4 places to visit in the Güneysınır district of Konya: Güneysınır Grand Mosque, Karagüney Plateau and Bardas Village Historic Buildings. Plan your trip to Güneysınır with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Güneysınır is a district of Konya province and covers an area of 482 km². The district centre lies at an altitude of 1,128 metres above sea level. It is 75 km from Konya and 11 km west of the Konya–Karaman D715 highway.

History

In the Ottoman period the district centre consisted of two villages known as Karasınır and Elmasun. Records of these villages appear in the 1531 Accounting Register and in the 1584 tahrir registers. Elmasun was shown on various maps prepared by Western geographers in the 19th century. The name of the district is derived from the words “Güney” in Güneybağ and “sınır” in Karasınır.

Early Settlements

Earthen vessels, pottery and brick remains from ancient times have been found in the mound known locally as “Gavur Hüyüğü” and “Güdelesin”. In Bilge Umar’s book, the etymology of the name Elmasun is traced to the Luwian language, which was spoken in Central Anatolia before the Hittites.

History and Culture

Güneysınır gained district status on 9 May 1990. The villages of Güneysınır were first attached to Bozkır in the Republican period, and in 1955 to Çumra.

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Places to Visit in Güneysınır

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Religious

Güneysınır Grand Mosque

Mosque built in the Ottoman period, the oldest place of worship in the district centre. Its stonework and wooden minbar reflect the region's traditional mosque architecture.

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Nature

Karagüney Plateau

Plateau in the south of the district, known for its cool summer climate at 1,400 metres altitude, and its wide pastures. It is a suitable area for walking and nature photography.

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Historic

Bardas Village Historic Buildings

Old stone houses and fountains in Bardas neighbourhood, showing examples of Ottoman-period rural architecture. They preserve traces of traditional Konya village life.

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Historic

Gavur Mound

Ancient mound, known locally as Gavur Hüyüğü.

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Places to Visit Around Konya Province

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While you are in Güneysınır, you can also see the highlights of Konya province. These places are in other districts; Güneysınır is about 70 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 Güneysınır

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Güneysınır

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  • Etli Ekmek

    Konya's signature etli ekmek, which in Güneysınır is also baked in traditional stone ovens by spreading minced meat over thin dough.

  • Arabaşı Çorbası (Arabaşı soup)

    Traditional Konya soup made with chicken stock, flour and butter, often eaten in winter. It is served at weddings and special occasions in Güneysınır.

  • Güneysınır Mayalı Ekmek (Güneysınır leavened bread)

    Leavened bread baked over a wood fire from flour of wheat grown in Güneysınır's fields. It is one of the district's essential flavours.

  • Güneysınır Yufka Ekmek (Güneysınır yufka bread)

    Thin yufka bread baked over a wood fire from flour of wheat grown in Güneysınır's fields. It is one of the district's essential flavours.

  • Güneysınır Tandır Ekmek (Güneysınır tandır bread)

    The local people still take great interest in the tandır bread culture handed down from the past.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Güneysınır

  • Traditional Village Life

    The 18 neighbourhoods of Güneysınır keep traditional Konya village culture alive. The imece tradition of communal work at harvest time and wedding customs are maintained across generations.

Local Products

  • Wheat and Barley — Wheat and barley grown on Güneysınır's fertile farmland are the district's main agricultural products.
  • Kuru Fasulye (dried beans) — Dried beans grown in line with the region's climate are sold in local markets.

Economy

The economy of Güneysınır is based on farming and livestock. Wheat, barley and sugar beet are the main agricultural products. Small-livestock farming is also an important source of livelihood.

How to Get to Güneysınır

Güneysınır is about 70 km from Konya city centre. Transport is by road.

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Güneysınır: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top sights in Güneysınır?

The 4 highlights of Güneysınır are the Güneysınır Grand Mosque, the Karagüney Plateau, the Bardas Village Historic Buildings and the Gavur Mound.

What should I eat in Güneysınır?

Etli Ekmek and Arabaşı Çorbası are the standout dishes on Güneysınır's tables.

What is Güneysınır famous for?

Güneysınır is known for Wheat and Barley and Traditional Village Life. The wheat and barley grown on Güneysınır's fertile farmland are the district's main agricultural products.

How do I get to Güneysınır?

Güneysınır is about 70 km from Konya city centre. Transport is by road.

How long should I spend in Güneysınır?

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

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