The Keykubad Migration and Caravan Route, brought to life through the collaboration of Konya Metropolitan Municipality and the Governorships of Antalya and Konya, stands before us as a unique project that brings together Anatolia’s millennia-old history, culture, and natural beauty. Spanning a total of 405 kilometers, this route encompasses countless stories, from the conquests of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad to the ancient traces of nomads, from the trade routes of caravans to the mesmerizing landscapes of the Taurus Mountains.

A BRIDGE WHERE HISTORY AND NATURE INTERSECT
The Keykubad Migration and Caravan Route is a path shaped by the vision of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad during the golden age of the Anatolian Seljuk State. Stretching from Konya to Alanya, this route serves as a bridge where civilizations meet and cultures blend. Along the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, you will encounter ancient ruins, Seljuk bridges, and caravanserais that will transport you to the magic of the past, while the serene nature of the Taurus will nourish your soul. Hikers and cyclists will not only discover the traces of history but will also experience an unforgettable journey alongside the towering cliffs of the Mavi Boğaz Canyon, the exuberance of the Aygırdibi Waterfall, and the crystal-clear waters of the Alara Stream.

TRACES OF MILLENNIA-LONG MIGRATIONS AND THE SILK ROAD
This route’s story dates back to the Hellenistic period, having been used as a historic caravan path by the Cilicians, Romans, and Seljuks, as well as by the Yörüks and nomads, carrying traces of thousands of years. Every stone, village, and monument you encounter along the way will be a part of this ancient tale. The route, extending along the Alara Valley in Alanya, spreads from the highlands at the foothills of the Geyik Mountains to glacial lakes and the steppe plains of Konya, reaching deep into Anatolia. As one of the most vibrant arteries of the Silk Road in Anatolia, the Keykubad Route was not only a trade path but also a carrier of science and art. Alanya, conquered by Alaeddin Keykubad in 1221, became the gateway for Chinese silks and Indian spices to Europe. Today, restored caravanserais and stone-paved roads are reviving this ancient heritage.

THE HIGH TAŞELİ PLATEAU: NATURE’S MYSTERIOUS THEATER
The Keykubad Route passes through the mysterious geography of the high Taşeli Plateau. The snow that falls on the Geyik Mountains in winter melts in spring, feeding the Alara Stream. Waters accumulated in sinkholes, including Sarıot Lake, sometimes form small lakes, while underground waters bring life to the region. With May comes the migration to the highlands; lush green pastures, thyme-scented air, and slopes covered with endemic plants turn into a feast. Along the way, wild goats, partridges, and eagles accompany the rhythm of nature.

A CIVILIZATION HERITAGE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CULTURE AND LIFE
The traces of nomads are still alive in the highlands. Historic cemeteries remind us of ancient traditions where the deceased were buried freely. In this geography filled with bandit tales, every stone hides a secret. In the villages along the route, you can encounter local cheeses, fresh milk, and goat meat, among other natural products. Herbal teas and pastries serve as remedies for fatigue.
The Keykubad Route is not just a path; it is a millennia-old heritage stretching from Çatalhöyük to the Seljuks. The road networks shaped during the Roman and Byzantine periods, along with the Seljuk caravanserais, became one of the cornerstones of world peace.

THE PATH TO KEYKUBAD’S ALANYA VICTORY
In the autumn of 1221, the epic journey of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, with tens of thousands of soldiers, horses, and camels from Konya to Alanya, awaits the footsteps of history and nature enthusiasts today as the Keykubad Conquest Route. Starting from Konya’s Akören and extending to the ancient corridors of the Mavi Boğaz Canyon, the murmurs of the Çarşamba Stream, and Sarıot Lake, which bears the traces of Roman legionaries, this route offers the thrill of crossing the challenging Taurus passes on stone-paved roads once traversed by caravans laden with war equipment. Hikers welcomed with tahini offerings in Dereköy, where an ancient wheat mill still turns, witness the Roman tomb in Kapı İni Cave, the geological secrets of Susam Pass, and the Hellenistic Kırk Dönme Caravan Route, accompanied by the roar of the Aygırdibi Waterfall. Finally, reaching the 13th-century Alarahan Caravanserai, the route evokes the Sultan’s triumphant glory while extending to unexplored branches connecting to the ancient city of Karalia and Kanlı Dere (Fığla Stream), mentioned by Ibn Bibi, and further to the Ptolemaic Ancient City.

THE KEYKUBAD CULTURAL ROUTE PROJECT
The project was formed based on the scientific report of Prof. Hasan Bahar and Prof. Osman Doğanay, the research conducted by Tuncer Koç, President of the Antalya Mountaineering and Nature Sports Club, and the discoveries of Archaeologist Osman Yılmaz in the Alanya routes. It was marked with international-standard blue-and-white signage. The opinions of prominent historians were consulted during its creation. The installation of directional signs has begun. The project, developed through the collaboration of institutions between Antalya and Konya, completed the registration process with the input of all relevant institutions, including the Antalya and Konya Regional Directorates of Forestry.

KEYKUBAD MIGRATION AND CARAVAN ROUTE TRAILS
An Adventure Where History Embraces Nature:
Beginning in the mystical atmosphere of Konya, in the footsteps of Mevlana, the journey touches history with the rock-carved churches and cisterns of the Kilistra Ancient City, rivaling Cappadocia. The route, stretching from the majestic passes of the Taurus Mountains to the towering cliffs of the Mavi Boğaz Canyon, offers a breath of fresh air in the lush highlands of Sarıot Lake. The grandeur of Seljuk architecture reflected in Alarahan and centuries-old stone bridges takes you on a time travel in the footsteps of caravans, while the exuberance of the Aygırdibi Waterfall and the crystal-clear waters of the Alara Stream let you feel the rhythm of nature. This route, culminating in the turquoise waters of Alanya, carries the centuries-old highland culture from Namza to Gelesandra.

The Hidden Treasures of the Taurus and Traces from Rome to the Seljuks:
The ancient city of Colybrassus, nicknamed the "Waterless Hagia Sophia," sheds light on the depths of history with its temples bearing the military traces of the Legio Pontica, Medusa-headed reliefs, and an 18-step staircase. Those following Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad’s hunting trails encounter the zaviye and tomb built by Mahmud Seydi for the poor on the road from Bayırkozağacı to Çoğlu Han, while the ancient stones of the Taşatan Caravan Route seem to whisper. In the witness of nature, the route climbing from Malan Valley to Oğuz Highlands reaches the tranquil blue serenity of Eğrigöl, while the Isaurian Route’s path from Halkalıyazı to Kalecik Highlands merges the calm of İlvat Lake with the adventure of the Conquest Route. The Demirkapı Pass carries the cool breezes of Çaşır to the peaks of Malan through trails extending from Boğazhan to Karaboynuzlar Highlands. With every step, the endless story of ancient civilizations, Seljuk heritage, and highlands… Keykubad’s routes are a call to exploration that defies time!

A HERITAGE BRIDGING THE PAST AND FUTURE
The Keykubad Migration and Caravan Route is not just a hiking trail but also a civilization heritage. This path unites the wisdom of the past with the hope of the future. A guide for all who walk in the footsteps of history, this journey connects you with the ancient spirit of Anatolia.

NEW ROUTE STUDIES FOR THE KEYKUBAD ROUTE
The Keykubad Migration and Caravan Route is preparing to unite nature, history, and adventure enthusiasts in the enchanting atmosphere of the Taurus Mountains. Planned to exceed 1000 kilometers in total, this impressive route will include trails such as Manavgat-Kubadabad Palace, Taşatan, Akdağ, and Kuş Yuvası, as well as historic paths between Gazipaşa, Silifke, Karaman, and Konya. While exploration studies for new routes continue, special trails are being prepared for cycling, motorcycling, and offroad enthusiasts.

HIT THE ROAD
The Keykubad Migration and Caravan Route invites you to delve into the depths of history. On this journey, walking in the footsteps of migration, you will touch the living heritage of a millennia-old culture. Come, follow the traces of this ancient path, and witness Anatolia’s thousands of years of history.
With promotional hikes starting in April, this journey, as if sprung from the dusty pages of history, awaits those who wish to trace the footsteps of the past on viaanatolia.com and the “viaanatolia” Instagram account!