Karaman |
The province of Karaman is located to the south of the Central Anatolian Region and is between Konya - İçel - Antalya provinces. The province is a major commerce, culture and art center. Karaman province and its vicinity is known to be inhabited from the beginning of BC 8000 and the region charms and fascinates the visitors with the touristic beauties as underground cities, caves, religious centers and also with natural beauties as plateaus and other natural flora and fauna, rich hand crafted art works. |
How to Get |
Highway The bus station is located approximately 3 kilometers outside of the city center. Reaching to the bus station is possible via public buses, commercial and shared taxis. |
Mosques and Churches |
Aktekke Mosque (Mader-i Mevlana Mosque) The mosque is located at the city center. It was constructed at the Karamanoğlu period entirely from shear stones and has a large central dome and a high minaret. At the left side of the mosque in a separated place, the coffin tombs of Mümine Hatun, mother of Hz. Mevlana and his grandsons are present. Derbe The church is located inside the borders of Ekinözü village which is 23 km. away from the Karaman province. The historic sources indicate that the Derbe Church is among the first churches constructed in the world. This church was constructed in the year AD 41, 13 years before the construction of the Sister Mary Church in Ephesos. The Derbe Church is stated three times in the Holy Bible of the Christians. The Christians visiting Derbe Church had become Christian Pilgrims according to their religious beliefs. Alahan The inn is located to 40 km south of the Karaman Province. The structure was constructed in the 12th century by Seljukians. |
High Plateaus |
The plateaus of the province is used for pasturage purposes for the live stock of the villagers, especially in spring season. Because of their water springs, clean air, natural beauty, the convenience for pasturage for live stock and being a transition region to the Mediterranean Region, especially the plateaus at the Ermenek Region are the preferred frequent visiting places for local and foreign tourists for the purposes of trekking, local food and beverage varieties, natural mineral water and promenade areas. |
Bridges |
Görmel Bridge: It is one of the most beautiful works that Karamanoğulları left. It is in Ermenek. The bridge, of 27 m. of height and 4.70 m. of width, is erected on two arcades and was constructed by Halil Bey, the son of Karamanoğlu Mahmut Bey. |
Castles |
Karaman Castle: It is constructed by Seljuks, in 12th century and composed of ramparts one inside the other. Today, inner castle still exists and it is one of the most conspicious castles of our country. |
Caves of Karaman |
Hışlayık Cave |
Museums
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Karaman Museum The local archeological and ethnographic findings are exhibited at the museum. |
History |
The certain foundation date of Karaman province is not known. As a result of the archeological excavations, the oldest settlement findings about the Karaman province and its vicinity is determined to be after the year of BC 8000. The province had become a military and commerce center during the period of the Hittite civilization and had entered the reign of Frig and Lydia civilization. The province had been the capital of the Karamanoğlu State which was founded after the weakening of the Anatolian Seljuk State. |
What to Buy |
The wooden engraving craftsmanship, carpentry and furniture making are very common. Also embroidery and pinking crafts are very common among the women of the region. Therefore, carpets (Taşkale, Şirvan, Koraş carpets) and hand crafts are favorite souvenirs of the region. |
Don't Leave Without
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- Visiting Binbir Churches, Aktekke Mosque, Yunus Emre Mosque and Karaman Castle. |
Contact Information |
KARAMAN CONTACT INFORMATION
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Museum
Governorship : (+90-338) 213 10 12 |