World Council 2023

◼️ CULTURAL VISIT ORGANIZED BY THE MUNICIPALITY OF KONYA ◼️

📍 Meeting points:

Dedeman Hotel

Ramada Hotel

Bayir Diamond Hotel

️🎯 Description:

The programme includes the following visits:

➜ 14:00-14:45: Historical Sille Town:

Sille, which goes back to the Neolithic Age, has housed numerous civilizations up to the present day. Hagia Elenia Church, one of the early Christian period structures, is located in this ancient settlement, which became an important religious centre throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods due to its location on the Jerusalem route. Among the important structures in Sille are Hagia Elenia Church, Kyriakon Church, Ak Monastery, Kurtuluş Mosque, Subaşı Bath, Devil's Bridge, Sille Museum, Time Museum and Sille Art Gallery.

➜ 14:45-15:15: Panoramic Konya City Tour

➜ 15:15-16:30: Mawlana Museum:

The greatest Sufi (mystic) Poet and perhaps the most outstanding mystical poet of any language and a 13th century philosopher, Mawlana was born in Balkh in 1207. His father was a religious scholar and a Sufi who with the advent of Mongol invasion of Central Asia took his family westward. It was here in Konya that Rumi was to spend the last forty-some years of his life, where he composed his peerless works, and where he received the inspiration for the sacred music and dervishes. Rumi became like his father, a religious scholar and mastered the sciences of his day. The museum is where he was buried along with some of his family members and students. The complex displays the ways and tools of Mawlawi order, which was formed centuries after his passing.

➜ 16:30-18:00: The Golden Bazaar, Mawlana Square and Grand Bazaar:

The Golden Bazaar is a newly renovated area close to Mawlana Museum and the Grand Bazaar with souvenir shops and various local stores. The participants will have free time to explore the heart of the city and shop.

Bedesten Bazaar (the Grand Bazaar) located in the heart of the Seljuk city Konya, has been an important commercial hub since the Romans and continues to be so today. The historical Bedesten Bazaar, which dates back two thousand years and represents the city's commercial culture and accumulation, was restored in accordance with its original appearance and gained its present magnificent appearance in 2013 by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality as part of the Mevlana Culture Valley Project. Bedesten Bazaar is a popular tourist destination with its new appearance, which retains its ancient flavour.

In order to facilitate logistical organization, we would be grateful if you could confirm your attendance to these social events.