Located between the Central Anatolia Region and the Mediterranean Region, Karaman is a beautiful town which is also characteristic of both regions. The city was used as a military and commercial site in the period of the Hittites. It was later converted into a settlement in the time of Lydia and the Phrygians. Later, it was under Seljuk and Ottoman rule. There is Konya in the north of Karaman, Mersin in the southeast, and Antalya in the southwest.

Climate and Local Cuisine

Karaman, which has been dominated by the continental climate as a whole, has very hot days in the summer and a cold climate in winter, with temperatures falling below zero. The city is especially suitable for traveling in spring and summer months.

The local cuisine consists of very rich different flavors. Due to its proximity to Mediterranean and southern cuisines, you can find wonderful dishes that are meat–based and herb–based. The most famous delicacies are sulu pilav, arabaşı soup, köy dolması, cibe dolması, bulamaç, batırık, guymak, toyga çorbası, and susuz kebab.

Arabaşı soup

Places to Visit

There are caves, structures, ancient cities, and important historic ruins in Karaman, which you can call the land of poets. For this reason, a different touristic event takes place every season of the year. Places to visit in Karaman are listed below.

• Çeşmeli Chapel: It is in the city center of Karaman and was built as an Armenian work during the Byzantine period. Together with various restorations, it is home to artistic activities.
• Karaman Castle: It has been restored in different periods of history and has reached the present day with the last restoration in 1465. The castle, which is estimated to have been built in the 14th century, is now used as a
  museum and has very different architecture.
• Ermenek Castle: It is the first castle built in the time of the Karamanoğlu Reign. There are shelters and dungeons in different structures.

Karaman Railway Station

• Ermenek Valley: There are several caves within the Ermenek Valley, which has an extremely rich natural atmosphere. Also rich in endemic plant species, the valley is ideal for trekking, mountain climbing, and camping life.
• İncesu Cave: Located near the city center, the İncesu Cave has a structure dating back to ancient times. The length of the cave, which is formed by the accumulation of dripstone, is 1356 meters.
• Meraspolis Cave: Located in Ermenek district, the cave is famous for its stalactites and stalagmites. The groundwater in the cave, with two different entrances, met the needs of the city during the ancient period.
• Zeyve Bazaar: The bazaar, which has a history of five centuries, is located in the Ermenek district. When used as a promenade in summer, it carries an authentic air with water mills and natural ovens.
• Binbir Church: Located 50 kilometers from the city center, the church is in an interesting neighborhood where many different churches come together.

Historical Anatolian church

• Aktekke Mosque: It is a single-domed mosque built with cut stones and carrying the architectural features of the Karamanoğlu period.
• Dereköy Fisandon Church: The church, which was built in the 9th century, was converted into a mosque for a period and is open to visitors today.
• Hürrem Dayı House: Hürrem Dayı House, which was built three centuries ago, reflects the civil architectural features of the Ottoman period. It is a wonderful structure with woodwork, a courtyard, and mansion designs.
• Tartan House: The Tartan House, which was a work of Ottoman architecture in the 19th century, was built in 1810. The interior decorations and wood structure are highly impressive.

Old historic mosque

Festivals

The traditional Sarıveliler Karacaoğlan and Yayla Festival, held in July, has become a popular event in recent years. The Başak Festival in June and the Sidamara Sarcophagus Promotion Days event really open the city to tourism. Flower harvest activities abound in the Sarıveliler district in June, and the Kardelen Festival is a natural festival where many different flowers are exhibited. The Başyayla Cherry Festival, which takes place in the Başyayla district in June, is the scene of intense participation.

How to Get There

If you want to go to Karaman by road, you can choose the Konya, Antalya, and Adana routes. The city is located at a distance of 363 kilometers from Ankara. You might prefer the Kurtalan Express for access to the city by rail. Transportation can be provided by train from Izmir, Istanbul, and Adana.