Iconium

Iconium, ancient city of Asia Minor, the modern Konya, Turkey. In ancient days it was at various times in Phrygia, Lycaonia, Cappadocia, and the Roman province of Galatia. It was visited by Paul, who converted part of the Greek and Jewish population and established an important church there. In the 3d cent. A.D., Iconium became an active Christian colony.

ancient Iconium

City (pop., 2007: 967,055), central Turkey. First settled in the 3rd millennium BC, it is one of the oldest urban centres in the world. Iconium was influenced by Greek culture from the 3rd century BC but had come under Roman rule by 25 BC. It was taken by the Seljūq dynasty about 1072. Renamed Konya, it was a major cultural centre in the 13th century and was home to the Sufi brotherhood known as “whirling dervishes.” Later ruled by the Mongols, it was annexed to the Ottoman Empire about 1467. It declined during Ottoman rule but revived after the Istanbul-Baghdad railway opened in 1896. An important industrial centre, it is also a trade centre for the agricultural area surrounding it.

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Iconium is a Southwest Missouri town with a population of 35 people. The town is perhaps best known for "Scott's Iconium Store," a local institution that is a frequent pilgrimage destination for Boy Scouts, many of whom refer to the town as "Ico" for short, and is well-known for its peach floats. The town is also very close to the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation.

External links

• Scott's Iconium Store

References