Ankara, Capital metropolitan municipality in Central Anatolia Region, Turkey
Description
Ankara is the capital of Turkey in the central Anatolian region, sitting at an elevation of 938 meters (about 3078 feet) between two major rivers. The climate brings cold, snowy winters and dry, hot summers, while the city spreads across an expansive plateau.
History
The ancient settlement of Ancyra had been a crossroads for different cultures and empires across Anatolia for centuries. After the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, it was chosen as the new capital to shift the political center from Istanbul into the interior.
Culture
The city shows itself in teahouses and restaurants where people gather over traditional dishes like döner kebap, which originated in its modern form here. In the streets, modern business districts and government buildings shape daily life, while local markets still offer fresh produce and regional specialties.
Practical
The public transport network connects different districts through metro lines and buses, while high-speed trains also reach other Turkish cities. Travelers should note that distances within the city can be large, and using public transport is often necessary.
Did you know?
The region gave rise to three distinct animal breeds with soft, long fur: the Angora cat, Angora goat, and Angora rabbit. These animals were bred over centuries and carry the name of the city in its old form, Angora.
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Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo license: CC BY 2.0
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, features evidence of twenty-five centuries of history. The Ankara Citadel overlooks the city from its hill at 978 meters above sea level, with 16-meter-high stone walls. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations occupies a 15th-century Ottoman caravanserai and displays...
Anıtkabir
1.5 km
Presidential Palace of Turkey
4.8 km
Burj al Babas
152.3 km
Lake Tuz
127.9 km
Ulucanlar Prison Museum
2.5 km
Halkevleri
573 m
Ethnography Museum of Ankara
1.3 km
Ankara Castle
2.5 km
Mount Bolu Tunnel
150 km
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
2.1 km
Gordion
80.7 km
Kocatepe Mosque
720 m
Amorium
167.2 km
Turkish State Cemetery
4.4 km
Atakule
3.9 km
Presidential Library
4.6 km
Hacı Bayram Mosque
2.7 km
İstiklâl Yolu Tarihî Millî Parkı
61.8 km
Çankaya Mansion
3.6 km
Göksu Park
19.2 km
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Museum House
1.6 km
Altınköy Open Air Museum
10.8 km
Pembe Köşk
2.9 km
Republic Museum
2.3 km
Pessinus
127.3 km
Victory Monument
2.3 km
Aqua Vega
7.8 km
War of Independence Museum
2.4 km
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