Ankara is Turkey's second largest city and the country's official capital since 1923. The city, located in the heart of Anatolia, serves not only as the administrative and political core of Turkey, but also as a cultural, historical, university and diplomatic center. It combines ancient history, austere metropolitan architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of modern neighborhoods.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Central Anatolia

• Altitude: ~938 metersabove sea level

• Climate: continental

• Summer: hot, dry (+30-35°C)

• Winter: cold, snowy (0...-10°C)

• Population: ~5.7 million (2024)

Ankara is strategically located in the heart of the country, making it a convenient starting point for traveling throughout Turkey.

🏛 History of Ankara

The city's history goes back thousands of years:

• Hittite era (2 thousand BC) - one of the oldest civilizations of Anatolia

• Phrygians - founded the settlement of Ankira (means "anchor").

• Roman Ancyra - prosperous city, the center of Roman Galatia

• Byzantine period - strengthening of Christianity.

• Seljuks and Ottomans - important trade and military hub.

• 1923 - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk proclaims Ankara as the capital of the Republic of Turkey

🌟 Main attractions

🏛 Ataturk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir)

• Great monument dedicated to the founder of the Republic of Turkey - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

• Huge square, museum of the revolution, ceremonies of changing of the guard

• A must-see

🏰 Ankara Citadel (Ankara Kalesi)

• Historic city center with narrow streets, shops, coffee houses.

• Magnificent views of the whole city

• Architecture with elements from Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk eras.

🏺 Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

• One of the best museums in Turkey

• Artifacts of the Hittites, Phrygians, Urukians, Romans.

• Unique collection of prehistoric and ancient heritage

🏛 Ruins of Roman Ancyra

• Temple of Augustus and Roma

• Roman baths

• Julian's Column

🕌 Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii)

• Ankara's largest mosque

• Modern, but in classical Ottoman style.

• Symbol of the spiritual part of the capital

🏙️ Modern neighborhoods

Çankaya

• Administrative center

• Presidential Palace, Embassies, Parliament

• Prestigious universities and business centers

Kızılay

• Commercial and transportation heart

• Shopping streets, subway stations, youthful atmosphere

Bahçelievler and Tunalı Hilmi

• Lively neighborhoods with cafes, bars, stores

• Favored by students and creative young people

Bilkent and ODTÜ

• World-class university campuses

• Centers of science, technology and innovation

🎓 Education and Culture

Ankara is the intellectual center of Turkey. The city is home to prestigious universities:

• Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ)

• Hacettepe University

• Ankara University

• Bilkent University

The city also has a well-developed cultural infrastructure:

• State theaters and operas

• Philharmonic, concert halls, art spaces

• Ankara Biennale, festivals of modern music, jazz, cinema.

🛍️ Shopping and entertainment

• AVM (shopping centers): Armada, KentPark, Ankamall

• Tunala Hilmi Street - for pedestrians, brands, cafes

• Bazaars: Maltepe, Ulus - for an authentic experience

• Restaurants: from high-end to budget student eateries

• Nightlife - bars in Kyzylay, live music in Tunaly, rock clubs and jazz bars

🍽 What to try in Ankara

Although the capital doesn't have its own separate cuisine, it has the best of Turkey's regions. Specialties:

• Anadolian cuisine: legumes, meats, soups

• Pide and manti typical of Central Anatolia

• Aughap Aşı (soup made of ayran, cucumber and bulgur)

• Kuzu tandır - stewed lamb.

• Ankara tava - meat with rice and vegetables baked in a pot.

🛫 How to get there

• ✈️ Esenboga International Airport (ESB)

  • Direct flights to Istanbul, Europe, Middle East.

  • 30-40 minutes from the center by cab or bus

• 🚄 YHT trains (high-speed)

  • To Istanbul, Eskisehir, Konya, Afyon

  • Fast and convenient

• 🚍 Buses: AŞTİ central bus station is connected to all major cities in Turkey

✅ Why go to Ankara

✔ Discover the heart of modern Turkey
✔ Visit Ataturk's mausoleum and historical museums
✔ Learn about culture, science and Turkish politics
✔ Explore ancient and Roman ruins
✔ Experience a different Turkey - businesslike, relaxed, intelligent.
✔ Taste gastronomic and architectural diversity

📌 Conclusion

Ankara is Turkey without the sea, but with great depth. It's where politics is made, ideas are born, science boils and cultural life is discreetly buzzing. It is a city without the hustle and bustle of tourist beaches, but with the soul of a nation, the spirit of a republic and a fascinating history.

If you want to understand Turkey not as a tourist but as an explorer, start with Ankara.