Posted by Ivan Sønderholm on 11-29-2006 03:26 PM:

Konya Ethnographic Museum

Hi members

If you are passing through Konya - perhaps on your way to Capadocia in Turkey - you should pay attention to Konya Ethnographic Museum.
The museum includes a large collection of antique and ancient Anatolian carpets. Among the carpets are carpet fragments from the 13th century Seljuk period and Konya carpets from the 16-17th century and later.


Konya carpet 17th century


Konya carpet 16th century


Konya Ethnographic Museum

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Ivan Sønderholm

Posted by Steve Price on 11-30-2006 10:54 AM:

Hi Ivan

I've been to Konya several times, and your post reminded me of what a wonderful place it is to visit. The two major museums are fantastic (the other one is the Mevlana, right in the center of the old city), people are friendly, food is excellent, and the city is a fascinating historical and cultural center. It's a short drive to Catal Huyuk or to Cappadocia; no touring ruggie should miss either spot.

Thanks

Steve Price

Posted by Ivan Sønderholm on 11-30-2006 12:10 PM:

Mevlana

Hi Steve

I agree - Konya is a very nice place and the excavations at Catal Huyuk nearby are worth visiting.

Mevalana Museum is Konya's most famous tourist attaction - and though very crowded - a great museum. The museum includes also several Anatolian prayer rugs.

Mevlana was a 13th century Islamic poet and philosopher advocating for tolerance and love. He was born in Persia and died in Konya. His followers known as the "Whirling Dervishes", perform their worship in a dance ceremony.


Mevlana Museum


18th century Kirshehir prayer rug - Mevlana Museum

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Ivan Sønderholm

Posted by Ivan Sønderholm on 11-30-2006 12:19 PM:

Capadocia

Steve is absolutely right about Capadocia - a visit here is a MUST.

The strange Capadocian landscape is formed by erosion of volcano tuff. And if you looking for rug shops - visit Göreme.






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Ivan Sønderholm

Posted by Richard Larkin on 11-30-2006 01:57 PM:

Ivan and Steve:

I've never been to Turkey (unless you count the airport), but you guys have sold me. Thanks for the tip on the museums, and the great images.

I'm amazed that the "Memling gul" fragment is dated to the 16th century. How can they tell that?

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Rich Larkin

Posted by Ivan Sønderholm on 11-30-2006 03:50 PM:

Hi Rich

Thanks for your comments. The best way to travel in Turkey - in my opinion - is by public bus and as backpacker. There are bus departures from "everywhere" to "everywhere" many times per day and it is easy to find lodging. And prices are resonable too for a western tourist.

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Ivan Sønderholm

Posted by Steve Price on 11-30-2006 04:57 PM:

Hi Ivan

I agree. Unlike Europe, train service in Turkey is spotty. But the buses are clean, pleasant, and inexpensive, and unless you are ready to brave the lunacy of the Turkish drivers (we usually rent cars), they are the way to travel.

It's our favorite destination; we always start and end in Istanbul, but have now covered most of the country except the Mediterranean coast.

Regards

Steve Price

Posted by Ivan Sønderholm on 11-30-2006 06:05 PM:

Hi Steve

If you have not visited Antalya on the Southern Mediterranean coast you should do some day. The old city around the ancient harbour is - though quite crowded with OTHER western tourists - very charming.

Antalya Archeaological Museum is worth visiting and includes artifacts from before the Bronze age to Hellinistic and Roman age. Especially impressing is the statues from the ancient city Perge.

The museum includes an ethnographic section with examples of Dosemealti rugs from the area. Not so old and though in bad condition - but - interesting anyway.


Early 20th century Dösemealti rug


Equipped Yuruk tent - Antalya Archeaological Museum

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Best regards
Ivan Sønderholm