Places to Visit in Karaman
Karaman is one of the hidden treasures of Central Anatolia, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, has a deep-rooted past and attracts attention with its natural beauty. Karaman's fascinating nature, historical structures and cultural riches offer an unforgettable experience to its visitors. Especially with its unique caves, ancient cities and magnificent mosques, Karaman is among the places that every traveler should discover. So, where are the places to visit in Karaman? Here are the most special places that must be seen in Karaman...
Historical places
Karaman, hosting a deep-rooted history in the ancient lands of Anatolia, has managed to carry traces of the past to the present day. With structures from different periods rising in every corner, this city is like an open-air museum for history and culture enthusiasts. The historical places to visit in Karaman, which contains traces of many civilizations from the Ottomans to the Seljuks, from the Byzantines to the Romans, offer visitors both a cultural journey and unforgettable experiences. These historical beauties, ranging from Karaman Castle to the unique grain silos of Taşkale, from the enchanting atmosphere of the Hürrem Dayı House to the elegant architecture of the Hatuniye Madrasah, will take you on a journey into the past.
Karaman Castle
Karaman Castle, built in the early 12th century, is a magnificent structure that contains traces of many civilizations throughout history. The castle, which draws attention with its intertwined walls, consists of three sections: inner, middle and outer. Karaman Castle is one of the indispensable stops of cultural tourism and has been brought to its current state with various restorations during the Ottoman, Seljuk and Karamanid periods. At the same time, traces of the Byzantine, Roman and Bronze Ages also come to life on the castle walls. This historical structure, which also found a place in the Seyahatname of the famous traveler Evliya Çelebi, offers its visitors the opportunity to discover the riches of the past.
Karaman Castle, which is easily accessible due to its proximity to the city center, is an ideal place to visit for those who want to witness history up close. If you also want to follow the traces of the past step by step, you can organize a trip to Karaman Castle and breathe in this mystical atmosphere.
Uncle Hurrem's House
One of the most visited spots in Karaman, the Hürrem Dayı House is a structure that draws attention with its unique architecture and wins the admiration of visitors. This historical mansion, one of the most beautiful examples of Turkish architecture, also has great importance in terms of tourism. With a history of approximately 300 years, the Hürrem Dayı House offers a fascinating atmosphere with its impressive wooden and pencil decorations. The mansion, which has undergone various restoration works over time, has managed to reach the present day by preserving its original structure thanks to these works carried out in accordance with the original.
The owner of the house is not a person with a great fortune, but rather a middle-class civil servant who lives a modest life. If you happen to be in Karaman, you should not complete your trip without seeing this rare example of Turkish architecture and you should definitely add Uncle Hürrem's House to your list of places to visit.
Tartan Mansion
Built by Tartanzade Hacı Ahmet Efendi in the 19th century, the Tartan Mansion stands out as one of the most striking examples of Anatolian Turkish house architecture. The mansion is adorned with striking hand-drawn ornaments and has a two-story structure with a central sofa plan. The octagonal-ceilinged sofa on the first floor bears traces of Westernization-era architecture such as the Sultanahmet Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Maiden's Tower and Mahmut II's Mausoleum.
This mansion, which has hosted not only the Tartan family but also many guests who have passed through Karaman, has become an important cultural stop over time. Visiting this fascinating structure, where history and aesthetics are intertwined, offers a unique opportunity for those who want to get to know the architectural heritage of Anatolia.
Hatuniye Madrasa
Located in the center of Karaman, Hatuniye Madrasah was built in 1382 by Nefise Sultan, the daughter of Ottoman Sultan Murat Hüdavendigar and wife of Karamanoğlu Alaaddin Bey. The madrasah, which draws attention with its open courtyard and porticoes, has an elegant architectural design. While there are rooms for students on the east and west sides of the madrasah, cut stone is used throughout the structure. In addition, geometric patterns, plant motifs, rumi and palmette details stand out in the decoration of the structure.
If you happen to be in Karaman, we definitely recommend you to visit Hatuniye Madrasah, which is located in İmaret Neighborhood, where many historical buildings are located. This madrasah offers a unique discovery for history and art enthusiasts.
Taskale
Taşkale, one of the must-see places in Karaman, attracts attention with its granaries, recreation areas and unique natural beauties. Taşkale, a village connected to the center and located 46 kilometers away from the center of Karaman, is also known as the "Homeland of Atatürk". Having hosted many important civilizations such as the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman throughout history, Taşkale carries the traces of these civilizations to the present day.
Offering both historical and natural beauties together, Taşkale has the most valuable touristic spots of Karaman very close to each other. You can maximize your travel experience by visiting the historical granaries, İncesu Cave and Manazan Caves. If you happen to be in Karaman, do not complete your trip without exploring this impressive region.
Taskale Granaries
One of the most impressive structures of Karaman, Taşkale Granaries are located in Taşkale Town. These historical granaries, which are 251 in total, are carved into rock masses rising up to approximately 40 meters. These rock structures, made of clayey limestone, were shaped entirely by human hands and the depths of the granaries vary between 7 and 15 meters. It is possible to climb these granaries, which are carved into single and double rooms, by holding on to the beams on the surface of the rocks; grain products are carried by a chain and pulley system.
Thanks to the heat and humidity stability of the clayey limestone, grain products can be stored in these silos for 30 years without spoiling. These structures, which can be considered the ancestors of the modern refrigerator, have been in use for over 800 years. Taşkale Silos offer a unique experience to its visitors with both its fascinating architecture and historical value. When you come to Karaman, you should not complete your trip without seeing these historical silos.
Uckuyu Ruins
Located in Üçkuyular Village in the center of Karaman, Üçkuyu Ruins is an open-air museum dating back to the Byzantine and Roman periods. Consisting of churches and houses that are in ruins today, this area was used as a home by the locals in the past and its church was converted into a mosque. A must-see stop for archaeology enthusiasts, Üçkuyu Ruins continues to fascinate visitors with its historical atmosphere and impressive ruins. When you are in Karaman, do not forget to visit this special area to follow the traces of history.
Madenşehir Ruins
This old settlement area, located in the Madenşehri Village of Karaman and used as an archaeological site today, attracts attention with its important ruins from the Byzantine period. One of the most important structures of Madenşehri is the Binbir Church, the number 1 basilica located at the entrance of the village and worth seeing. As you proceed north from this basilica, there are Necropolis (cemetery) areas on both sides of the road. In the same area, it is possible to see many sarcophagi and sarcophagus lids spread out on the surface; some sarcophagi are decorated with relief figures, while others have cross reliefs.
Madenşehir Archaeological Site, thought to have been built around 500 BC, is a historical and cultural treasure that visitors to Karaman should definitely explore. You should add this archaeological site to your list to take a journey into the depths of history.
Tol Madrasah
Tol Madrasah, located in Çınarlısu Neighborhood of Ermenek district of Karaman, is the first madrasah built during the Karamanid period. Built in 1339 by Ermenek Governor Emir Musa Bey, this single-story, open courtyard building impresses visitors with its magnificent entrance. Today, some of the historical artifacts collected from the surrounding area are exhibited in the madrasah, which is used as an exhibition area.
If you happen to be in Ermenek, you should definitely visit Tol Madrasa and experience the fascinating atmosphere of this historical building.
These historical structures that make you feel the touch of the past in every corner of Karaman, impress their visitors not only with their architectural beauties but also with the stories they carry. Having hosted many civilizations throughout history, Karaman stands out as a city that every traveler should discover with its rich cultural heritage. To feel the historical texture of Karaman closely and to embark on a journey against time in this rare city of Anatolia, definitely add the historical places in Karaman to your list of places to visit and enjoy discovering this fascinating city.
Müzeler
Karaman is a fascinating city with its historical and cultural heritage, and it also offers its visitors unforgettable experiences with its museums. The museums to be visited in Karaman invite history and art enthusiasts to a journey through time by shedding light on the city's thousands of years of history. These museums, which have unique collections especially for those interested in archaeology, reveal Karaman's rich cultural texture with works from ancient times to the present day. Important stops such as the Karaman Museum are among the places that must be visited for those who want to get to know the history of the region up close.
Karaman Museum
For those interested in archaeology, the Karaman Museum is one of the must-see places in Karaman. The museum, which opened its doors to visitors in 1980, showcases the thousands of years of rich cultural heritage of Karaman and its surroundings. The two-story museum displays archaeological and ethnographic artifacts in two separate halls. These halls contain many striking artifacts such as terracotta vessels, various idols, bone and metal jewelry, tear bottles, weapons and ethnographic products.
Among the historical artifacts in the museum's collection dating back to the Epi Paleolithic Period, one of the most interesting is the female mummy brought from the Manazan Caves, which has been preserved intact for 15 centuries despite not undergoing any chemical treatment. This mummy is one of the important works that has increased the international recognition of the Karaman Museum. For an in-depth exploration of history and archaeology, the Karaman Museum is a stop not to be missed.
The museums in Karaman offer a great treasure for those who want to follow the traces of the past and see thousands of years of history up close. These places, where archaeological and ethnographic riches are exhibited, are an ideal stop to discover the cultural heritage of the city. If you want to delve into the depths of history and get to know Karaman's unique past more closely, you should add the museums in Karaman to your list and live this unique experience.
Religious Buildings
As a city where different cultures and beliefs have come together throughout history, Karaman also stands out with its rich religious heritage. The mosques, churches and other religious structures in the city stand out not only as places of worship, but also as important cultural treasures that carry the traces of history and architecture. The religious structures to be visited in Karaman offer both a spiritual and cultural experience to their visitors, each with its own story. These unique structures, ranging from Aktekke Mosque to Çeşmeli Church, from İmaret Mosque to Binbir Church, are ideal stops for those who want to feel the spirit and history of the city up close.
Church with Fountain
Located in Tapucak Neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Karaman, Çeşmeli Church is located in an area where Greek, Armenian and Turkish communities lived together before the population exchange and stands out with its cultural diversity. When you visit Çeşmeli Church, you can see the Yeni Hamam, one of the original structures of Ottoman architecture, the Araboğlu Mosque from the Karamanoğlu period and the Greek, Armenian and Turkish houses lined up side by side in the historical neighborhood.
The Çeşmeli Church, an example of the basilicas in the Binbir Church in the Karadağ district of Karaman, belongs to the Byzantine period and is built with a longitudinal nave and cut stone. This historical building, which was used as a prison until the 1980s during the Republican Period, has been restored and now hosts artistic and cultural events. If you happen to be in Karaman, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Çeşmeli Church and discover the rich traces of the past.
Aktekke Mosque
Aktekke Mosque, which has survived from the 14th century to the present day, was built in 1370 by Karamanoğlu Alaaddin Bey. Located in the İmaret Neighborhood in the center of Karaman, the mosque is one of the places visited by visitors thanks to its easy access. This historical structure, known among the public as the Aktekke Mosque, is also known as the “Mader-i Mevlana Mosque” because the tomb of Mümine Hatun, the mother of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, is located here.
Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi settled in Karaman with his family in 1222 and lived here for about 7 years. It is known that Mevlana got married in this city and that some of his family is buried here. There are 21 coffin tombs inside the mosque belonging to Mevlana's mother, sister and relatives. In addition, the hand-drawn decorations of the Aktekke Mosque from the Ottoman period are among the most beautiful examples of the artistic understanding of the period. If you happen to be in Karaman, you should add the Aktekke Mosque to the top of your list of places to visit to commemorate the great mystic Mevlana and explore this historical mosque.
Imaret Mosque
İmaret Mosque, built as a social complex by Karamanoğlu II. İbrahim Bey in 1433, is located in the İmaret Neighborhood of Karaman, very close to other historical buildings. Built of cut stone, the mosque attracts attention with its central dome, covered courtyard and two-story structure.
For those who want to breathe in the historical atmosphere of Karaman and get to know the architectural heritage of the region closely, İmaret Mosque is one of the important places to visit. You should definitely add this impressive structure in the center of Karaman to your travel list.
Natural beauties
Karaman is a city that draws attention with its historical riches as well as its fascinating natural beauties. In Karaman, where there is a different natural wonder in every corner, there are many places waiting to be discovered, from caves to plateaus, valleys to crater lakes. In Karaman, Incesu Cave, Meke Crater Lake, Ermenek Valley and Barcin Plateau, which are indispensable stops for nature lovers, offer their visitors unique views of nature and a peaceful atmosphere. If you want to discover the natural beauties of Karaman and accumulate unforgettable memories in the heart of nature, you should definitely visit these fascinating places.
Incesu Cave
Located 9 kilometers from the Taşkale town of Karaman, İncesu Cave is a structure that began to form approximately 2 million years ago and attracts attention with its natural beauty. Located right on the slope of İncesu Creek, the cave is 1.536 meters long and offers a visual feast with its numerous stalactites, stalagmites and travertine pools. The rock shelters near the cave bear traces of a small settlement from the Roman period.
Incesu Cave is a fascinating discovery point for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. When you come to Karaman, you can visit this impressive cave and enjoy both natural and historical beauties.
Manazan Caves
Located 40 kilometers from Karaman, on the side of the road between Yeşildere and Taşkale Villages, Manazan Caves are five-story structures carved entirely by human hands, positioned on a high rock mass. The first two floors of these caves, carved into limestone cliffs with a high clay content, consist of small rooms arranged in an east-west direction. The caves, which are strategically located controlling the valley, consist of floors called Kum Kale, At Meydanı and Ölüler Meydanı.
The caves do not have a clear entrance today because they have been damaged by natural factors over time. Some parts of the caves, which have many burial chambers on the first floor, were used as chapels and traces of geometric shapes and frescoes can be found in these areas. Although it is not known exactly when the Manazan Caves were carved, some findings date back to the 6th and 7th centuries and show that Byzantium settled in the region during this period. Visiting this impressive structure that bears the traces of history will allow you to take a journey into Karaman's rich past.
Meraspoli Cave
Known as the third largest cave in the world, Meraspoli Cave is one of the unique natural beauties of Karaman worth exploring. This unique cave attracts many local and foreign visitors every year. The cave attracts attention with its impressive structure formed over time by the calcareous waters passing under the rock blocks in the north. In addition, Meraspoli Cave, located in the Ermenek district of Karaman, meets most of the electricity and water needs of the region.
The cave has two different entrances, but today only one of them is actively used and its interior structure has a multi-story layout. Offering a visual feast to its visitors, Meraspoli Cave offers the opportunity to learn many interesting and different information when visited with a guide. If you happen to be in Karaman, you should definitely explore this impressive cave and experience the power of nature up close.
New World Cave
Located in the Topal Hacı area of the Bucakkışla Town of Karaman, in the area known as Gözpınarı on the Göksu River, the New World Cave offers its visitors a unique natural beauty. Located approximately 30-35 meters above the river, the cave is made entirely of marble and contains numerous stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a chapel inside the cave at an altitude of approximately 20-25 meters.
When you explore the cave, you will notice that there is a small pond at the bottom. The water coming out of here flows through the plane tree below the cave and flows towards the Göksu River. You can discover this natural wonder by visiting the New World Cave and experience a peaceful nature experience by the river.
Gökçe Çamlığı Recreation Area
Located 18 kilometers from Karaman city center, Gökçe Çamlığı is an ideal getaway for nature lovers. This recreation area, which is one of the favorite picnic areas of Karaman residents on weekends, is also an indispensable stop for campers and nature lovers. There are also camping areas suitable for caravaners in Çamlık. The park also offers various facilities such as restaurants, buffets, picnic areas, adventure park, paintball field, ATV safari, horse farm, cottages and nature walking trails.
If you are looking for a place in Karaman where you can be in touch with nature and socialize at the same time, Gökçe Çamlığı is the place for you!
Ali Beke Picnic Area
The Ali Beke Picnic Area, which is preferred by the people of Karaman for picnics on weekends, fascinates its visitors with its mystical atmosphere and lush nature. This area, which also houses the tomb of Ali Beke, a saint who lived in Karaman, is an ideal place for those who want to both pray and enjoy nature. Guests who come here can enjoy a peaceful picnic while praying to make their various wishes come true.
Ermenek Valley
Located in the Central Taurus Mountains, right in the middle of Karaman and Mersin on the Taşeli Plateau, Ermenek Valley is fed by the Ermenek Stream, one of the largest branches of the Göksu River. Surrounded by the Geyik Mountains to the northwest and the Kızıldağ National Park, Teke and Hisar Mountains to the east, this natural wonder valley fascinates its visitors with its eye-catching views.
There are many caves in the valley due to its geographical structure and the region attracts attention with its rich fauna and flora. Offering a riot of color with hundreds of varieties of vegetation in the spring months, the valley hosts 16 endemic plant species, including 81 species unique to Ermenek. In addition to its rich plant life, Ermenek Valley is also an important habitat in terms of wildlife and bird diversity, and is a paradise waiting to be discovered for nature lovers. If you happen to be here, you can visit Ermenek Valley to enjoy this unique geography and observe the fascinating beauties of nature firsthand.
Fruit Market
With its 600-year history, Zeyve Market, located within the borders of Yayla Village near Kazancık town in Ermenek district of Karaman, offers its visitors a fascinating nature experience with its century-old plane trees, small waterfalls and streams. Zeyve Market, one of the hidden beauties of Anatolia, also provides the opportunity to shop in the lap of nature. In this market, where organic products brought by villagers and local handicrafts are offered for sale in the summer and autumn months, products are sold only on Sundays.
You can have a picnic all day long while enjoying nature in Zeyve and create unforgettable memories with its historical atmosphere and natural beauties.
Meke Crater Lake
Known as the “evil eye bead of the world,” Meke Crater Lake was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption approximately eight thousand years ago and takes its name from the Meke birds that live in its vicinity. Located on the Konya Ereğli road, 107 kilometers from the center of Konya, this lake has been on the agenda with drought in recent years, but continues to attract the attention of both local and foreign tourists. TurkeyAlthough it is located in the region with the least rainfall in Turkey, Lake Meke, which is fed by underground water, is almost at the point of disappearing due to heat and evaporation in the summer months. However, it is revived with snowfall in the winter and becomes magnificently beautiful with the melting snow waters in the spring.
Meke Lake, one of the few natural beauties in the world, offers wonderful frames to photography enthusiasts with its unique landscapes and promises an unforgettable experience for those who want to enjoy nature. You should definitely add this rare lake, which is in danger of extinction, to your list of places to visit.
Barchin Plateau
Barçın Plateau, located approximately 2 hours from Karaman, is a natural wonder that can be visited in every season with its high oxygen level and peaceful atmosphere. In this plateau, which attracts attention with its magnificent view, you can have a picnic in the summer and spring months, enjoy a barbecue at the end of a long day, and spend time in nature by camping on the weekend. You can take nature walks in the clean air of the plateau and collect fun memories by attending the festivals organized in the summer months. Barçın Plateau is also an indispensable stop for professional photographers.
When you come to Karaman, you can stop by Barçın Plateau to get away from the noise of city life and enjoy nature to the fullest.
Karaman will both soothe your soul and offer you a unique nature experience with its natural beauties. The caves, lakes, valleys and recreation areas in the city are ideal discovery points for anyone who wants to be alone with nature. These unique beauties offered by Karaman are a perfect escape route for nature lovers as well as visitors looking for peace. Add these wonderful places to visit in Karaman, where nature exhibits all its generosity, to your list and enjoy this unique geography to the fullest.
Karaman is a paradise waiting to be discovered, appealing to both history enthusiasts and nature lovers with its historical and natural beauties. Karaman will be an unforgettable route for those who want to live unique experiences, get to know different cultures and discover this hidden and beautiful city of Turkey. Offering many places to discover from natural beauties to historical heritage, Karaman is ready to leave a different mark on the heart of every visitor. Pack your suitcase now and set out to discover the enchanting atmosphere of Karaman!