3 places to visit in the Taşkent district of Konya: Taşkent Cave (İnönü Cave), Balcılar Canyon and Taşkent Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Taşkent with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Taşkent is the southernmost district of Konya province, bordering the provinces of Karaman and Antalya. It separated from Hadim district and gained district status on 11 August 1988.

History

Turkmen from the Avşar tribe began settling in Taşkent and the surrounding area between 1225 and 1250. Taşkent became part of the Ottoman state when Fatih Sultan Mehmet ended the Karamanid principality. The Taşkent subdistrict, which was attached to Hadim district, was raised to district status by Law No. 3392 in 1987 and officially began operating from 1988.

Geography

Although it lies in the Mediterranean Region, the district has features of both the Mediterranean and continental climates because it is located in a high-altitude area of the Central Taurus Mountains. Winters in Taşkent are generally cold and snowy, and summers are hot and dry.

Administrative Structure

Taşkent district consists of 9 settlement units in total: the district centre, 5 towns and 3 villages. The district’s towns are Afşar, Balcılar, Bolay, Çetmi and Ilıcapınar, and its villages are Kecimen, Kongul and Sazak.

History and Culture

The name Taşkent was given in 1934, when the former name Pirlerkondu was changed. Taşkent lies in the south of Konya province at an elevation of 1,620 metres. It was built on the Göksu Valley canyons on the Taşeli Plateau in the Central Taurus Mountains. Taşkent lies on the caravan route between Alanya and Karaman.

Highlights

Taşkent district lies 135 km south of Konya province, at an elevation of 1,620 metres. It gained district status on 11 August 1988, when it separated from Hadim. Taşkent has a fortified position on the caravan route between Alanya and Karaman.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Taşkent

  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Nature

Taşkent Cave (İnönü Cave)

The cave, on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains, attracts nature lovers with its stalactites and stalagmites. The underground lake and fossil remains inside the cave are also scientifically important.

View on map
Nature

Balcılar Canyon

The canyon near Taşkent, with its deep valley and natural beauty, is an ideal spot for trekking and nature photography.

View on map
Religious

Taşkent Grand Mosque

The mosque, built in the Ottoman period, is notable for its stonework. This building, which bears traces of traditional construction techniques, reflects the spiritual heritage of the region. The calligraphic decoration on its mihrab and its wooden minbar are notable works of art.

View on map

Places to Visit Around Konya Province

See all →

While you are in Taşkent, you can also see the highlights of Konya province. These places are in other districts; Taşkent is about 140 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 Taşkent

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (May to September)
Places to visit
3 places

What to Eat in Taşkent

Food guide →
  • Keşkek

    Keşkek is prepared by cooking cracked wheat and meat for a long time and then pounding them together. It is the traditional dish of wedding feasts, prepared communally, and is an essential part of such celebrations.

  • Tandır Ekmeği

    Traditional bread baked in a clay tandır oven is still made in the villages of Taşkent.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Taşkent

  • Taurus Mountains Way of Life

    Taşkent, located in the high reaches of the Taurus Mountains, maintains a mountain village way of life.

Local Products

  • Honey — Honey obtained from the rich flora of the Taurus Mountains is a valuable natural product of Taşkent.
  • Walnuts — Walnuts grown on the mountainous land of Taşkent are one of the district's important agricultural products.

Economy

Taşkent's economy rests on farming and livestock. Walnuts, wheat and barley are the main agricultural products. Beekeeping is an important source of income.

How to Get to Taşkent

Taşkent is 140 km from Konya city centre. Transport is by road.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Konya

Taşkent: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to see in Taşkent?

The highlights of Taşkent are 3 places: Taşkent Cave (İnönü Cave), Balcılar Canyon and Taşkent Grand Mosque.

What should I eat in Taşkent?

Keşkek and Tandır Ekmeği are the standout flavours on Taşkent's tables.

What is Taşkent famous for?

Taşkent is known for its Honey and its Taurus Mountains Way of Life. Honey obtained from the rich flora of the Taurus Mountains is a valuable natural product of Taşkent.

How do I get to Taşkent?

Taşkent is 140 km from Konya city centre. Transport is by road.

How much time should I allow for a visit to Taşkent?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May to September).

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Konya

Search 81 province guides and 976 district guides.