Konya

Konya is a large city in central Turkey with a population of approximately two million. It is known for being the most conservative city in Turkey and alcohol is virtually banned; however it is becoming more accepting as it has a large university. It attracts many Turkish visitors who come to visit the Mevlana Museum, but almost no overseas tourists. The museum is the most important Sufi site in the world and is the burial place of the 13th century poet and Sufi mystic, Rumi. Sufi is a sect of Islam, most known for the Whirling Dervishes. Rumi is reputed to be the most read poet in the USA. It is not hard to see why as many of his quotes have been translated from the original Persian and reproduced on posters – “Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise so I am changing myself.”

We also took time to sample the local food which comprises meat, meat and more meat…with bread. We were therefore surprised to find a large fruit and vegetable market, known as the Kadinlar Pazar (womens’ market). Our Turkish friends had warned us about the lack of alcohol, but no one had mentioned that every restaurant was Etli Ekmek (meat with bread) !