Konya is one of Turkey’s most special cities with its historical richness, cultural heritage, and spiritual atmosphere. Known for being home to the tomb of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, this city attracts attention not only for faith tourism but also for its handicrafts, cuisine, and traditional productions. In Konya, where traces of the Seljuk period can still be felt, many souvenirs and local products shaped by the aesthetics of the past can be found. Visitors to the city can choose from unique and high-quality gifts to both preserve their memories and bring meaningful keepsakes to their loved ones.
Souvenirs from Konya offer a wide range that reflects the city’s historical, religious, and cultural fabric. Symbols representing Mevlana’s philosophy, traditional sweets, handmade artworks, and regional delicacies stand out among the city’s distinctive gifts. From whirling dervish-themed ornaments to canned oven kebabs, from Seljuk-patterned tiles to tahini flatbreads, there are many options that offer valuable memories of Konya. These products are meaningful not only for their aesthetics or taste but also for embodying the spirit and cultural depth of Konya.
1. Mevlana Candy – Peppermint-flavored candies that have become a symbol of Konya.
Mevlana candy, closely associated with Konya, has long been a traditional and refreshing treat favored by both locals and visitors. Presented in thin, elongated white shapes, these candies leave a cooling taste in the mouth, especially due to their mint flavor. With its light texture and simple ingredients, this product is enjoyed by both adults and children and is considered an elegant gift that aligns with Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s philosophy of simplicity and tolerance.
Easily found in many confectionery shops in Konya and souvenir stores around the Mevlana Tomb, Mevlana candy is typically sold in carefully prepared boxes or bags. Its long shelf life and suitability for all age groups make it an ideal gift to bring back from a trip. This candy not only delights the taste buds but also symbolizes the spiritual atmosphere of Konya.
2. Ebru Art Products – Paintings or notebooks made using the traditional marbling technique.
Ebru art is a traditional Turkish decorative art created by making patterns with special paints on the surface of water and then transferring these patterns onto paper. Often described as the dance of colors on water, this art has carried both aesthetic and spiritual meaning for centuries. Konya is one of the significant cities where this ancient art is kept alive, particularly known for marbling works that feature Sufi figures associated with Mevlevism. These pieces are not only visually striking but also evoke a deep sense of inner peace and serenity.
Among the Ebru art products that can be bought in Konya are handmade notebook covers, original patterns turned into paintings, bookmarks, and postcards. Each item carries unique patterns and reflects both artistic value and Konya’s traditional sense of aesthetics. Ebru products are typically obtained from special workshops or cultural centers and are considered meaningful gifts with strong spiritual significance. These souvenirs appeal to both art enthusiasts and those looking for a special and distinctive keepsake.
3. Sikke and Prayer Beads – Symbolic accessories of Mevlevi dervishes.
The sikke and prayer beads are among the important symbols of Mevlevi culture and are spiritually meaningful souvenirs that can be bought from Konya. The sikke is a tall, cylindrical headdress traditionally made of felt, worn by Mevlevi dervishes. In Mevlevism, it symbolizes the tombstone of the ego and represents the dervish’s journey of purification from worldly desires. Miniature versions of the sikke are offered as souvenirs in the form of keychains, figurines, or decorative items.
The prayer beads, on the other hand, are deeply spiritual accessories used for both worship and achieving inner peace. Mevlevi-style prayer beads typically contain 33 or 99 beads and are made from natural materials such as stones, wood, or amber. Found in handmade craft workshops or shops around the Mevlana Museum in Konya, these beads stand out as both functional and aesthetically pleasing keepsakes. When the sikke and prayer beads are purchased together, they form a meaningful gift set that pays homage to the Mevlevi tradition.
4. Konya Oven Kebab in Canned or Vacuum-Packed Form – A souvenir kebab that can be reheated and eaten at home.
Konya oven kebab is one of the city’s most famous and traditional dishes, prepared by slow-cooking lamb meat in a stone oven for an extended period. The use of bone-in meat, cooked in its own fat and juices, results in a tender, juicy texture with a rich flavor. Traditionally prepared in stone ovens in the early morning hours, this kebab is typically served with plain flatbread and reflects the character of Konya cuisine, which combines simplicity with flavor.
Today, this delicacy is not only available in restaurants but is also offered in canned or vacuum-packed forms for easy consumption at home. It has become a popular souvenir choice for travelers due to its portability and long shelf life. As one of the most authentic culinary souvenirs that can be brought from Konya, oven kebab is an ideal choice to introduce local cuisine and offer a regional taste to loved ones.
5. Seljuk Motif Ceramics – Plates, vases, or tile objects decorated with historical patterns.
Seljuk motif ceramics are among the most striking souvenirs reflecting Konya’s historical heritage. Elements such as geometric patterns, star motifs, Kufic script, and stylized floral decorations are characteristic features of these ceramics. Especially the designs used in architectural structures from the Seljuk period being adapted into contemporary ceramic art creates an aesthetic bridge between the past and present. These items offer valuable pieces for those interested in traditional arts or for those who wish to incorporate historical elements into their home decor.
Produced in workshops and specialty tile shops in Konya, these ceramic items are presented in the form of handcrafted plates, vases, bowls, panels, and wall decorations. Each piece is unique, both due to the craftsmanship involved and the historical meaning it carries. The motifs on the ceramics not only offer visual beauty but also reflect the Seljuk understanding of art, culture, and faith. In this respect, Seljuk motif ceramics are among the most artistically and culturally valuable souvenirs to be bought from Konya.
6. Tahir Halva – A traditional sweet made with sesame, tahini, and sugar.
Tahir halva is one of Konya’s unique and traditional desserts. Its main ingredients are tahini derived from sesame seeds, granulated sugar, and flour. Known for its thick consistency and nutritious quality, tahir halva stands out with its dark brown color, oily texture, and distinctive flavor. It holds an important place both on local tables and as a souvenir product. Especially preferred in the winter months for its energizing and filling properties, this sweet is also known for its long shelf life.
Prepared using traditional methods in Konya’s halva shops, tahir halva is sold in sliced blocks or small packages. Some varieties may include walnuts or pistachios, but even in its plain form, it is quite delicious. For those wishing to bring a sweet gift from Konya’s cuisine to loved ones, tahir halva offers a local and practical souvenir option. It also provides a traditional taste experience when enjoyed with coffee or tea.
7. Figurines and Magnets with Mevlevi Figures – Items decorated with whirling dervish figures.
Figurines and magnets with Mevlevi figures are among the most symbolic souvenirs that reflect Konya’s spiritual atmosphere. These products typically depict whirling dervishes in their turning motion, representing Mevlana’s teachings. The dervishes, wearing a sikke on their heads and a white tennure, symbolize concepts such as tolerance, love, and submission. These miniature figurines can be used as decorative objects on desks or shelves, while the magnets convey this meaning in a small but impactful way on surfaces like refrigerators.
Offered in various sizes, colors, and materials in Konya’s souvenir shops, these figures are generally made of ceramic, plaster, wood, or resin. These objects not only provide visual appeal but also establish an emotional connection through the meanings they carry. They convey the universal message of Mevlana’s call, “Come, come, whoever you are,” and are ideal souvenirs for visitors to remember the spiritual aspect of their trip to Konya and to present as meaningful gifts to their loved ones.
8. Etli Ekmek Mix or Ready Package – To try Konya’s signature dish at home.
Etli ekmek is one of the most well-known and beloved dishes of Konya cuisine. A thin, long dough is topped with a minced meat mixture blended with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and various spices, then baked in a stone oven. The result is a flavor that leaves a lasting impression with its crispy yet tender texture. Etli ekmek is a traditional meal frequently consumed by locals and one that visitors to the city definitely want to try.
For those who wish to experience this unique flavor outside Konya, etli ekmek mixes or ready-made packages offer a convenient solution. The spiced meat mixture is sold either frozen or as a ready-to-use filling, and some brands offer frozen, oven-ready etli ekmek packages. Easily baked at home, these products become both a practical and meaningful souvenir choice for those wanting to share the taste of Konya cuisine with loved ones after their trip.
9. Konyaspor Products – Scarves, jerseys, or keychains for fans.
Konyaspor products are souvenirs that reflect Konya’s passion for football and are closely associated with the city’s identity. This well-established club with green and white colors has built a strong bond with its fan culture. A t-shirt featuring the team’s jersey, scarves that evoke memories of match days, or keychains bearing the club’s emblem are meaningful keepsakes for football-loving visitors. These items are popular for both everyday use and as collectibles.
Officially licensed Konyaspor products can be easily found at the club’s official stores, sales points around the stadium, or souvenir shops in the city center. Representing the spirit of fandom, these products are especially appealing to young visitors and sports enthusiasts. For those who want to form an emotional connection with the city, a Konyaspor scarf or jersey is not just a sports item, but also a symbol of local identity.
10. Rose Cologne and Essences – Natural products associated with the scent of roses.
Rose cologne and essences stand out among Konya’s traditional souvenirs for their elegance and refreshing qualities. These products, made from roses grown especially in the Meram region and its surroundings, are favored for their natural fragrances and pleasant aromas in both daily use and special occasions. Rose cologne is commonly used when welcoming guests and for its cooling effect in summer, while essential rose oils are used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and personal care products.
These items are sold in carefully prepared bottles in herbal shops, souvenir stores, and natural product shops throughout Konya. Filled into elegant glass bottles, the colognes and essences offer a visually appealing presentation and long-lasting fragrance. For those wishing to give a traditional yet refined gift, rose cologne and essence are meaningful options that carry the scent of Konya.
11. Wooden Carving Products – Handmade prayer bead boxes, desk ornaments.
Wood carving products hold an important place among Konya’s traditional handicrafts. Carefully crafted by master artisans, these items come in various forms such as prayer bead boxes, pen holders, desk ornaments, and small decorative panels. Made from durable woods like walnut, hornbeam, or oak, these objects carry both aesthetic and cultural value with Seljuk motifs, geometric patterns, or Mevlevi figures carved into their surfaces. Since each piece is handmade, it is unique and reflects the artisan’s craftsmanship.
Easily found in local bazaars and handicraft workshops in Konya, wooden carving products are ideal for those seeking traditional and natural gifts. Prayer bead boxes, in particular, become deeply meaningful gifts when paired with a special set of beads inside. These items are valued not only for their practical use but also for their nostalgic and artistic aspects. A wood-carved object from Konya carries traces of the past and offers a meaningful keepsake that can be cherished for many years.
12. Whirling Dervish-Themed Jewelry – Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.
Whirling dervish-themed jewelry is among the souvenirs that combine Konya’s mystical and spiritual atmosphere with elegant accessories. These pieces include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings inspired by the spinning figures of Mevlevi dervishes. The motifs symbolizing the flowing tennure of the dervish while whirling add both visual appeal and deep meaning to the jewelry. Made from silver, bronze, glass, and natural stones, these accessories carry spiritual significance and are suitable for both daily wear and special occasions.
Easily found in Konya’s souvenir shops, jewelry stores, or marketplaces selling handmade items, whirling dervish-themed jewelry is often handcrafted, making each piece unique and personal. Blending Mevlana’s teachings with aesthetic design, these accessories are a perfect choice for those interested in Sufism or seeking spiritually meaningful gifts. These items, carrying both meaning and elegance, serve as lasting and emotional memories of a trip to Konya.
13. Konya Date (Dessert) – A local and traditional delicacy resembling dates.
Konya date is a traditional dessert that resembles a real date in shape and color, but is actually made from basic ingredients such as flour, molasses, and oil. Especially common on Konya tables during the winter months, this treat is rich in energy and highly nutritious. It is usually served in small rectangular or oval pieces and garnished with walnuts on top. Its dense texture and natural sweeteners make Konya date both a nostalgic and healthy snack.
Also known locally as “date dessert,” this product can be homemade or found in pastry shops and local specialty stores in Konya. Popular among visitors from outside the city, this dessert is favored as a souvenir due to its portability and long shelf life. As one of the local culinary heritages preserved through traditional recipes, Konya date leaves a lasting taste and stands out as a sweet option reflecting the cultural identity of the city.
14. Traditional Woven Rugs and Kilims – Handmade small-sized rugs.
Traditional woven rugs and kilims are valuable souvenirs that reflect Konya’s deep-rooted tradition of handicrafts. Especially those woven in Karapınar, Sille, and surrounding villages are crafted using techniques passed down through generations for centuries. Each piece is made from natural wool, dyed with plant-based colors, and woven on handlooms, then adorned with traditional motifs. These motifs often symbolize the weaver’s region, beliefs, or life experiences, making each rug unique.
Small-sized handwoven rugs and kilims found in Konya’s bazaars and carpet workshops can be used decoratively or as prayer rugs or table covers. Seljuk patterns, star motifs, tree of life, and ram’s horn figures in particular enrich the cultural value of these items. Carrying both artistic and historical significance, these handmade products are among the ideal choices for offering loved ones a meaningful and aesthetic souvenir from Konya.
15. Mevlana Books and Poetry Collections – Works that reflect his philosophy.
Mevlana books and poetry collections are among the most meaningful and spiritual gifts that can be bought from Konya. These works reflect the teachings, Sufi perspective, and love for humanity of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, offering readers a deep intellectual and emotional journey. His most well-known work, the Masnavi, is available both in its classical form and in simplified or modern interpretations. Additionally, compilations of his quatrains, letters, and discourses appeal to those seeking spiritual insight.
These books are often presented in hardcover, special editions, or with miniature illustrations, which adds further value as a gift. They are easily found in bookstores, museum shops, and cultural centers throughout Konya. Mevlana’s books are not merely literary works but also gateways to the philosophy of Mevlevism, patience, love, and tolerance. For those wishing to offer their loved ones both spiritual depth and a cultural legacy, these books make lasting and meaningful gifts.
16. Salt from Lake Tuz and Natural Minerals – Healthy products sourced from the nearby region.
Salt from Lake Tuz and natural minerals hold an important place among the natural and healthy products sourced from the Konya region. Lake Tuz, Turkey’s second-largest lake, is known for its rich mineral composition. During the summer months, salt crystals that form on the surface are collected using traditional methods. Since this natural salt is offered without refinement, it retains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It can be used as table salt, bath salt, or in skincare products.
Sold in Konya’s local markets, herbal shops, and natural product stores, Lake Tuz salt is presented in glass jars, fabric pouches, or decorative packaging, making it suitable as a souvenir. These products also represent the natural wealth and health-oriented heritage of the region. Suitable for everyday use and valued as a natural remedy, these salts stand out as simple yet beneficial and meaningful souvenirs to bring from Konya.
17. Local Spices (Red pepper flakes, cumin, thyme) – Products from Konya’s markets.
Local spices are among the most authentic products that carry the secret of flavor in Konya’s cuisine. Especially spices like red pepper flakes, cumin, and thyme are indispensable seasonings in traditional Konya dishes. Red pepper flakes add a strong aroma and mild spiciness to meals like etli ekmek and oven kebab, while cumin is a dominant spice used particularly in meat dishes and soups. Thyme not only gives a refreshing taste to food but is also known for its healing properties.
Sold in Konya’s local markets, herbal shops, or natural product stores, these spices are carefully dried and ground, then presented in glass jars or cloth pouches, making them attractive as gifts. Each spice has a distinctive aroma shaped by the region’s climate and soil. For spice lovers or those wanting to try traditional Turkish flavors in their kitchen, these natural spices from Konya are a healthy and delicious souvenir option.
18. Kandil Delight – A special sweet traditionally preferred on religious occasions.
Kandil delight is a traditional sweet from Konya that is especially offered during religious nights such as Kandil evenings. Typically cut into small cubes and coated with starch and powdered sugar, this treat is prepared in plain form or enriched with flavors like rose or lemon. With its soft texture and mildly sweet taste, it is enjoyed by both adults and children. Among the people of Konya, sharing kandil delight with neighbors, guests, and mosque congregations during religious nights is a cherished tradition.
Kandil delight holds a special place not only for its taste but also for the meaning and culture of sharing it represents. Carefully prepared by confectioners and sweet shops in Konya, it is also presented in elegant gift boxes, making it a preferred souvenir. Packaged in boxes decorated with traditional motifs, kandil delight offers a meaningful gift that reflects religious and cultural values. For those seeking a sweet that is both spiritual and nostalgic, it is one of the simplest yet most meaningful desserts to bring from Konya.
19. Traditional Copper Items – Souvenir goods such as coffee pots, plates, and pitchers.
Traditional copper items are among Konya’s renowned handcrafted products, offering a blend of aesthetics and functionality. Kitchenware such as coffee pots, plates, pitchers, sugar bowls, and trays are meticulously decorated with fine motifs by skilled artisans, turning them into elegant souvenirs. These items often feature patterns from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods and are adorned using embossing or engraving techniques. They reflect traces of traditional culinary culture and can be used both decoratively and functionally in daily life.
Handmade copper items are easily found in Konya’s bazaars, handicraft workshops, and cultural centers. These pieces are usually tinned to ensure hygiene and to maintain their shiny appearance. Coffee pots, in particular, carry nostalgic meaning for those who value coffee culture, while large, intricately decorated trays add a stylish touch to home decor. Each piece is a work of craftsmanship and stands out as a lasting souvenir from Konya with both historical and artistic value.
20. Dried Tahini Flatbread – A long-lasting local delicacy baked in a stone oven.
Dried tahini flatbread is a traditional delicacy unique to Konya, known for being both filling and long-lasting. A thinly rolled dough is generously spread with tahini, then rolled up and baked in a stone oven until it becomes crispy. After baking, it is sliced and dried, offering a sweet and slightly oily taste that serves as both a snack and a perfect accompaniment to tea. The rich aroma of tahini combined with its crunchy texture creates a distinctive flavor.
Usually sold in transparent packaging or tin boxes at bakeries and local specialty shops in Konya, dried tahini flatbread is a popular gift to take outside the city due to its long shelf life. It is an ideal choice for those wishing to offer a natural and traditional sweet treat upon returning from their trip. This product also reflects Konya’s simple yet impactful culinary tradition, offering a nostalgic snack that evokes the past with every bite.