Konya, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of 2,232,374, Konya is the sixth-largest city in Turkey, but don't let the size fool you - it's a place where bureaucracy is a persistent headache and the weather can be brutal, with summers hitting a scorching 40.9°C. The city's history as the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum means it's steeped in tradition, home to the whirling dervishes and Rumi's iconic turquoise-domed tomb. But for the pragmatic expat, Konya may be a tough sell, unless you're drawn to its industrial prowess and the lure of abundant Turkish carpets.