Ankara City Guide

Ankara City Guide

Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey, was the center of the War of Independence between 1918-23.

Ankara, the center of the National Operations of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his friends and the symbol of the Independence Struggle, was accepted as the capital on 13 October 1923. Anıtkabir, the tomb of the Great Leader Atatürk, has become the symbol of the city.

Places to visit

One of the most important and magnificent historical monuments that must be seen by those who come to Ankara is the Anıtkabir in Anıttepe, where Atatürk's tomb is located. The construction of the 750 m² mausoleum, which was started in 1944, was completed in 1953. While the architectural structure of the mausoleum carries the motifs of its own period, it also reflects the architectural features of the Ottoman and Seljuk periods. There are 10 towers in the Anıtkabir complex, which consists of two main parts, namely the Peace Park and the Monument Block (Lion's Road, Ceremony Square and Mausoleum). Transportation to Anıtkabir, which is located in Tandoğan Square in the city center, can be easily provided.

Ankara Castle is another important work that contributes to Ankara's cultural existence and must be seen. When you go up to the castle located in Altındağ district, you can easily watch 90% of the view of Ankara. History BC II. The castle, which dates back to the 16th century, consists of two gates and 42 towers. Kalecik and Gaver Castles are also of great cultural and historical importance for the city. Kalecik is located on the Çankırı road, 78 km from Ankara, and Gavur Castle is located near the town of Haymana.

If you want to grasp the cultural structure of the city, you should definitely visit the Beypazarı district, which has cultural and historical importance. The district has a history dating back to the Hittite Empire. Ancient houses and silver art specific to the district are important features that will immediately catch your eye.

Sheikh Hamam in Ankara is home to Turkey's most important thermal springs. Ankara is also a social city with its modern and large parks. Angora cat, rabbit and goat are famous around the world.

Many historical works such as museums, baths, temples have equipped the city. Anatolian Civilizations Museum (Altındağ), Ethnography Museum (Namazgâh), Anıtkabir Atatürk Museum (Çankaya), Roman Museum (400m away from Ulus), Gordion Museum (Yassıhöyük Village), Temple of Augustos (Ulus) are among the important places that reflect the history and culture of the city. .

Culture and Entertainment

The cultural and artistic aspect of Ankara is highly developed due to its being a capital city. State Theatre, State Opera and Ballet, Prime Ministry Symphony Orchestra, State Painting and Sculpture Museum, numerous galleries, cultural amateur music groups and many modern parks add color to the cultural, artistic and entertainment life of the city.

Ankara International Film Festival, Ankara International Art Festival, Ankara International Cartoon Festival, Ankara International Music Festival, Asian-European Art Exhibition are among the most important cultural and entertainment activities of the city. Ankara's most enjoyable parks are Abdi İpekçi Park, Altın Park, Botanical Park, Kuğulu Park and Mogan Park. You can choose these parks for resting, having fun and strolling. In addition, Mogan Lake is a perfect excursion area for visitors who want to breathe the sea air in Ankara, which does not have a shore to the sea.

Ankara streets are full of different night entertainment alternatives. Especially in recent years, these places have shown a lot of development. Argentina Street is the city's cafe and bar street. While you can taste delicious food here during the day, you can have fun in the bars at night. Sakarya Caddesi is one of the favorite places of students, especially with its cheap entertainment opportunities. While people usually snack on this street during the day, at night they can leave themselves to the rhythm of the music in the bars on the same street.

Eating and drinking

Ankara cuisine is famous for its local dishes as well as traditional Turkish cuisine. Ornaç, Toyga Soup, Ankara Pan, Arabaşı, Bahçe Kebab, Cennet Küngü, Sunken Halva are just a few examples from the very rich local list. Although there is a wide menu of soups, meat dishes, desserts and pastries, it is difficult to talk about the prevalence of vegetables in the city cuisine.

What to eat?

Soups: Keshk soup, dutmaç, toyga soup

Meat dishes: Ankara pan, calla, shepherd's roast, forest kebab

Meatballs: Kadınbudu meatballs, mucirim meatballs, egg meatballs

Pastries: Cizlama, bazlama, kaha, nevzime, yalki

Desserts, compotes: Quince borana, Höşmelim, pumpkin dessert, pertem, kaygana

Shopping

When you want to shop in Ankara, do not forget that there are countless shopping centers where you can find everything you are looking for. Ankamall, Arcadium, Optimum, Carrefoursa, Bilkent Center, Mesa Plaza, Karum, Armada, Atakule, Cepa, Panora, 365, Antares, A City, Ankuva, Contour, Galeria, Metro Gross Market, Forum are the main shopping centers in the city, Gordion and Kent The park will open very soon.

Atakule Shopping Center, located in Çankaya, is a modern shopping center at an altitude of 125 meters.