- Binbirkilise, the "Thousand and One Churches", lies on an extinct volcano
- Taşkale village has rock-cut granaries in a cliff
- Karaman was capital of the Karamanid beylik
- Reachable by high-speed train from Konya
- Airports
- Konya (KYA) via Istanbul, then about an hour by road or train
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Karaman is a small province on the southern edge of the Konya plain, where the land climbs into the Taurus Mountains. Its capital was the seat of the Karamanids, a medieval Turkish dynasty that rivalled the early Ottomans, and the town still has monuments from that era. It is part of Central Anatolia.
Few UK visitors come here, but it suits travellers with a car and an interest in history or rural landscapes. It combines easily with Konya. For general information, see our Turkey guide.
Things to do
- Binbirkilise – ruined Byzantine churches and buildings scattered across the slopes of Karadağ, an extinct volcano north of the town.
- Taşkale – a village beneath a cliff honeycombed with rock-cut granaries, still used to store grain.
- Manazan caves – multi-storey cave dwellings carved into a cliff above a river valley near Taşkale.
- Hatuniye Madrasa – a Karamanid theological school with a richly carved marble portal.
- Karaman castle – the old citadel above the town centre.
- Yunus Emre – Karaman is one of several places that claim the tomb of the beloved Turkish folk poet.
- Ermenek – a mountain town in the south of the province, with old houses and a dam lake.
Where to stay
- Karaman town – a few modest hotels.
- Konya – a short train ride away, with more choice.
Getting there
Fly from the UK to Istanbul and on to Konya, then continue by high-speed train or road, roughly an hour. Karaman is also on the road south from Konya to the Mediterranean coast at Silifke in Mersin. A car is essential for Binbirkilise and Taşkale.
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are most pleasant. Summers are hot and dry on the plain, winters cold.
Top attractions in Karaman
Karaman on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Binbirkilise easy to reach?
It is about 30 to 40 minutes by car from Karaman on minor roads. There is no public transport.
Can I visit Karaman from Konya?
Yes. The fast train makes it an easy day trip, though a car is needed for the outlying sights.
What is Karaman known for?
The Karamanid dynasty, the Turkish language (the Karamanids promoted its official use), and its rural rock-cut sites.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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