The first phase of the urban regeneration at Suriçi Bazaar has been completed. Preserving Seljuk heritage while reactivating the area through contemporary urban planning, the project reconnects Konya’s historic centre with commerce and tourism.
At the opening ceremony of the Suriçi Bazaar Urban Transformation Project Phase 1, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum emphasized the significance of the Suriçi Bazaar, stating that the work carried out in this area—where Konya’s historical memory resides—is not merely an architectural renewal, but also “a civilizational claim.” Describing the transformation, in which Seljuk heritage is preserved and combined with modern urban planning, as “a signature, a seal placed from Konya on Türkiye’s urbanization vision,” Minister Kurum highlighted that the Seljuk-era bath remains preserved under a transparent dome greatly enhance the cultural value of the project. Stating that the Suriçi Bazaar makes the spiritual heritage of the city of Mevlana visible once again, Kurum stated that “We have completed three blocks within this comprehensive project covering an area of 163,000 m2. In the first phase, we renewed 307 commercial units in accordance with Seljuk architecture. Together with the surrounding fortification remains, gates, and mosques, a region that encapsulates the essence of Konya has emerged.” Expressing his gratitude to Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş and all technical teams for their contributions, Minister Kurum concluded his remarks by saying, “May God bless these beautiful works for Konya and our nation.”
MINISTER KURUM: “INVESTMENTS IN KONYA HAVE EXCEEDED 229 BILLION”
In his speech, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum also addressed the investments carried out in Konya and across the country, drawing attention to their scope. Conveying President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s affection and support for Konya, Minister Kurum emphasized that every promise made over the past 24 years has been fulfilled. Stating that they have carried out extensive work in all fields—from infrastructure to superstructure, from urban transformation to social and cultural investments—Kurum said that “The total amount of investments made in Konya by our Ministry has exceeded 229 billion liras. In addition, with our ongoing projects worth 37 billion, we continue to contribute to the development of our city.” Reminding that they have provided safe housing for 10 million citizens across 81 provinces and enabled more than 5 million people to become homeowners through TOKİ. These services are a mobilization for revival. Now, with the Century of Türkiye Housing Project, we are implementing 500,000 social housing units across 81 provinces. In Konya, we are delivering a total of 15,200 new homes, including 9,370 in the city centre.”
MAYOR MUSTAFA KAVUŞ: “SURIÇI IS THE REBIRTH OF A CITY”
Speaking at the ceremony, Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş emphasized that the Suriçi Project is not merely an urban transformation effort, but a civilizational vision and a revival of heritage. He stated that “The project area comprises 163,000 m², 467 buildings, 690 parcels, 1,720 independent sections, and 3,151 stakeholders, with the total cost exceeding 5.5 billion TL based on current figures. We are progressing step by step in the Suriçi Transformation Project. The 20,000 m² second phase has largely begun to serve. The 5,000 m² Registered Block Phase—which includes Türkiye’s second-largest registered building relocation project—currently operates as Sırçalı Hotel and Suriçi Courtyard Café. Our work continues at great pace in the third phase, the Larende Phase, and the Archaeological Park Area.”
MAYOR KAVUŞ: “THIS GREAT WORK IS A SYMBOL OF OUR RESPECT FOR THIS ANCIENT CITY AND FOR MERAM”
Providing details on the completed first phase, Mayor Kavuş stated that “The 21,000 m² area includes 158 shops and 149 offices, and that this phase was carried out with the support of Minister Murat Kurum in collaboration with the Urban Transformation Directorate (EPP), Emlak Planlama Construction Project Management, and the Meram Municipality. The largest Seljuk-era bath remains in the region were preserved with a geodesic glass dome and integrated into tourism. This dome is not merely a roof; it is a symbol of our respect for the thousand-year old history of our city. All phases of the project adhere to the principles of horizontal architecture, low density, and respect for historical texture.” Expressing gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister Murat Kurum, and all supporting institutions, he concluded: “We extend our deepest thanks to our Minister and his team for their invaluable support, ownership, and contributions. Without our Minister’s support, it would not have been possible to reach this pace and move forward to this stage.”
Following the speeches, Minister Murat Kurum and accompanying protocol members presented keys to shop owners. After the key ceremony, the opening of the first phase of the Meram Municipality’s major vision project, the Suriçi Urban Transformation Project, was carried out with a prayer recited by Konya Mufti Prof. Dr. Ali Öge.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum; Konya Governor İbrahim Akın; Chief Advisor to the President Mustafa Akış; Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay; AK Party Konya Provincial Chairman Fatih Özgökçen; AK Party Konya MPs Selman Özboyacı, Mustafa Hakan Özer, Ziya Altunyaldız and Mehmet Baykan; Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş; Selçuklu Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı; Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca; AK Party Provincial and District Chairpersons, Women’s and Youth Branch leaders; district mayors; ministry bureaucrats; MHP Konya Provincial Chairman Remzi Karaaslan; BBP Provincial Chairman Seyit Özcan; council members; mukhtars; and many citizens.
