70 · City guide
Karaman
Homeland of the Turkish language and the Karamanids
Karaman, formerly known as Larende, became the center of the Karamanoğulları Beylik from the 13th century onward. Turkish Language Day is celebrated in the city every year in memory of the 1277 decree by Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey ordering the use of Turkish in the council (divan). In the historic center, the elegant portal of the Hatuniye Madrasa, the Aktekke Mosque housing the grave of Mevlânâ's mother, the Tomb of Yunus Emre and the castle on the mound can be explored on foot. To the north, Binbirkilise on the slopes of Karadağ, with its Byzantine church ruins, is one of the province's most impressive archaeological sites. To the east, the rock granaries of Taşkale, the Manazan rock settlement and İncesu Cave, and to the south, Ermenek, set among the Taurus Mountains with its historic mosques and turquoise dam lake, offer a separate route of discovery.
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.23
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Practical information
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.- Note
- Turkish Language Day and Yunus Emre commemoration events are held in May; in December, the Şeb-i Arûs program begins in Karaman.
- Climate
- Continental climate in the center; Mediterranean influence in Ermenek and the Taurus districts to the south.
- Best time
- April–June and September–October; summer months for boat tours on the Ermenek dam lake.
- Getting there
- High-speed train connection via Konya; the nearest airport is Konya (about 110 km).
- Getting around
- The historic buildings are close to each other in the center; a private vehicle is recommended for Taşkale, Binbirkilise and Ermenek.