Six-Week Islamic Heritage and Culture Journey Through Istanbul, Konya, and Sanliurfa

Day 1: Arrival and Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on May 13, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Enjoy traditional Turkish halal breakfast pastries and strong Turkish tea to start your cultural exploration with energy.
TRY80, 1h

10:00am

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

Visit this stunning landmark known for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles and impressive Islamic architecture; open 9am-7pm, free entry.
FREE, 1h30m

11:45am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore this world-famous former basilica & mosque, now a museum showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman Islamic history; open 9am-7pm, entrance fee applies.
TRY100, 2h

1:45pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Halal meatballs in a historic setting; perfect to savor Turkish flavors near the old city.
TRY90, 1h

3:00pm

Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, rich with Islamic artifacts and stunning views overlooking the Bosphorus; open 9am-6:45pm.
TRY150, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Enjoy halal seafood with authentic Turkish flavors in a charming setting in Sultanahmet.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Islamic Sites

Istanbul, Turkey on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Çınaraltı Cafe

Savor traditional Turkish breakfast in a garden setting with an authentic local feel, fully halal.
TRY70, 1h

9:30am

Süleymaniye Mosque

Visit one of the grandest Ottoman mosques, featuring stunning architecture and panoramic views of Istanbul; open 9am-7pm, free entry.
FREE, 1h30m

11:15am

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Admire the exquisite Iznik tilework in this historic mosque, less crowded and perfect for YouTube content.
FREE, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Dürümzade

Get delicious halal dürüm wraps, a favorite street food praised by locals and travelers alike.
TRY60, 45m

1:30pm

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Examine ancient Islamic artifacts and relics in this extensive museum complex; open 9am-7pm, entrance fee required.
TRY80, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Grand Bazaar

Roam one of the world’s oldest covered markets to find Islamic calligraphy art, prayer beads, and unique souvenirs.
FREE, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Enjoy traditional Turkish mezes and halal dishes in a refined atmosphere near the bazaar.
TRY140, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure to Konya

Istanbul, Turkey on May 26, 2025

Morning

Travel to Konya by domestic flight

Take a morning flight from Istanbul Airport to Konya Airport (1.5 hours) for efficient travel to the next Islamic cultural hub.
TRY400-600, 2h including transit

Afternoon

Check-in & rest

Settle into your hotel in Konya and prepare for upcoming historical explorations.
Varies, Flexible

5:00pm

Visit Alaeddin Hill and Alaeddin Mosque

Explore Alaeddin Mosque, one of Turkey’s oldest mosques with significant Seljuk architecture; open until sunset.
FREE, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Somatcı Fihi Ma Fih

Sample traditional Konya specialty dishes in a local halal restaurant respected for authentic flavors.
TRY120, 1h30m
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Day 15: Sufi Heritage

Konya, Turkey on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel/cafe

Start the day with a hearty halal Turkish breakfast offering bread, cheeses, olives, and tea.
Included or TRY50, 1h

9:30am

Mevlana Museum

Visit the mausoleum of Rumi, the famous Sufi mystic, and explore exhibits about Sufism and spiritual heritage; open 9am-6pm, entrance fee applies.
TRY50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Konyalı Lokantası

Enjoy classic Konya dishes such as etli ekmek (flatbread with meat) at this authentic halal restaurant near the museum.
TRY100, 1h

2:00pm

Ince Minare Museum

Tour this museum housed in a 13th-century Seljuk madrasa decorated with intricate stonework; open 9am-5pm.
TRY30, 1h

3:30pm

Selimiye Mosque

Visit this landmark mosque with beautiful Ottoman architecture and peaceful atmosphere; open daily.
FREE, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Somatçı Fihi Mafih

Return for a relaxing evening of traditional halal Anatolian dishes in a cozy setting.
TRY120, 1h30m
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Day 28: Konya to Sanliurfa

Konya – Sanliurfa, Turkey on June 9, 2025

Morning

Travel from Konya to Sanliurfa by bus or flight

Take an early bus (8-9h) for a scenic journey or a flight with a stopover for faster transit to Sanliurfa.
TRY150-500, 9h approx

Afternoon

Check-in & rest

Rest after travel in Sanliurfa accommodation; prepare for heritage exploration ahead.
Varies, Flexible

5:00pm

Visit Balıklıgöl (Fish Lake)

Explore this sacred pool famous for its sacred carp, linked to the Prophet Abraham; open daily.
FREE, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cevahir Restaurant

Experience local halal cuisine with a friendly atmosphere, featuring kebabs and regional specialties.
TRY100, 1h30m
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Day 29: Ancient and Islamic Sites

Sanliurfa, Turkey on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Taste traditional Turkish breakfast including olives, cheeses, and fresh bread in halal style.
TRY50, 1h

9:00am

Göbekli Tepe

Visit the world’s oldest known temple complex, an extraordinary archaeological site with rich Islamic connections through history; allows guided tours, open from 8am to 6pm.
TRY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lale Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of traditional halal dishes with fresh local ingredients near the city center.
TRY90, 1h

3:00pm

Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum

Explore artifacts from the region that relate to early Islamic and pre-Islamic civilizations; open 9am-5pm.
TRY30, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ciğerci Ahmet

Savor grilled halal liver kebabs, a local delicacy admired by residents and visitors alike.
TRY80, 1h
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