5 places to visit in the Emirgazi district of Konya: Kötü Dağ, Eski Kışla and Emrullah Gazi Tomb. Plan your trip to Emirgazi with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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It became a district in 1990.

History

Kötü Dağ, north of the district, contains a historic castle, rock-cut structures and churches. At the Eski Kışla settlement, altars and inscriptions from the Hittite period have been found. The Romans and Byzantines also used this castle and underground city. The Emrullah Gazi Tomb is located 2 km south-east of the district. Artefacts from the Hittite period were unearthed in excavations in the Kolak Plateau area.

Geography

The district is surrounded by Niğde, Ereğli, Karapınar and Aksaray. The soils are generally flat and steppe-like. There are no rivers or ponds within the district. The continental climate prevails, with cold, harsh winters and hot, dry summers.

Economy

The district’s economy is based on farming and livestock. Because of the scarcity of water, dryland farming is practised.

History and Culture

The first settlement in Emirgazi began in the Hittite period. Emirgazi was a village in the Republican period and became a district in 1990.

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Places to Visit in Emirgazi

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Other
Other

Kötü Dağ

Mountain north of the district with a historic castle, rock-cut structures and churches.

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Ancient City

Eski Kışla

Settlement from the Hittite period on the western slopes of Kötü Dağ.

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Religious

Emrullah Gazi Tomb

Tomb 2 km south-east of the district, which gives the district its name.

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Nature

Kolak Plateau

Archaeological area about 10–12 km north of the district, where finds dating back to the Hittite period have been unearthed.

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Historic

Arısama Dağı Castle

Castle, church and underground cities on Kötü Dağ (Arısama Dağı) to the north.

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Places to Visit Around Konya Province

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While you are in Emirgazi, you can also see the highlights of Konya province. These places are in other districts; Emirgazi is about 120 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 Emirgazi

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Emirgazi

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  • Etli Ekmek

    Konya's famous meat flatbread, also made in Emirgazi's traditional ovens. This dish has an important place at local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes.

  • Tarhana Çorbası (tarhana soup)

    Tarhana prepared using traditional methods is an essential winter soup. Tarhana is made in autumn and dried to be eaten through the winter.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Emirgazi

  • Steppe Culture

    In Emirgazi, where the Central Anatolian steppe climate prevails, dryland farming and herding traditions continue.

Local Products

  • Emirgazi Halısı (Emirgazi rug) — Emirgazi Halısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 18 February 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1702). Product group: rugs and kilims. Registered by: Emirgazi District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
  • Wheat — Wheat grown on the fertile soils of the Konya Plain is Emirgazi's main agricultural product.

Economy

The economy of Emirgazi is based on farming and livestock. Wheat, barley and small-livestock farming are the main sources of livelihood.

How to Get to Emirgazi

Emirgazi is 120 km from Konya city centre. Access is by road.

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Emirgazi: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top sights in Emirgazi?

The 5 highlights of Emirgazi are Kötü Dağ, Eski Kışla, the Emrullah Gazi Tomb, the Kolak Plateau and the Arısama Dağı Castle.

What should I eat in Emirgazi?

Etli Ekmek and Tarhana Çorbası are the standout dishes on Emirgazi's tables.

What is Emirgazi famous for?

Emirgazi is known for the Emirgazi rug and its steppe culture. It is a protected geographical indication registered with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Emirgazi?

Emirgazi is 120 km from Konya city centre. Access is by road.

How long should I spend in Emirgazi?

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

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