Tier 2Central Anatolia
Konya
At a glance
Population
2,330,024 (2024)
Foreign residents
28,025
Universities
5
Cost (Istanbul=100)
50
Climate
Continental steppe
Summer: 28-33°C
Winter: -4-4°C
Dry summers, snowy winters
Cost of living
Relative to Istanbul: 50 (Istanbul = 100)
Monthly student budget: 8,000 – 12,000 TRY
Housing abundant — vast landmass keeps costs significantly below national average
Universities here
5 universities total
Notable: Selçuk University
Daily life
Transport
pending
English environment
Very low
Nightlife
Practically non-existent in the Western sense
Safety
Exceptionally high
Food
- Etli ekmek (long, thin meat flatbread)
- Fırın kebabı
Famous for
- Mevlana Museum (Rumi's tomb)
- Whirling Dervishes
- Centre of Islamic mysticism
For students
Pros
- Extremely low cost of living
- High safety
- Deep immersion in traditional Turkish culture
Watchouts
- Rigid conservative social atmosphere
- Lack of secular entertainment
- Harsh winters
Sources