding past. The district is one of the granaries of the Konya Plain.

How do I get to Altınekin?

Altınekin is 67 km from Konya city centre. It is reached from the city centre by road.

How long should I spend in Altınekin?

Suggested visit: a few hours. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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Other Districts of Konya

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