Konya: A City of History, Culture and Rugs
Konya is one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in Turkey, with a history that spans millennia and a culture that reflects its rich heritage. Konya was the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, which ruled over most of Anatolia in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was also the home of the famous poet and mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi, who founded the Mevlevi order of whirling dervishes. Konya is a city of monuments, museums, mosques and mausoleums, as well as a city of rugs, kilims and carpets.
The History of Konya
Konya’s history dates back to the 3rd millennium BC, when it was known as Kaoania or Iconium. It was inhabited by various civilizations, such as the Hittites, the Phrygians, the Greeks, the Persians and the Romans. According to legend, the city was founded by Perseus, who killed a dragon with the head of Medusa and named the city after the icon (image) of the monster1
Konya reached its peak of glory under the Seljuks, who made it their capital in the 11th century. The Seljuks were a Turkic dynasty that expanded their empire from Central Asia to the Middle East and Anatolia. They were known for their military prowess, their cultural achievements and their patronage of art, science and architecture. Under their rule, Konya became a center of learning, trade and spirituality, attracting scholars, poets, artists and mystics from all over the Islamic world2
One of the most famous figures of Konya’s Seljuk era was Jalal al-Din Rumi, also known as Mevlana (our master). Rumi was a poet, philosopher, theologian and mystic, who wrote the Mathnawi, a masterpiece of Persian literature that explores the themes of love, faith, beauty and the meaning of life. Rumi was also the founder of the Mevlevi order, a Sufi sect that practices a ritual of whirling dance as a form of meditation and worship. The Mevlevi are also known as the whirling dervishes, because of their distinctive white robes and conical hats3
Konya’s importance declined after the Mongol invasion of the 13th century, which ended the Seljuk rule. The city was later ruled by various Turkish beyliks (principalities), the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey. Today, Konya is the seventh most populous city in Turkey, with a population of over 2 million. It is also a major industrial, agricultural and cultural center, as well as a popular tourist destination4
The Culture of Konya
Konya’s culture is a reflection of its long and diverse history, as well as its location in the heart of Anatolia. Konya is a city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern, the religious and the secular, the urban and the rural coexist in harmony. Konya is a city of festivals, celebrations, traditions and customs, as well as a city of museums, monuments, mosques and mausoleums.
One of the most prominent aspects of Konya’s culture is its connection to Rumi and the Mevlevi order. Rumi’s tomb and museum are located in the Mevlana complex, which is the most visited site in the city. The complex consists of a mosque, a semahane (hall of whirling dance), a library, a school and a rose garden. The museum displays Rumi’s personal belongings, manuscripts, books, carpets and musical instruments, as well as the relics of other Mevlevi saints and leaders. The semahane is the place where the Mevlevi perform their whirling ceremony, which is open to the public on certain days of the week. The ceremony is a mesmerizing spectacle of music, poetry and dance, that symbolizes the journey of the soul towards God5
Another important cultural event in Konya is the International Mevlana Festival, which is held every year in December, to commemorate the anniversary of Rumi’s death. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy the performances of the Mevlevi and other Sufi groups, as well as concerts, exhibitions, conferences and workshops. The festival is a celebration of Rumi’s universal message of love, tolerance and peace, that transcends the boundaries of time, place and religion6
Konya is also a city of other cultural attractions, such as the Alaeddin Mosque, the Karatay Madrasa, the Ince Minare Museum, the Seljuk Tower, the Konya Archaeological Museum, the Konya Ethnographic Museum and the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden. Konya is also a city of culinary delights, such as the famous etli ekmek (meat bread), the firin kebap (oven-baked meat), the okra soup, the tirit (bread soaked in broth), the bici bici (ice dessert) and the salep (hot drink made from orchid root)7
The Vintage Rugs of Konya
Konya is not only a city of history and culture, but also a city of rugs, kilims and carpets. Konya has a long and rich tradition of weaving, dating back to the Seljuk period and beyond. Konya is one of the main centers of rug production in Turkey, with many villages and towns in the region specializing in different styles, designs and techniques. Konya rugs are known for their high quality, durability and beauty, as well as their cultural and artistic value8
One of the most distinctive types of Konya rugs are the vintage and ottoman kilim rugs, which are hand-woven from wool, cotton or silk, using natural dyes and geometric patterns. Vintage rugs are old rugs that have been washed, repaired, trimmed or overdyed to give them a new look and feel. Ottoman Kilim rugs are flat-woven rugs that have no pile, and are usually reversible. Vintage and ottoman kilim rugs are popular among collectors and decorators, because of their unique character, vibrant colors and versatile use. They can be used as floor coverings, wall hangings, furniture covers, bedspreads, cushions, bags and more9
At Karavan Rug, we offer a wide selection of vintage and ottoman kilim rugs from Konya and other regions of Turkey, at affordable prices and with worldwide delivery. Our rugs are authentic, handmade, one-of-a-kind and eco-friendly. We source our rugs directly from the local weavers, who use traditional methods and materials to create their masterpieces. We also provide cleaning, restoration and resizing services for our customers, to ensure the longevity and beauty of their rugs10
If you are looking for a unique and exquisite rug to enhance your home or office, or to give as a gift to someone special, look no further than Karavan Rug. We have the perfect rug for you, whether you prefer a vintage or a ottoman kilim, a small or a large, a simple or a complex, a colorful or a neutral rug. Our rugs are not only products, but also pieces of art and history, that reflect the culture and spirit of Konya and Turkey. Visit our website www.karavanrug.com to browse our collection and to learn more about our company and our services. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you find your dream rug.
