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Cityscape at sunset with an orange-red sky. The focal point is a large mosque with four minarets, while modern high-rise buildings can be seen in the background.
The image shows a cityscape at sunset with an orange-red sky. The focal point is a large mosque with four minarets, while modern high-rise buildings can be seen in the background.

Ankara

Published: 27 November 2024, 17:30

In the heart of Anatolia

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is located in the heart of the country. The country's second largest city has deep roots in the past, which can be discovered in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, around the ruins of the Temple of Augustus, and in the impressive Kocatepe Mosque. A visit to the imposing mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, should also be on the sightseeing program. A museum dedicated to the life and work of Ataturk is attached to it.

If you want to get a feel for the size and expanse of this metropolis of millions, you should visit the ancient fortress of Ankara Kalesi. The impressive castle not only offers a breathtaking view of the city but also insights into the history of Anatolia. The old town extends around the fortress, where traditional markets and shops sell local handicrafts. If you want to try authentic Turkish dishes such as kebab, kofta and iskender, this is the place for you.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + one hour
  • Population: 5.1 million
  • Official language: Turkish
  • Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

City tour with five stops

Monumental structure with tall columns made of sand-ochre-coloured stone. Visitors can be seen on the broad steps in front of it. A Turkish flag is flying from the building's facade behind columns. A relief with figures in the antique style is incorporated into the stairway.
First stop: Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk. It is one of the country's most important monuments. In the museum, you can learn more about his life. © Aleksandar/stock.adobe.com
Garden decorated with antique statues and busts. There are park benches in the foreground, while trees, old houses and a historic stone wall can be seen in the background.
Second stop: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This is the place to go for anyone interested in the history of Anatolia from the Paleolithic Age to the Ottoman era. © Aleksandar/stock.adobe.com
Large mosque illuminated by warm light. It has a central, impressive dome and four tall minarets. An illuminated square extends in front of the mosque.
Third stop: The Kocatepe Mosque is the largest in Ankara. It is built in the Ottoman style and its imposing architecture characterizes the cityscape. © Aryounus Wirestock/stock.adobe.com
Historic fortress with high walls and battlements, with a Turkish flag flying at the top. In the background, a wide urban landscape extends into the distance. The sky glows in shades of yellow and orange at sunset.
Fourth stop: the ancient fortress of Ankara Kalesi towers over the city and offers fantastic views. Narrow streets lined with cafes and shops run around the castle. © doganmesut/stock.adobe.com
White houses along a lane, with wooden elements on the windows and roofs. There are seats along the lane that belong to restaurants down in the buildings. Flower pots are hanging on the walls of the houses.
Fifth stop: the Hamamönü neighborhood – an old district with traditional Ottoman houses that house cafes, restaurants and small shops. © Orhan Cam/stock.adobe.com

Ankara – Gateway to the Central Anatolian Plateau

Ankara is located in the heart of Central Anatolia, a region of great natural beauty. The extensive area is characterized by the Anatolian Plateau, which boasts rolling hills, green valleys and high mountain ranges. The fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, known for its unique rock formations and bizarre tufa cones, offers a backdrop that seems to come from another world. The region is also home to Lake Tuz, the second largest salt lake in the world, known for its high salt content and sparkling surface.

The history of the region goes back to ancient times. Central Anatolia was once home to various civilizations, including the Hittites and the Romans. The ruins of the ancient city of Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are an impressive testament to this advanced civilization. Traditional Ottoman villages such as Beypazarı, near Ankara, are a particularly good place to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

The fairytale world of Central Anatolia

Wide, green landscape with rolling hills, meadows and stone ruins, which indicate the remains of an ancient city. The wall structures are clearly recognizable and extend over several levels of the hill.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Hattusa: The approximately 4,000-year-old Hittite civilization can be traced to the ancient ruined city, about 200 kilometres east of Ankara. © robnaw/stock.adobe.com
Numerous colourful hot air balloons floating over a landscape with unusual rock formations and rolling hills. The sky is clear and blue.
Fairytale world in Cappadocia: the bizarre colours, shapes, craters and cones are best seen from the air. A hot air balloon ride offers the best view. © Kotangens/stock.adobe.com
Three people walking as silhouettes over a bright, sparkling salt flat. The water and horizon behind them stretch out far, the sky is slightly cloudy.
The salt lake Tuz Gölü is bizarre and unique. The second largest salt lake in the world is very shallow, and you can wade far into it. © Stefan Lambauer/stock.adobe.com
Place with traditional houses and red-tiled roofs. In the foreground, there is a large building with a series of domes. In the background, there is a hill with a fortress. The city is surrounded by green trees and rolling hills.
A traditional village west of Ankara: Beypazarı is famous for its Ottoman houses, handmade jewelry and delicious dried fruit. © resul/stock.adobe.com
Turquoise lake with a white sandy beach. The lake is surrounded by mountains and green vegetation. The water surface reflects the clouds and the sky.
Caribbean vibes: Lake Salda, near Ankara, is ideal for day trips, picnics and walks. The lake is very deep and clean. However, bathing is not allowed. © mylasa/stock.adobe.com

Ankara from BER

Airplane shortly before touching down on the runway.

AJET

Turkish Airlines

Sun Express

Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB)

Five travel tips for...

  1. Zoo, open-air museum and farm in Atatürk Forest
  2. Long walks in Seğmenler Park
  3. Swans, ponds and gardens in Kuğulu Park
  4. Carousels, theatre and fountains in Gençlik Parkı
  5. Ponds, pavilions and playgrounds in Altınpark

  1. Ataturk's Mausoleum and Museum: the founding and history of Turkey
  2. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: insight into ancient civilizations
  3. Ethnographic Museum: Turkish folk culture and tradition
  4. Rahmi M. Koç Museum: technology museum with historic vehicles
  5. CerModern: art and culture center in an old locomotive hall

  1. Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu: An antiques bazaar selling jewelry and carpets
  2. Ulus Farmers' Market: Ideal for dried fruit, spices and a wide selection of fresh olives
  3. Maltepe Pazarı: A diverse weekly market known for its low prices and wide variety
  4. Bakırcılar Çarşısı: Handmade copper goods can be found at this traditional market
  5. Samanpazarı: Historic neighborhood with many small shops, perfect for unique souvenirs

 

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© Koraysa/stock.adobe.com

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