Karaman, once the capital of the
Karamanid Emirate, was the first Turkish state to use Turkish instead of Persian
as its official language. Fittingly, Yunus Emre, the first great poet to write
in Turkish, lived here in the 13th century. The surrounding fortresses date from
Seljuk times, although the town's most significant buildings, the Araboglu,
Yunus Emre and Aktekke Mosques and the Hatuniye Medrese, were all built during
the Karamanid reign.
The Region of 1001 Churches, the Karaman region, 150
kilometers from Konya is an undiscovered, mystical land of
gently rolling hills and valleys, towering mountains, many monasteries, churches
and chapel-complexes. It is a paradise for photographers, walkers, nature-lovers
and explorers. The Hittites settled in this region and many remains, including
inscriptions have been discovered. One of the highest mountains in this region,
Mt Karadag (2,288 meters),is locally called Mahalac; its ancient name is Angel
Michael. On top of the mountain, Hittites constructed a temple; an altar where
inscriptions remain. There are also the 4th century remains of a monastery,
church and a chapel complex; the name of this complex was the Angel Michael
Complex. There is a beautiful view here.Visitors can still see the remains of
churches and chapels at 
Madensehir, 45 km from Karaman, on the northern slope of
Mt. Karadag.Derbe, 30 km north of Karaman, was an important early Christian settlement; St. Paul came here to preach. Near Taskale, 48 km east of Karaman, on the rocky northern slope of Yesildere Valley, are the remains of the fascinating historical city of Manazan. Built during Byzantine times, the entire city of narrow lanes, houses, squares, storage facilities, chapels and cemeteries (occupying an area approximately three kilometers long and five stories high) was carved into the rocky hillside of the valley. Today, parts of the city are still used for wheat storage. South of Karaman up a steep narrow road are the remains of a beautiful Byzantine monastery Alahan. Much still stands, and there is some fine stone carving to admire. This magnificent location offers a breathtaking view.
