Set off from Mevlana and discover Selime, the massive rock cathedral at the end of Ihlara.
Stretching flawlessly from the endless steppes of Central Anatolia to the deeply mysterious valleys of Cappadocia, this highly exciting two-day route actively awaits travelers seeking both mystical depth and an archaeological discovery. Starting out from the widely known mystical atmosphere of Konya and extending towards the geological wonders of Aksaray, this itinerary comprehensively offers the opportunity to discover the lands that have witnessed the absolute birth of civilizations step by step. This journey, where you will start with Mevlana's deeply tolerant philosophy and carefully trace the very oldest settlements of mankind, is a spiritually and culturally extremely satisfying experience. This trip, beautifully carried out during periods when the steppe greens perfectly in spring or safely turns into yellow tones in autumn, will successfully reveal how strictly history and nature integrate flawlessly.
You peacefully begin the trip by visiting the famous Mevlana Müzesi, located exactly in the spiritual heart of Konya, deeply feeling the spirit of that era. Following a highly peaceful tour precisely in the footsteps of the dervishes, you can closely examine Mecma’ül-Bahreyn, one of the most remarkable historical monuments in the city center, and perfectly photograph the pure aesthetics of mystical architecture. If you want to watch the absolutely unique view of Konya from a high point, you can confidently go up to Akyokuş, which strictly has held nature park status since 2011, and take a deeply pleasant break in the fresh air. The most striking cultural stop of the day and the region will undoubtedly be the magnificent Çatalhöyük Örenyeri, widely considered one of the oldest settlements in human history. While continually wandering among the mud-brick houses and wall paintings here, you will directly witness the lifestyle of thousands of years ago.
On your second day, you quickly cross the Anatolian steppes and securely turn your direction to Aksaray, very famous for its natural and historical beauties. Your first stop in the region will inevitably be the ancient Aşıklı Höyük settlement, which comprehensively reveals the deep-rooted archaeological heritage of the region again. After carefully tracing the first humans in this historical area, the massive and totally fascinating Selime Katedrali rising right at the end of the Ihlara Valley will warmly welcome you. This glorious early Christian monument, masterfully carved into tuff rocks, literally enchants those who see it with its highly mystical structure. You will crown the closing of this extremely intense culture and nature tour with a long and utterly peaceful walk strictly inside the Ihlara Vadisi Örenyeri, widely famous for its steep slopes, the river constantly passing through it, and ancient churches delicately carved into the rocks.