Karaman is a historic city and province in south-central Turkey, celebrated as the birthplace of written Turkish and the seat of the powerful Karamanoğulları dynasty that ruled much of Anatolia from the 13th to the 15th century. Ringed by the Taurus Mountains to the south and the volcanic Karadağ plateau to the north, the province combines medieval fortresses, Byzantine rock-cut monasteries, and Seljuk caravanserais with sweeping steppe landscapes, cherry orchards, and sugar-beet fields that define the Anatolian interior.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Karaman Lokumu (Turkish Delight)
Produced locally in rose-water, pistachio, and cherry flavours; 250g boxes from ₺120-220 ($3.25-5.95)
Kuru Kayısı (Dried Apricots)
Karaman province produces some of Turkey's finest; 500g from ₺80-150 ($2.15-4.05) at the bazaar
Kiraz Reçeli (Cherry Jam)
Handmade preserve from local Karaman cherries; jars from ₺80-160 ($2.15-4.30)
Kilim (Flat-Weave Rug)
Traditional Anatolian flat-weave carpets; small decorative pieces from ₺500-2,000 ($13.50-54)
Bakır (Copper Goods)
Hand-beaten copper trays, pots, and decorative pieces from ₺200-800 ($5.40-21.60)
Tulum Peyniri (Village Cheese)
Aged goat's cheese stored in a skin bag; buy at the bazaar, 500g from ₺100-180 ($2.70-4.85)
Nazar Boncuğu (Evil Eye Charm)
Traditional blue glass charms; ₺20-100 ($0.54-2.70) for individual pieces
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
General goods, dried fruits, spices
Hours: 09:00-19:00
Cumhuriyet Semt Pazarı
Fresh produce, seasonal cherries/apricots, olives
Hours: 07:00-14:00