Ankara

Ankara, Turkey's capital and second-largest city, is a dynamic urban center where you can explore ancient ruins, visit world-class museums, and experience modern Turkish culture. Walk through the narrow streets of the old town, pay your respects at the Anıtkabir mausoleum, or spend an afternoon in one of the city's many parks. Ankara's central location in Turkey makes it an ideal base for discovering the heart of Anatolia.

Wandering Through Ankara's Old Town

The core of old Ankara surrounds Ankara Castle, a 7th-century fortification on a hill overlooking the city. As you walk up the cobblestone streets to the castle, you'll see colorful Ottoman-era houses and small shops selling handmade carpets, copper goods, and antiques. Inside the castle walls, you can see panoramic views of the city and visit the Ankara Ethnography Museum, which displays Turkish folk art and cultural artifacts.

Visiting Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, is a significant site in Ankara. This large complex, finished in 1953, honors Atatürk and represents modern Turkey. The main building, decorated with reliefs and mosaics, contains Atatürk's tomb. You can also visit a museum that details Atatürk's life and the Turkish War of Independence.

Exploring Ankara's Museums

Ankara has several interesting museums. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located in a 15th-century covered market, exhibits artifacts from Anatolia's ancient cultures, including Hittite and Phrygian collections. For modern art, you can visit CerModern, a former railway workshop converted into an art museum. If you enjoy classical music, you can attend a performance by the Presidential Symphony Orchestra at the CSO Ada Ankara concert hall, a recent addition to the city's cultural venues.

Relaxing in Ankara's Parks

Ankara has many parks and green spaces. Gençlik Park, in the city center, has a lake, an amusement park, and areas for picnics and walks. Kuğulu Park, home to several swans, is a calm spot in the Çankaya district. For a larger nature area, you can visit Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo, which includes agricultural areas, a brewery, and a zoo.

Tasting Local Food

Ankara's food reflects its central Anatolian location. You can try the city's döner kebap at many kebab shops throughout the city. For a range of dining options, visit the Arjantin Street area, which has various restaurants and cafes. You can also taste Ankara's local specialties, such as simit (a round bread covered in sesame seeds) and Ankara tava (a dish of lamb cooked with eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers).

Navigating the City

Ankara has an extensive public transportation system, including a metro, buses, and a light rail system called Ankaray. Taxis are common, but make sure to use official ones with meters. For travel to other cities, the high-speed train connects Ankara to Istanbul and other major urban centers, allowing you to easily explore more of Turkey.

Ankara's Historical Timeline

Ankara's history dates back to the Bronze Age. The Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, and Persians all ruled here before it became the capital of the Galatian kingdom in the 3rd century BC. After serving as an important Roman and Byzantine center, Ankara gained new significance in 1923 when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk selected it as the capital of the newly formed Turkish Republic.