7 places to visit in the Beyşehir district of Konya: Beyşehir Lake, Eşrefoğlu Mosque and Kubadabad Palace Ruins. Plan your trip to Beyşehir with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Beyşehir is a district of Konya province. It is the fifth largest district in Konya. The district covers 2,054 km² and sits at an altitude of 1,150 metres.

Geography

The district lies in a hollow among the Western Taurus Mountains. Beyşehir Lake covers much of the hollow. Located in the Lakes Region of the Mediterranean Region, Beyşehir sits at an important crossing point.

History

Beyşehir and its surroundings have a history reaching back to the 7000s BC. The remains of Erbaba Mound date to between 5680 and 5300 BC and are evidence that the area was an ancient settlement. During the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, probably before 1240, Viranşehir was rebuilt by Turkmens, most of whom were Üçoklar.

Culture

The Beyşehir Lake Festival, traditionally held in the summer months, includes concerts by artists, bicycle and horse races, photography competitions and various water activities.

History and Culture

The Eşrefoğulları Beylik was founded in Beyşehir and the Seydişehir area in the late 13th century. Kubad Abad Palace was built in 1236 under the supervision of Vizier Sadeddin Köpek. The area around Beyşehir Lake was given National Park status in 1993. Beyşehir Municipality has published a book containing recipes for 110 dishes of Beyşehir cuisine.

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Places to Visit in Beyşehir

  • 4 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 2 Nature
Beyşehir Lake - Beyşehir
Nature

Beyşehir Lake

A natural lake covering most of the hollow in which Beyşehir sits.

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Eşrefoğlu Mosque - Beyşehir Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Historic

Eşrefoğlu Mosque

Built between 1296 and 1299 during the Eşrefoğlu Beylik period, this is one of the largest and best-preserved wooden-columned mosques in Anatolia. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.

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Kubadabad Palace Ruins - Beyşehir Photo: Saadet Armağan Güleç Korumaz, Ferruh Yıldız (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Historic

Kubadabad Palace Ruins

The ruins of a summer palace on the shore of Beyşehir Lake, built in 1236 by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. The ruins contain some of the most important examples of Seljuk tile art. Double-headed eagle and siren-figure tiles found during excavations are displayed in museums in Konya.

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Historic

Eflatunpınar Hittite Monument

A water monument of the Hittite period found near Beyşehir, dating from the 13th century BC. Its rock-carved reliefs of gods and goddesses are among the most important open-air monuments of Hittite art.

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Ancient City

Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument

A Hittite water monument dated to the last quarter of the 13th century BC, located in Beyşehir district.

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Historic

Kubad-Abad Palace

Built on the order of the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I, it is the only surviving Seljuk palace structure.

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Nature

Leylekler Valley

A valley in Yeşildağ Town, attached to Beyşehir, where storks nest in spring.

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Places to Visit Around Konya Province

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While you are in Beyşehir, you can also see the highlights of Konya province. These places are in other districts; Beyşehir is about 90 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 Beyşehir

Suggested time
2–3 days
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (May–September)
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Beyşehir

Food guide →
  • Beyşehir Lake Fish

    Carp and pike from Beyşehir Lake, served grilled or fried in a pan. Eating fresh fish at lakeside restaurants is a popular activity.

  • Etli Ekmek (meat flatbread)

    Konya's famous meat flatbread is also made in Beyşehir's traditional bakeries. Passed down from generation to generation, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture.

  • Keşkek

    Prepared by boiling cracked wheat and meat for a long time and then pounding them together. It is the traditional dish of weddings and festive tables. Pounding the wheat and boiling it with meat for hours is a process that requires patience.

  • Akçabelen Çetmi bean (Akçabelen Çetmi fasulyesi)

    A bean named after the Akçabelen (Çetmi) neighbourhood of Beyşehir, where a festival is held in its honour. The festival was held for the 6th time in 2019.

  • Freshwater carp dolma

    Made with freshwater carp from Beyşehir Lake.

  • Tarhana

    Known as Beyşehir's famous tarhana, its preparation is shown on the island.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Beyşehir

  • UNESCO World Heritage: Eşrefoğlu Mosque

    Eşrefoğlu Mosque was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013. With its wooden-columned structure and tile decoration, it is the most important work of Anatolian Beylik-period architecture.

  • Seljuk Palace Culture

    Kubadabad Palace was built on the shore of Beyşehir Lake as a summer palace for the Seljuk sultans. The tiles found in the palace reveal the richness of Seljuk palace culture.

Local Products

  • Beyşehir Lake Fish — The fish from the largest freshwater lake in Türkiye are the district's most important natural product.
  • Elma (apple) — Apples grown on Beyşehir's high-altitude land, known for their flavour and aroma.

Economy

Beyşehir's economy consists of agriculture, fishing and tourism. Fishing on Beyşehir Lake is an important source of income. Wheat, barley and apples are produced in agriculture. The UNESCO-listed Eşrefoğlu Mosque and lake tourism attract visitors.

How to Get to Beyşehir

Beyşehir is 90 km from Konya city centre. The Konya–Antalya highway passes through the district. Regular bus services run. The nearest airport is Konya Airport.

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Beyşehir: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Beyşehir?

The 7 highlights of Beyşehir are Beyşehir Lake, Eşrefoğlu Mosque, Kubadabad Palace Ruins, Eflatunpınar Hittite Monument, Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument, Kubad-Abad Palace and Leylekler Valley.

What is there to eat in Beyşehir?

Beyşehir Lake Fish, Etli Ekmek, Keşkek and Akçabelen Çetmi bean are the standout dishes on Beyşehir's tables.

What is Beyşehir famous for?

Beyşehir is known for its Beyşehir Lake Fish and the UNESCO World Heritage site Eşrefoğlu Mosque. The fish from the largest freshwater lake in Türkiye are the district's most important natural product.

How do I get to Beyşehir?

Beyşehir is 90 km from Konya city centre. The Konya–Antalya highway passes through the district. Regular bus services run. The nearest airport is Konya Airport.

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

Suggested visit length: 2–3 days. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May–September).

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