Shopping in Konya: The 2026 Insider Guide to Malls & Bazaars
Table of Contents
Konya is the ultimate case study in how history converts into capital. If you are here just to buy fridge magnets, you are missing the industrial muscle of a metropolis that sets the tempo for Central Anatolia. By late 2025, the city’s shopping culture reflects a new Anatolian confidence: ancient trade routes merging with the aggressive dynamics of a modern economic hub. Look beyond the museumsthis is a city building its future.
This isn’t a standard travel brochure. We focus on what actually matters: current pricing, real logistics, and the hard truth about where your money is well spent. We are breaking down inflation and showing you exactly why you still need cash for the bazaar, but your credit card for the malls.
Tradition vs. Modernity: Konya’s Two Faces
The shopping experience in Konya is split into two distinct worlds: the historic Bedesten Bazaar, where you haggle over every Lira, and the hyper modern shopping centers dominated by global giants like Dyson and Zara.
The Historic Bedesten: What You Need to Know
The Bedesten is the beating heart of the old trade. But be warned: it is incredibly easy to wander into a tourist trap. Here are the facts for your 2026 visit.
Logistics & Payments
Shops in the historic bazaar typically operate between 09:00 and 19:00/20:00. A major shift since August 2025: POS terminals for credit cards are now standard, even in traditional neighborhood markets (Semt Pazarı). You no longer need to carry bundles of cash for basic purchases, although cash remains your strongest leverage when negotiating prices.
Rug & Craft Prices (December 2025 Benchmarks)
Most tourists overpay for carpets. Use these verified market prices as your anchor to avoid getting ripped off:
- Tülü Rugs (Handwoven, approx. 1.5 m²): Expect to pay around 12,000 TL.
- Vintage Ladik Carpets (4.5 m²): These collector’s items hover around 40,000 TL.
- Prayer Rugs (Seccade): Depending on quality, these range from 3,400 TL to 16,000 TL.
If you are serious about textiles, don’t stop at rugs. High-quality cotton and weaving are staples here. For a deeper dive into what makes Turkish textiles world-class, check our guide on top Turkish towel brands to understand the quality difference.
The Modern Malls: Where Locals Actually Shop
Konya’s mall culture has evolved massively. Forget the outdated lists on TripAdvisorhere is the current state of play.
1. Kent Plaza (The Market Leader)
As of late 2025, Kent Plaza remains the undisputed number one. With 160 stores, it offers the highest density of international brands. This is where you find heavyweights like Zara (Inditex Group), Decathlon, Dyson, and MediaMarkt. It is the best spot to compare electronics prices. If you are considering a major tech purchase, read our guide on buying an iPhone in Turkey to navigate the tax situation before you swipe your card.
2. Novaland Outlet (Formerly Novada)
Note the name change: The mall formerly known as Novada now operates as Novaland Outlet. It houses roughly 120 brands. If you are looking for affordable daily wear (Defacto, LC Waikiki, Koton), this is your spot. It is often the cheapest entry point for reliable Turkish denim.
3. Kulesite AVM
A Konya classic. With 130 brands, it is more compact than Kent Plaza but scores points for its strong selection of books (D&R) and electronics (Teknosa, Samsung). The food court has recently been upgraded with new additions like Doyuyo.
4. Selçuker Center & Ereğli Park
The Selçuker Center is strictly a “lifestyle center” for daily needs, anchored by a large MM Migros and Starbucksperfect if you live nearby, but not worth a special trip. Similarly, Ereğli Park Site AVM is only relevant if you find yourself in the Ereğli district (approx. 45 brands).
For those preferring to skip the physical crowds entirely, you can always rely on digital platforms. Our survival guide to online shopping in Turkey covers everything from delivery times to navigating Turkish interfaces.
Culinary Shopping: The Real Costs
No shopping trip in Konya is complete without the food. However, inflation has hit this sector hard. Here are the prices you need to budget for (Status: Late 2025):
Etliekmek (The “Meat Bread”)
Once a cheap snack, today it is an investment. The official price for a standard portion of Etliekmek (180g dough + 100g meat + 100g vegetables) is now 250 TL. The “Bıçakarası” variant (cubed meat) has climbed to 320 TL.
Mevlana Candy (Konya Sugar)
This classic white confectionery is the standard souvenir. Do not buy it in the overpriced gift baskets at the bus terminal. The real market price per kilo currently sits between 229 TL and 299 TL, depending on the brand (look for reputable names like TALAS or Kardeşler). If you are looking for edible souvenirs with a bit more variety, check out our guide to the best types of Turkish cheese—many of which can be found in the same bazaars.
The Verdict: How to Shop Smart in Konya
Konya has become more expensive in 2025, but it still delivers excellent value, particularly in textiles and craftsmanship. Use Kent Plaza for your international fashion and tech fixes, but spend your cashand your timesoaking up the atmosphere and hunting for unique pieces in the Bedesten. And remember: The price of a carpet is just a suggestion, but the price of Etliekmek is final.
