Weird & Unusual Attractions in Selçuklu, Konya, Turkey

Selçuklu, Turkey, Selçuklu, Unique & Fun, Weird & Unusual Attractions

Weird & Unusual Attractions in Selçuklu, Konya, Turkey

1. The Mausoleum of Köprülü Faki

A unique mosque-mausoleum with an intricate marble decoration and a striking minaret, built in the early 18th century.
  • Marble Decoration: Features elaborate carvings and inscriptions on its exterior.
  • Magnificent Minaret: Showcases six different architectural styles in one structure.
  • Rare Architectural Design: Combines mosque and mausoleum elements, making it a unique attraction.

2. The Priest's House (Höyük Tevfik Paşa Konagi)

A peculiar house that was once the residence of a Greek Orthodox priest in the early 20th century. Now turned into a museum.
  • Ancient City View: Offers a stunning view of the ancient city of Aï Khanis.
  • Architectural Style: Blends Byzantine and Ottoman architectural elements.
  • Greek Orthodox History: Serves as a reminder of the Greek Orthodox community's presence in Selçuklu.

3. The Yatagan Museum

A museum dedicated to traditional Turkish weapons known as yatagans, located in a restored Ottoman mansion.
  • Traditional Weapons Display: Displays over 200 different types of yatagans.
  • Ottoman Mansion Architecture: Showcases the unique architecture of an Ottoman mansion.
  • Crafting Techniques Demonstrations: Provides demonstrations on how these weapons were crafted.

4. The Selçuklu Underground City

A subterranean city dating back to the Byzantine era, used as a refuge during invasions.
  • Byzantine History: Provides insights into the life and defense strategies of the Byzantine period.
  • Underground Tunnels: Includes a network of tunnels, churches, and dwellings underground.
  • Well-Preserved Mosaics: Features well-preserved mosaic flooring in some of the subterranean rooms.

5. The Church of St. John

A partially ruined Byzantine church with beautiful frescoes and an exceptional acoustic quality.
  • Beautiful Frescoes: Features well-preserved Byzantine frescoes.
  • Excellent Acoustics: Has exceptional acoustic properties, often used for classical music concerts.
  • Byzantine History: Dates back to the Byzantine period and serves as a reminder of the Christian presence in Selçuklu.

6. The Karagöz Puppet Museum

A museum dedicated to the traditional Turkish shadow puppetry art form of Karagöz.
  • Traditional Turkish Art: Displays a variety of puppets, scripts, and tools related to Karagöz.
  • Interactive Demonstrations: Offers interactive demonstrations on the art of Karagöz puppetry.
  • Shadow Puppet History: Provides insights into the history and evolution of shadow puppetry in Turkey.

7. The Ethnography Museum

A museum showcasing traditional Turkish crafts, customs, and daily life.
  • Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve traditional Turkish crafts and customs.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits that allow visitors to participate in traditional activities.
  • Rare Artifacts Display: Displays a collection of rare and unique artifacts related to Turkish ethnography.

8. The Selçuklu Bazaar

A traditional marketplace offering a variety of local products, such as spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
  • Local Products: Offers a variety of locally produced goods.
  • Traditional Architecture: Features traditional Ottoman-style architecture.
  • Bargaining Experience: Allows visitors to participate in the age-old tradition of bargaining for goods.

9. The Selçuklu Castle

An ancient castle that offers panoramic views of Selçuklu and the surrounding countryside.
  • Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking views of Selçuklu and the surrounding region.
  • Historic Architecture: Showcases a blend of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman architecture.
  • Medieval Fortress: Serves as a reminder of the region's medieval history and military strategies.

10. The Selçuklu Hamam (Bathhouse)

A traditional Turkish bath offering a relaxing experience based on centuries-old practices.
  • Relaxing Experience: Offers visitors a relaxing, rejuvenating experience.
  • Centuries-Old Practices: Follows traditional Turkish bathing rituals and techniques.
  • Authentic Hamam Atmosphere: Provides an authentic, historic atmosphere for a unique bathing experience.

11. The Selçuklu Caravanserai

A medieval roadside inn that once provided shelter and food to travelers on the Silk Road.
  • Silk Road History: Serves as a reminder of Selçuklu's connection to the ancient Silk Road.
  • Architectural Style: Showcases a unique blend of Anatolian and Persian architectural styles.
  • Traveler's Refuge: Provided shelter, rest, and food for weary travelers on the Silk Road.

12. The Selçuklu Aqueduct (Sarnıçlar)

An ancient aqueduct that supplied water to the city of Aï Khanis during Roman and Byzantine times.
  • Ancient Water Supply: Once provided water for the city of Aï Khanis.
  • Roman and Byzantine History: Serves as a reminder of Roman and Byzantine presence in Selçuklu.
  • Architectural Wonder: Features an impressive, well-preserved architectural design.

13. The Selçuklu Windmill Museum

A museum dedicated to the traditional Turkish windmills that were once essential for grinding grain.
  • Traditional Technology: Showcases traditional windmill technology.
  • Interactive Demonstrations: Offers interactive demonstrations on how the windmills worked.
  • Grain Production History: Provides insights into the history of grain production in Selçuklu.

14. The Selçuklu Agora (Ancient Marketplace)

A partially excavated Roman-era marketplace that offers a glimpse into ancient commerce.
  • Ancient Commerce: Offers insights into ancient commerce and trade practices.
  • Roman Architecture: Showcases well-preserved Roman architecture.
  • Partially Excavated: Only a portion of the original marketplace has been excavated, offering a unique view into the past.

15. The Selçuklu Thracian Tomb

An ancient Thracian tomb dating back to the 4th century BCE with intricate frescoes and carvings.
  • Thracian History: Serves as a reminder of Selçuklu's Thracian heritage.
  • Intricate Frescoes and Carvings: Features beautiful, well-preserved frescoes and carvings.
  • Ancient Burial Customs: Provides insights into ancient Thracian burial customs and rituals.