Konya, the ancient capital city of Selcuk Empire during 13th century was a city of Whirling Dervishes and famous for its Seljuk architecture. It was located at the Central Anatolia of Turkey. With students pouring in for Selcuk University, the city is in rapid growth recently but still remains as peaceful. The distance between Konya to Pamulkale is about 450km. Pamulkale was known as cotton castle due to the result of limestone formations built over 1000 years.
Vast horizon of land were covered with snow along the entire journey to Konya.
Pamukkale is a dazzling white plateau with an average height of 400 ft rising from shallow pools in different levels, famous for its Necropolis (an ancient ruin city) and thermal springs. The travertine terraces are formed by the lime residue after carbon gas evaporated. Barefooted walking in the lukewarm mineral water of those travertine Terrance in the freezing air, was such a wonderful experience .
Warm rich mineral water flow over cliffs and calcium deposit into formation when water cooled down creating beautiful hilly landscape in Pamukkale. Hierapolis was founded as a healing care center in 190 BC and now listed as a UNESCO world Heritage site.
Watch, wild raw honey when mixed with thick yoghurt wont fall off when upside down and the taste was so wonderful especially under this freezing cold climate.
The temperature continuously dropping and we continued moving on through this white journey to Konya.
Freezing cold, but we had fun. Local Bus Driver was teaching me how to skate on the natural snowing land.
The heaviest snow fall we ever encountered for.
Finally we had a short rest at this warm restaurant. The food really warmed up our stomach and spirit.
The stable provided for traders horses or camels when they accommodated in hotel along the ancient silk route while traveling from east to west or from west back to east.
The prayers' area specially for Muslims.
The main door and some internal view of the ancient accommodation site for the silk road traders.
A very cozy restaurant with big long glass window for us to enjoy their delicious healthy food and at the same time admire the beautiful snow scenery outside the window.
I love their salad which were arranged in the cart and served their guests for what they like.
Konya turned into a world of white with temperature under 20 degree Certigrade.
Warming up our feet in a cafe at a small town while waiting for a new vehicle as the bus engine faced problem due to the severe coldness before we arrived in Konya.
Our destination was finally at our sight.
Mevlana Museum located right at the center of Konya, built in 16th century was a holy site for Muslims' former whirling dervishes lodging place. Mevlana was the great mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader and founder sect of whirling dervishes. His tomb was constructed with attractive turquoise tiles, indicating an interesting interior architectural of tiling and stones work
Mevlana Museum
I really love konya restaurant!
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