The city is located on a territory that in the past belonged to different empires. The architecture is partially reminiscent of the times of Byzantine and Roman rule. Ankara is inferior to Istanbul in terms of population, but every year it catches up with the former Ottoman capital in terms of culture and tourism opportunities.
Ankara received its current status only in the 1920s. Then it began to grow and change. Some areas, such as Hamamonu, have been completely rebuilt and modernized. Along with this, old mosques have been preserved, and the caravanserais have been given over to museum collections. According to this principle, the building was also received by the Rahmi M. Koch Polytechnic Museum. New buildings also appear in Ankara. So the presidential palace was erected in 2014, and the residence became one of the largest in the world.
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What to see and where to go in Ankara?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Anitkabir
The tomb of the first president of Turkey - Ataturk. Construction was carried out from 1944 to 1953. The area of the complex is about 750 thousand square meters. There are many objects on its territory, including the Peace Park, the Lviv road, the Hall of Glory and the Ceremonial Square. Ottoman and Seljuk motives were used in the design and decoration. A large collection of cars belonging to Ataturk is also available for inspection.
Citadel
One of the main city attractions. Also known as the Citadel of Hizar. The elevated location allows you to see the impressive size of the building from different parts of Ankara. The structure is a fortress surrounded by two levels of walls. They were built in the 6th and 9th centuries. Only a few of the 20 towers have survived. To the east, tourists are allowed to climb to explore the surroundings.
Presidential palace
The official residence of the Turkish leader. It is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Commissioned in 2014. The first guest of the palace is Pope Francis. In addition to the main three-story building, there are two more on the territory that perform auxiliary functions. They are equipped with the latest technology and all belong to the Art Nouveau architectural style.
Hamamonu District
Located in the central part of the Old Town. After a series of restorations, Hamamonu has largely turned into a pedestrian zone. The restructuring affected about 250 objects. Turkey's traditional architecture has been preserved, while many modern shops and leisure facilities have emerged. On major state and religious holidays, the area is transformed and hosts various events.
Kyzylai Square
The central square of the city. It is surrounded by modern buildings: universities, shops, offices, restaurants. Transport routes converge here, so it is convenient to get to the square from any area of Ankara. Walking distance to entertainment, including cinemas and exhibition halls. Kyzylai has more than once become a venue for protest actions and major New Year's events.
Kocatepe Mosque
It was built for almost two decades, starting in 1967. The author of the project is the architect Hyusrev Tayla. Initially, a modern building was conceived, but already in the course of work, preference was given to the classic style. There are four minarets along the perimeter. The height of each is 88 meters. The total area of the complex is over 4200 m². Inside, the walls and floor are decorated with marble, as well as impressive crystal chandeliers stand out in the interior.
Haji-Bairam Mosque
The oldest mosque in the city. Built in the Seljuk style. There are no other exact data on the time of its construction. Presumably, services began here in 1428. It bears the name of a famous philosopher and poet. He stood at the origins of one of the Muslim movements. The followers of Haji-Bairam helped those in need and were engaged in enlightenment in matters of religion. The mosque was built for the needs of this teaching.
Aslankhane Mosque
Built on the site of one of the Roman temples. In the design of the mosque, you can see details from the Byzantine decor. In addition, the supporting structures remain from past structures and also give out the continuity of styles. The surviving details of the interior indicate that the mosque was richly decorated in the past. Although not much remains of this splendor, services are still held here.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Founded in 1921 by the personal order of President Ataturk. The exposition occupies the buildings of the caravanserai and the covered market, erected in the 15th century. The main condition for getting exhibits into the museum collection is the attitude towards the peoples inhabiting the lands of Anatolia. There are objects from different periods, starting with the Paleolithic. During the tour, you can get an accompanying English-speaking guide.
Rahmi M. Koch Museum
Second Polytechnic Museum of Turkey. The first one with the same name is located in Istanbul. In Ankara, the assembly is located in a caravanserai opposite the city fortress. The doors were opened for visitors in 2005. 3 floors are given over to an extensive exhibition, where you can see the first engine, agricultural machinery, old TVs, cars. There are also models of famous objects, including Hitler's yacht.
Museum of Fine Arts and Sculpture
Has been welcoming visitors since 1997. The collection can be called timeless. Along with works related to the Roman and Ottoman empires, works by contemporary artists and sculptors are exhibited in the halls of the museum. Tourists have a chance to follow the changing trends and styles in the history of the area. The collection is temporarily replenished with mobile exhibitions. There is an ethnographic museum nearby.
Ethnographical museum
One of the most interesting museums not only in Ankara, but throughout Turkey. Opened in 1925, a little later the collection was moved to a new building. Part of the old Muslim cemetery belongs to the museum. The exposition includes finds from different parts of the country. The exhibitions of carpets and jewelry are especially noteworthy. During the excursion, tourists get acquainted with the customs and crafts, as well as the way of life of local residents.
CerModern
The Museum of Contemporary Art specializes mostly in temporary exhibitions. The canvases of world famous artists, for example, Dali, are brought here. You can also look at the unusual display of fabrics or the work of Turkish figures. There are closed workshops under the roof of CerModern, which are sometimes open to tourists. On site there are cafes and spacious venues for events.
Ulukanlar Prison Museum
The first such museum in Turkey. After restoration, the real prison has turned into a tourist attraction. The attraction has been open to visitors since 2011. The building was built in the 20s of the last century, it became a prison a few years later. The correctional facility was liquidated after the riots. During its existence, Ulukanlar gained a notorious reputation due to torture and human rights violations.
AltInkoy Acik Hava Muzesi
An open-air museum was created to preserve cultural traditions. The picturesque area takes visitors a hundred years ago. Houses, a mill, fields and vegetable gardens have been built on a spacious territory. There is even a typical village meeting area. The handicrafts presented here are on the verge of extinction. Animals can be seen in paddocks and pastures. There is a full-fledged museum that complements the overall picture.
Roman Baths
Currently, the baths are an archaeological site. Discovered during excavations in the middle of the last century. They were built in the 3rd century and were dedicated to the god of healing.Baths consisted of a cold room with a dressing room, a swimming pool, a hot room, a steam room and a room with medium temperatures for relaxation. Although not many objects have survived, the outline of the structure is clearly visible.
Turkish State Cemetery
The necropolis has existed since 1981. It was built specifically for the burials of prominent political and military officials of the state. The first big ceremony took place in 1988, when the bodies of two Turkish presidents were brought here: Sunay Cevdet and Cemal Gyursel. Nearby are the graves of 61 commanders who participated in the War of Independence. The territory of the cemetery is under the authority of the Ministry of Defense.
Atakule Tower
Built in the 80s of the XX century in the city center. The height is about 125 meters. The famous architect Rejib Iuluk was responsible for the design. The tower is crowned with a wide dome-like hat. There is an observation deck at the very top. Below is a restaurant. Its peculiarity is its location on a special site. Thanks to this design, the restaurant makes a full revolution around the axis of the tower in an hour.
Genchlik park
The public park is located in the city center. The area of the territory exceeds 27 hectares. In the past, these places were occupied by swamps. After they were drained, they began to plant greens, but the park itself did not take shape immediately. Tourists were attracted by various methods, among other things, two mini-trains were launched. Now there are concert venues, recreation and entertainment areas. There is an opera house, a stadium and a sports complex nearby.
Lake Eimir
Located 20 km from Ankara. The area is just over 1 km². The depth varies with the seasons. Forms a single ecosystem with Lake Mogan. Amir is fueled by a neighbor's waters through the canal. Picnics are held on the coast. Around - a pine forest and thickets of wild almonds. Weather permitting, you can meet cyclists and joggers in the surrounding area. Swimming in the lake is not accepted.
