In Konya's Karatay district, on Ankara Avenue, a historic building rises in dazzling splendour: Taş Bina, the Stone Building. With a past of more than 109 years, it has left deep marks on the city's collective memory, and it carries a singular story of transformation — from the last years of the Ottoman Empire to the Republic's drive for education, from the rectorate of Selçuk University to today's high-technology digital experience centre.
Let us explore together the journey of this landmark of Konya from past to future, its architectural refinements and the digital experience it offers.
The Construction and Architectural Origins of Taş Bina (1917–1922)
The story of Taş Bina begins in 1917, when it was designed by the legendary architect of the period, Mimar Muzaffer Bey. He was one of the leading names of the First National Architecture Movement and the architect behind monumental buildings that changed the face of Konya, such as Konya High School (the Sultani), the Agricultural Bank building and the restoration of the Şerafettin Mosque.
Begun as a Darülmuallimat (Girls' Teacher Training College), the building could only be completed in 1922 because of the turbulent and financially constrained years of the First World War and the National Struggle. Sadly, Mimar Muzaffer Bey died in 1921 and never saw his work finished.
Opened exactly one year before the proclamation of the Republic, the building is considered one of the finest examples of Neoclassical Turkish architecture in Anatolia, with its cut-stone masonry, neoclassical arched windows, timber roof eaves and tile details.
A Century at the Centre of Education and Academia
1. The Girls' Teacher Training College Years
In the first years of the Republic, Anatolia's greatest need was qualified teachers. For many years Taş Bina served as the Konya Girls' Teacher Training College, raising idealistic women teachers. The Republic's women who graduated from this school spread to every corner of Anatolia, carrying the torch of literacy and education.
2. The Selçuk University Rectorate Building
Becoming in time the academic heart of the city, the building was allocated to Selçuk University upon its foundation. Serving for many years as the rectorate, Taş Bina remained the administrative centre where decisions were taken, where the foundations of the young university were laid and where Konya's vision for higher education took shape.
A Legacy for the Future: The Comprehensive Restoration
After the Selçuk University Rectorate moved to the Alaeddin Keykubat Campus, the building was taken over by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality. A meticulous restoration faithful to the original was begun, to protect the building's historic fabric and pass it on to future generations:
- Stonework: The original Sille stone and limestone cladding and ornament on the façade were carefully cleaned and placed under protection.
- Ceilings and timber structure: The carved wooden ceilings reflecting the interior character of the period were restored.
- Landscaping: In the centre of the city, an integrated cultural square was created, with a circular ornamental pool, walking paths and landscaped areas in its courtyard.
History Meets Technology: The Taş Bina Digital Visitor Centre
Reopening its doors under the name "Taş Bina" after restoration, the building today serves as an interactive Digital Visitor Centre of six themed rooms. The rooms are laid out on a "cross-visit system" so that visitors have an uninterrupted experience.
The Themed Experience Rooms
- History Room — a chronological journey from Çatalhöyük to the Seljuks and Ottomans, with a replica of the İvriz agricultural monument and relief maps.
- Go Konya Room — the city's potential in agriculture, industry and tourism; interactive displays and virtual farmer narratives.
- Cultural Mosaic Room — infinity mirrors, mystical music generated by artificial intelligence, and Rumi's philosophy of the mirror.
- Living Culture Room — Konya gastronomy, products with geographical indications and traditional handicrafts (tilework, calligraphy, spoon-making, bookbinding).
- Doors Opening onto History — four special doors: digital passage to Çatalhöyük, the Sille Hagia Elena Church, the Eşrefoğlu Mosque and the Aziziye Mosque.
- My City Room — a virtual city tour with Konya Metropolitan Municipality projects and bicycle simulators.
Visitor Information and Getting There
For those who wish to experience this remarkable blend of history and the digital world:
- Address: Şemsitebrizi Mahallesi, Ankara Caddesi No:6, Karatay / Konya
- Telephone: (0332) 221 14 05
- Tip: Be sure to include the bicycle simulator at the Digital Visitor Centre and the "Doors Opening onto History" room in your plans!