ANKARA CITY GUIDE

Ankara is Turkey’s capital and the second largest city after Istanbul. Located in the center of Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau, in the province of the same name, Ankara is a lovely tourist destination. Besides its cultural and architectural heritage, the city has a major European appearance than most of the other cities in Turkey, with wide-open roads, large hotels, restaurants and museums…

Ankara Weather (5 Days Gov. Forecast)

You may find below the weather in Ankara for the current day and for the following 5 days from Turkish State Meteorological Service Official Web Sites.

Ankara Photos:

Population of Ankara:(2024est)

5.855.069

General Information About Ankara

Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey, was established at a central point in Central Anatolia. Due to this central location, throughout history, especially during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the sof fabrics made from the hair of Ankara goats were sold abroad, making Ankara a caravanserai route and a trade center.

Ankara assumed a prominent position in the national resistance led by Atatürk after the First World War and was declared the capital of the new Republic of Turkey on October 13, 1923 after the Turkish homeland was liberated from foreign occupation through the War of Independence.

Ankara’s most prominent landmark is the magnificent Anıtkabir, built for the great leader Atatürk. Completed in 1953, this synthesis of ancient and modern architecture testifies to the strength and elegance of Turkish architecture.

The oldest parts of the city surround the historic Castle. Within the walls, the 12th-century Alaaddin Mosque, although overhauled by the Ottomans, still displays fine examples of Seljuk woodwork and art. Many interesting old Turkish houses have been restored and revitalized as art galleries or restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in the beautifully restored Bedestend near the Hisar Gate houses priceless artifacts from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods and the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman civilizations.

Arslanhane Mosque from the 13th century and Ahi Elvan Mosque from the 14th century are worth seeing outside the castle. The baths dating from the third century A.D., the Julian Column from the fourth century and the Temple of Augustus built in the Corinthian style from the second century are around the castle close to Ulus Square. One of Emperor Augustus’ “Political Orders”, an inscription detailing his achievements, is on the walls of the Temple of Augustus in Ankara.

Near the castle, there is a Roman Theater and the 15th century Hacı Bayram Mosque and mausoleum in the same area.

The Museum of Painting and Sculpture is next door to the Ethnographic Museum, which displays masterpieces of Seljuk wooden door carving and other everyday objects. The Kocatepe Mosque, the largest mosque in Ankara, was built between 1976 and 1987 in Ottoman style.

Ankara has a vibrant artistic and cultural life, with outstanding ballet, theater, opera and folk dance performances. The city is particularly famous for its Philharmonic Orchestra, which never fails to attract an audience.

DISTRICTS OF ANKARA:

The districts of Ankara are Altındağ, Çankaya, Etimesgut, Keçiören, Mamak, Sincan, Yenimahalle, Akyurt, Ayaş, Bala, Beypazarı, Çamlıdere, Çubuk, Elmadağ, Evren, Gölbaşı, Güdül, Haymana, Kalecik, Kazan, Kızılcahamam, Nallıhan, Polatlı and Şereflikoçhisar.

Akyurt:

It is 33 km. away from the city center. A large mound belonging to the Old Bronze Age and later, which has been the scene of settlement since the middle of 3000 BC, was found 1 km away from the Balıkhisar Village of the district.

Altındağ :

1 km. away from the city center, in the district covering the Seljuks, Ottomans and older civilizations; Ankara Castle, Temple of Augustus, Julianus Column, Roman Bath, Republic Monument, Anatolian Civilizations Museum, State Painting and Sculpture Museum, Ethnography Museum, War of Independence Museum and Republic Museum. In addition, Karacabey, Ahi Şerafettin, Hacı Bayram Veli Efendi, Karyağdı, Gülbaba and İzzettin Baba Tombs and Hacı Bayram, Aslanhane, Ahi Elvan, Alaaddin, Zincirli and Kurşunlu mosques are also within the borders of the district.

Ayaş :

Ayaş District, 58 km. from the city center, is famous for its hot springs. Karakaya Hot Spring and the mineralized and radioactive waters of Ayaş thermal springs 23 km. to the west are an important source of wealth in terms of health. Karadere Vineyards, Ova Vineyards, Arıklar Vineyards, Kirazdibi Vineyards are other natural assets of the district.

Bala :

Located in the south of Ankara, within the borders of Bala district, 35 km away from the district, Beynam Forests are one of the important recreational places of Ankara as well as Balâ district. This place is generally covered with pine forests.

Beypazari :

The history of Beypazarı district, 99 km. from Ankara, dates back to the Hittites and Phrygians. It is understood from historical artifacts and maps that Beypazarı was a bishopric center and its name was changed to Lagania Anastasiopolıs.

Beypazarı is a charming district famous for its historical houses, silver work and carrots. Boğazkesen Kumbet, Suluhan, Old Bath, Sultan Alaaddin Mosque, Akşemseddin Mosque, Kurşunlu Mosque, Rüstem Pasha Bath, Gazi Gündüzalp Tomb (Hırkatepe), Kara Davut Tomb (Kuyumcutekke), Karaca Ahmet Tomb are within the borders of the district and are worth seeing.

Tekke Plateau, located 10 km. away from the district, Eğriova Plateau and Lake in Karaşar town, 44 km. away, and structures resembling fairy chimneys around Dereli village are interesting places of the district.

Çamlidere :

Located in the northwest of Ankara, Çamlıdere district is 108 km. away from the city center. There is a mosque in Peçenek Town belonging to the Seljuk period in the district. In addition, the remains of tombs and settlements belonging to the Byzantine Period are also found.

Çankaya :

Çankaya District is 9 km. away from the city center. Çankaya District, one of the important districts of Ankara, includes many districts close to the city center. Atatürk Forest Farm, Eymir Lake, Elmadağ Ski Facilities, Ahlatlıbel Sports and Entertainment Center are within the district borders.

Anıtkabir, Atatürk Museum, Atatürk Monument (Victory Monument-Sıhhiye), MTA General Directorate Natural History Museum, Security Monument, Ethnography Atatürk Monument, Natural History Museum, METU Archeology Museum, State Painting and Sculpture Exhibition Hall, Anıt Park, Botanical Garden, Abdi İpekçi Park, Güven Park, Kurtuluş Park, Kuğulu Park, National Sovereignty Park, Ahmet Arif Park, 100. Year Indoor Swimming Pool, sports fields such as the Municipality Ice Skating Rink, Toy Museum (Cebeci-Ankara University Faculty of Education), Hittite Monument, Atakule, TBMM are among the main tourist attractions of the district.

Çubuk :

Çubuk is 39 km from Ankara city center. A castle ruin in Aktepe and a carved rock tomb in Karadana Village are Hittite ruins.
Forested areas in the Çubuk II. Dam drainage area and forested areas in Karagöl are important recreation places.

Elmadağ :

It is 41 km. away from the city center. Carpentry, hand-woven rugs, rugs, saddlebags and bags dating back to the Seljuks have brought cultural richness to the present day.

Etimesgut :

Etimesgut district is 20 km from Ankara city center. Gazi Train Station and Etimesgut Train Station, where Atatürk was seen off on his way to Istanbul, are remarkable with their historical building features. The mausoleum of Ahi Elvan, one of the Turkish greats such as Ahi Mes’ud and Ahi Elvan, who gave Etimesgut its name, is located in the courtyard of Elvanköy Mosque in Elvanköy.

Evren :

It is 178 km. away from the city center. The mounds, churches and castle ruins found in the vicinity show that this region was a settlement long before Islam. Within the borders of the district, on the Evren-Sarıyahşi road 2 km. away from Evren, ceramic remains dating back to a thousand years were found in a mound. Sığırcık Castle located 2 km southwest of Çatalpınar Village belongs to the Late Byzantine and Ottoman Period.

Gölbaşı :

Gölbaşı and its surroundings, 20 km. away from Ankara, are Ankara’s recreation, resort, tourism and industrial zone. Mogan and Eymir Lakes bring touristic value to the district with their natural beauty, clean air and fish production.

There are stalagmites, stalactites and columns worth seeing in the Tulumtaş Cave located in the Karayatak Hill Mevkii between the villages of İncek, Hacılar and Tulumtaş.

Haymana :

Haymana, which is 73 km. from the city center, is world famous for its hot springs. The history of the hot springs dates back to the Hittites. After the Hittites, the hot springs facilities were restored during the Roman period, and a city with ruins was established 1-1.5 km east of the hot springs and this region was turned into a water treatment center.

Kalecik :

It is estimated that Kalecik and its vicinity, 71 km. from the city center, was inhabited for the first time in the early Chalcolithic Period between 3500-4000 BC. Hasbey, Saray, Tabakhane Mosques, Kazancıbaba, Alişoğlu Tomb, Develioğlu Bridge on Kızılırmak and Kalecik Castle are the main historical monuments.

Kazan:

Kazan’s distance from the city center is 45 km. The date of establishment of the district is not known for certain. Many historical artifacts unearthed as a result of excavations show that the district and its villages were inhabited in the time of many different civilizations.

Keçiören :

The distance of Keçiören district from Ankara city center is 3 km. It is one of the central districts of Ankara. The Ankara Old Agricultural School, where Mustafa Kemal prepared for the War of Independence and used as headquarters, is today within the borders of Keçiören as a museum.

Kızılcahamam :

Located 83 km. away from the city center, Kızılcahamam is the settlement with the densest forest cover in Ankara. Kızılcahamam is rich in mineral water and the Şey Hamamı Hot Spring, 16 km from Kızılcahamam, is among the important hot springs of the country.

Mamak :

Mamak district is 7 km from the city center. In order to fulfill cultural services in the district, there is the Conservatory Building where the current Municipality Presidency Building is located. In addition, the 75th Year Republic Amphitheater can be counted among the cultural activity assets. Hatip Stream, Bayındır Dam and important 4 promenade places are among the natural assets.

Nallıhan:

Nallıhan’s distance to the city center is 161 km. The district center was formed in 1599 when Vizier Nasuhpaşa built an inn here and took its name from this inn. A mosque and a bathhouse were built together with the inn, whose roof is still ruined. Uluhan Mosque, which was built in the 17th century in Uluhan (Köstebek) Village in the district, is another important work.

Polatli :

The distance of Polatlı district to the city center is 78 km. Yassıhöyük Village and its surroundings, which fall 20 meters northwest of today’s Polatlı, can be considered as a real beginning of history in the region. There are 86 tumuli and king tombs and ruins in this vicinity, and there are tumuli and city ruins in the district center.

Şereflikoçhisar :

It is 148 km. away from the city center. In the district, there is Salt Lake, the second largest lake in Turkey. Fishing is carried out in the Hirfanlı Dam Lake in the north. Salt Lake, Kurşunlu Mosque, Koçhisar Castle and Parlasan Castle constitute the historical and touristic riches of the district.

Yenimahalle :

Yenimahalle is 5 km from the city center. Among the works that emphasize the history of Yenimahalle, which is located in the city center, is the Akköprü, which was built by the Seljuk ruler Alaaddin Keykubat in 1222 on the Ankara Stream where the old Baghdad Trade route passed. The bridge, which still preserves its historical feature, consists of 7 arches, 4 large and 3 small.

GEOGRAPHY

Ankara is surrounded by Kırşehir and Kırıkkale in the east, Eskişehir in the west, Çankırı in the north, Bolu in the northwest, Konya and Aksaray in the south.

Ankara is a region covered with plains formed by the tributaries of the Kızılırmak and Sakarya rivers in the northwest of Central Anatolia. In this region, it is possible to see forest areas, steppe and steppe areas together.

Willow, poplar and poplar trees seen in rows along the rivers are located in the steppe. In the individual mountains rising on the plateau around Ankara and in the mountainous area in the north, forest cover begins to manifest itself due to the increase in precipitation.

The steppe climate, which is characterized by the Central Anatolian climate in the south, and the mild and rainy conditions of the Black Sea climate in the north can be seen. In this region where the continental climate prevails, winter temperatures are low and summer is hot.

HISTORY

Located in the heart of Central Anatolia, Ankara, the capital of the Turkish State, was chosen by Atatürk, the founder of the republic, to host the new government of the newly established republic.

The history of Ankara and its surroundings goes back to the Hatti Civilization in the Bronze Age. In the second millennium before Christ, the Hittites became the rulers of the region, followed by the Phrygians, Lydians and Persians. In the third century before Christ, the Galatians, a Celtic race, made Ankara their capital.

The name of the province in history is “Ankyra”. The Galatians used Ankara as their capital for the first time. Although it is known to have been a small city of the Hittite period, no artifacts from this period have been found in this region. After the Phrygian era, the city lived through the Persian, Alexander the Great and Galatian periods respectively. In 25 BC, Emperor Augustus annexed the city to the Roman Empire together with the kingdom of Galatia.

With the rise of Islam in the VIIth and VIIIth centuries, the city was subjected to Persian and Arab influxes. The city changed hands several times between 871-893. In 1127, the city came under Turkish rule for good and was renamed “Engüriye”. In 1402, during the Battle of Ankara between Yildirim Bayazid and Timurlenk, the city briefly fell under Mongol rule. However, in 1414, it came under Ottoman rule for good.

During the War of Independence in 1920, Ankara was chosen as the epicenter and in 1923 it was declared the capital by Gazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK due to its geographical, strategic, political and epicenter features in the War of Independence. In those days, urban architects were brought from Europe and the foundations of today’s modern Ankara were laid.

ANKARA TRANSPORTATION

Highway : There is bus transportation from Ankara to every part of Turkey.
Bus Station Tel : (+90-312) 207 10 00

Airline : Ankara Esenboğa International Airport is 25 km from the city center. Transportation is provided by HAVAŞ shuttles.
Airport Tel : (+90-312) 398 00 00 00/1517 – 398 05 50 –398 00 00 00/1649

Railway : Ankara-Istanbul, Ankara-Izmir, Ankara-Balıkesir, Ankara-Isparta-Burdur, Ankara-Zonguldak, Ankara-Adana, Ankara-Elazığ-Diyarbakır routes are available by train.
Station Tel : (+90-312) 311 49 94 – 310 65 15

PLACES TO VISIT IN ANKARA

Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir, where the eternal resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, creator of the revolutions, heroic soldier, great leader, was built in Rasattepe.

Its architects are Prof. Emin Onat and Assoc. Orhan Arda. Construction began in 1944 and the monument was completed in 1953. In the same year, Ata was transferred here with a great ceremony from his temporary tomb in the Ethnography Museum.

The units within the Anıtkabir complex are; Independence Tower, Freedom Tower, Lion’s Road, Law of Defense Tower, Mehmetçik Tower, Victory Tower, Peace Tower, April 23 Tower, Misak-ı Milli Tower, Revolution Tower, Victory Reliefs, Mausoleum – Hall of Honor.

Museums

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Address Hisar Cad. Ulus – Ankara
Tel: (312) 324 31 60
Fax: (312) 311 28 39

Ethnography Museum
Address: Talatpasa Bulvari Opera – Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 95 56

Atatürk House in Ankara
Ankara University Faculty of Educational Sciences “Toy Museum
Ataturk’s Place, Museum Pavilion
Beypazari Culture and History Museum
Eğitim-Der Special Museum of Education
Gordion Museum
Mehmet Akif Ersoy House
MTA Natural History Museum
Archaeology and Museum at METU
Turkish Child Protection Agency Museum
TRT Museum and National Liberation Exhibition
100th Year Girls’ Technical Education Museum
Gazi University Faculty of Vocational Education
Ziraat Bank Museum

War of Independence and Republic Museum
Address Cumhuriyet Cad. Ulus – Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 04 73

Ruins

Gordion – Polatli/Yassıhöyük:

The ruins of the famous city of Gordion, the capital of the Phrygian Kingdom, are in the village of Yassıhöyük, 21 km. northwest of Polatlı, 90 km. from Ankara, near the Ankara-Eskişehir highway, where the Sakarya (Sangarios) and Porsuk rivers approach each other.

The history of Gordion dates back to 3000 BC (Old Bronze Age). It was an important settlement of Assyria, Hittite (1950 BC – 1180 BC) and Phrygia (900 BC – 620 BC). It was the capital of the Phrygian State. It was named after the king named Gordios (the founder of the Phrygian capital).

The famous knot tied by King Gordios was cut by Alexander the Great in Gordion where he spent the winter in 333 BC. After this date, the Alexander the Great Period (300-100 BC) began in Gordion, followed by the Roman Period (1st BC – 4th AD) and then the Seljuk Period (11th-13th AD).

Roman Bath – Ankara/Center:

It is located on Çankırı Street extending from Ulus Square to Yıldırım Bayazıt Square, on a platform up to 2.5 meters high from the street. It is known that the high platform where the bath is located is a mound.

The bath is dated to the period of Caracalla (AD 212-217). The entrance of the Caracalla Bath on Çankırı Street opens onto a large area surrounded by the remains of a columned portico, the palaestra, a wrestling arena. This porticoed courtyard has 32 columns on one side and 128 marble columns on its entire surface. The bath buildings are located just behind the paleastra. These buildings are of a rare size and, as always, consist of Apoditerium (dressing part), Frigidarium (cold part), Tepidarium (warm part) and Caldarium (hot part).

Gavurkale Ruins – Ankara/Haymana:

It is 60 kilometers southwest of Ankara. The hill, which is 60 meters above the bottom of the Babayakup Stream flowing next to it, has been the scene of a long settlement. The hill was named Gavurkale because of the old ruined walls.

Gavurkale attracted attention with the reliefs of two gods walking one after the other, a goddess sitting opposite them and the walls consisting of large blocks around this rock on the south-facing face of the steep rocks on a hill. These rock reliefs are unique to the Hittites and are only one of the similar monuments found in different parts of Anatolia.

As a result of various researches, it was understood that this place was an important center surrounded by walls. Previously known only as a place of worship of the Hittites, Gavurkale was also found to have an important Phrygian settlement, which was visited by Ataturk himself during the studies in 1930. In the following years, various surveys were carried out around Gavurkale and excavations were started in 1998 under the direction of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Karalar Village Ruins – Ankara/Kazan
Karahöyük Ruin – Hacıtuğrul Village
Ethnography Museum
Ogust Shrine – Ankara/Altindag

Ahlatlibel :

Ahlatlibel is located 14 kilometers southwest of Ankara on the old road of Taşpınar Village – Gavurkale – Haymana. This Bronze Age station, very close to Ankara, is an important flat settlement for Anatolia.

Bitik :

Bitik Mound is 42 kilometers northwest of Ankara. From top to bottom, a Classical Age occupation starting in the V century BC and a thick Old Bronze Age occupation were uncovered. The remains of the Old Bronze Age at Bitik document the region’s connection with Eastern and Western Anatolia.

Etiyokuşu :

It is located 5 kilometers north of Ankara, on the banks of the Çubuk Stream. The excavation here was carried out by Prof. Şevket Aziz Kansu in 1937 on behalf of the Turkish Historical Society. Old Stone Age type tools were found on the lowest level. The Old Bronze Age culture above it is similar to the Ahlatlıbel culture. At the top, the remains of a large palace belonging to various periods were found.

Temple of Augustus :

It is adjacent to Hacı Bayram Mosque in Ulus. The temple, which was built in the 2nd century BC in the name of the Phrygian Goddess Men, was destroyed over time. The temple, whose ruins are found today, was built by King Pylamenes, the son of the last Galatian ruler Amintos, as a sign of loyalty to the Roman Emperor Augustus.

During the Byzantine period, various additions were made and windows were opened and it was turned into a church. It has four walls surrounded by four columns. There are forty-two columns, fifteen in length and six in width, four in front of the door of the temple and two at the back. Only the two side walls and the door part with embroidered edges are still standing in its old state. The testament of Augustus, the original of which was found in the Roman Temple and which shows the achievements of Augustus, was placed with an inscription on the wall of this temple adjacent to the tomb.

Julianus Column :

It is located on the edge of the pool between the Treasurer’s Office and the governorship building. It has no inscription. There are many rings on its body and its height is about fifteen meters. The column was built by Emperor Julianus (361 A.D.)

Ankara Roman Theater :

It is located between Hisar Street and Pınar Street. It was discovered for the first time at the end of 1982 and rescue excavations were started by the General Directorate of Museums on March 15, 1983. The Directorate of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations continued the excavations until the end of 1986. As a result, the remains of a typical Roman theater dating to the beginning of the II century AD were unearthed. These include vaulted parados buildings, a paved orchestra, audience seating (cavea), the foundations and walls of the stage room (scene), as well as many statues and fragments.

Akköprü :

It is the oldest bridge in Ankara, located in front of Varlık Neighborhood and over the Ankara Stream. It was built in 1222 by the Seljuk ruler Alaaddin Keykubat I during the reign of Kızılbey, the Governor of Ankara.

Mounds and Tumuli

Beştepeler Tumulus :

The first excavation of the tumuli in the Anıtkabir area was carried out by Makridi in 1926. In 1945, during the soil leveling in the Anıtkabir area, several tumuli had to be removed, two tumuli were opened and many pottery and tools belonging to the Phrygians were found here. Experts have revealed that these tumuli were contemporary with the Phrygian tombs of Gordion.

Yumurtatepe (Demetevler) Tumulus:

It is located on the left side of the road leading to Demetevler at the Çiftlik – Demetevler Junction. During the 1986 and 1987 excavation seasons, it was excavated by the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. As a result of the excavations, a single small and round structure belonging to the Old Bronze Age and terracotta artifacts were found on the top of the tumulus.

Kül Höyük :

It is within the borders of Oyaca Town and is 150 meters to the right of the road after 1.5 km from the Boyalık, Culuk, Calis and Durupinar road which turns left at approximately 50th kilometer of Ankara-Haymana highway. Külhöyük is a medium-sized mound and excavations are being carried out under the Directorate of Anatolian Civilizations.

Karaoğlan :

Karaoğlan is located 25 km. south of Ankara and on the Ankara-Konya road. All levels of civilization can be seen in the mound from the Chalcolithic period onwards. It is one of the most important stations with Hittite and Phrygian levels in Ankara Gölbaşı region.

Castles

Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle, which has been guarding the city for centuries, has become the symbol of the city. The history of Ankara Castle is as old as the history of the city. Although the exact date of its construction is not known, the idea that it was first built by the Romans is widespread.

It was repaired and expanded by the Seljuks. The hill on which it is built is 110 meters higher than the Bentdera (Hatip Stream) flowing next to it.

The castle has two parts, the inner and outer castle. It has more than twenty towers. The outer castle surrounds the old city of Ankara in the shape of a heart. The inner castle, which has four floors, was built partly with Ankara stone and partly with collected (spolian) stones. The inner castle has two big gates, one of which is called the outer gate and the other the fortress gate. The height of the towers in the inner castle varies between 14 and 16 meters. Today, there are many Ankara houses of Ottoman Ankara that have survived since the 17th century.

Kalecik Castle :

Kalecik Castle is 78 km. away from Ankara on the road to Çankırı. It is built on a symmetrical cone-shaped hill dominating the modern town. It is connected to the mountains to the southwest by a ridge and rises alone in the plain extending towards Kızılırmak.

Mosques

Some important mosques of the city are Ağaç Ayak Mosque, Ahi Elvan Mosque, Ahi Yakup Mosque, Aslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque, Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa Mosque, Alaaddin Mosque, Çiçekçioğlu Mosque, Direkli Mosque, Eskicioğlu Mosque, Hacettepe Mosque, Hacı Arap Mosque, Hacı Bayram Mosque, İbadullah Mosque, Karacabey Mosque, Kocatepe Mosque, Kurşunlu Mosque, Tabakhane Mosque, Tacettin Mosque and Zincirli Mosque.

Mausoleums

In Ankara, there are Ahi Şerafettin Tomb, Azimi (İsmail Paşazade Hacı Esad) Tomb, Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa Tomb, Hacıbayram Veli Tomb, İsmail Fazıl Paşa Tomb, Karacabey Tomb, Karyağdı Tomb, Kesikbaş Tomb, Yörük Dede (Doğan Bey) Tomb.

Churches

Catholic Church (St. Paul’s Church):

Address: Atatürk Bulvarı No: 118 – Kavaklıdere (in the garden of the Italian Embassy)
Tel: 0.312.426 65 18
Mass days and times:
Saturdays: (Summer) 19.00 (Winter) 18.00
Sundays: (Summer) 10.00 -12.00 -19.00 (Winter) 18.00

Catholic Church (St. Theres Church):

Address: Işıklar Caddesi Kardeşler Sok. 15 – Ulus
Tel: 0.312.311 01 18
Mass days and times: Sundays 10.30 (in Turkish)
Catholic Church (Church of the Virgin Mary):
Address: Birlik Mah. 3rd Cad. No: 35 Oyak-Çankaya (next to the Vatican Embassy)
Tel:0.312.495 35 23
Mass days and times: Sundays: 09.45 (English) 11.00 (French)

Anglican Church (St. Nicolas Church):

Address: Şehit Ersan Cad. 46 – Çankaya (inside the British Embassy)
Tel: 0.312.468 62 30/32 85
Mass days and times: Sundays : 10.00 (English)

Synagogue (Jewish Community):

Address: Sakalar Mah. Birlik Sok. 8 – Samanpazari,
Tel:0.312. 311 62 00

Inns

Çengel Han

It is located under the castle and on Sefa Street in Atpazari Square. It is understood that the inscription was built in 1522.

Kurşunlu Han:

Located on the road leading to Ankara Castle and built in 1421 by Mahmut Pasha, one of the viziers of Fatih, it is one of the typical Ottoman city inns.

Mahmut Pasha Bedesteni:

It is on the way to the castle and adjacent to the Kurşunlu Inn. It was built between 1421 and 1459 by Grand Vizier Mahmut Pasha together with the inn.

It has a large and regular rectangular plan extending longitudinally in the East – West direction and consists of two parts, the bedesten covered with ten large domes and the arasta outside the bedesten. The aforementioned bedesten is today used as the exhibition hall of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Sulu Han:

It is located between Tekneciler Street and Sulu Han Street in Hacı Doğan Quarter. Claimed to have been built in 1685 by Şeyhülislâm Cevvar Zade Mehmet Emin Bey as a foundation for Zincirli Mosque, Sulu Han is also called Hasan Paşa Han. However, in the foundation dated 1141, it is understood from the records that the inn was endowed by Abdülkerimzade Mehmet Emin Bey.

Zağfiran (Safran) Inn:

It is in the Horse Market. It was built by Hacı İbrahim Bin Hacı Mehmet, who was originally from Kayseri and settled in Ankara. According to the foundation dated 1512, it must have been built around this date. Half of the inn is a property, the other half was endowed to recite a cüz-i şerif for the soul of the foundation and to take care of the faucet at the gate of Lütfi Han. There is a masjid inside.

Baths

Old Hamam:

Old Hamam is located directly opposite Gazi High School. Although the dressing room of the bath, which is quite dilapidated, has been completely destroyed, the coldness and temperature, including the ashtray, are still standing. It is estimated that the work belongs to the XVth century in terms of its architectural structure and technique.

Karacabey Bath:

Karacabey Bath is on Talat Pasha Boulevard and was built in 1444. The Karacabey Bath, which was organized as a double bath, forms a large rectangle close to the square with its adjacent undressing rooms in the western part and the temperature and halvets in the eastern part, which show a different construction style compared to those in the west.

Şengül Hamamı:

It is located on İstiklâl Mahallesi Acı Çeşme street. The men’s part of the Şengül Bath, which was built as a double bath with a men’s and women’s section, was previously owned by women. It is understood from the construction technique and material of the dressing rooms of the two parts side by side that it was built in the XIXth century.

Monuments

Mimar Sinan Monument:

It is in front of the Faculty of Language, History and Geography. It was built in 1956 by the Emlâk Kredi Bank of Turkey and sculptor Hüseyin Anka. There is a standing marble statue of Mimar Sinan (1409-1588), our greatest architect, wearing his unique clothes.

Security Monument:

It is located in Güven Park in Kızılay. It was built in 1935 from Ankara stone. Since it is a gift of the Turkish nation to the police and gendarmerie, it is also called the Security Monument.

Mithat Pasha Monument:

It is next to the T.C. Ziraat Bank Head Office building in Ulus. In 1966, it was commissioned by T.C. Ziraat Bank to sculptor Prof. Hüseyin Anka, a faculty member of the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts.

Ulus Republic Monument:

It is in Ulus Square. The monument was erected in 1927 as a gift of the Turkish nation to the heroes of the War of Independence.

Victory Monument:

It is in front of the Army House on Atatürk Boulevard in Yenişehir. It is a bronze statue of Atatürk in uniform, standing and leaning on his sword.

Zübeyde Hanım Bust:

It is in front of the İsmet Paşa Girls’ Institute building. The bust of Zübeyde Hanım, Atatürk’s mother, was erected by the Turkish Women’s Union Center on March 31, 1964 as a gift to the greatest of Turkish mothers.

Sightseeing and Recreation Places

Altınpark:

Altınpark is located on İrfan Baştuğ Caddesi Aydınlıkevler, on an area of 640 thousand m2 . The park area includes an International Fair Center, a Science Center, a Cultural Center, Indoor and Outdoor Sports Areas, Outdoor and Side-Open Show Anfilar, Turkish, Italian and Chinese Restaurants, Turkish Street and Tepe Inn, Ponds and gardens, Production greenhouses, Olympic Swimming Pool, Mini Golf Course and Horse Backgammon.
Information Tel: 0.312.317 96 70- 317 96 96 96

Atakule

Atakule makes an important contribution to the appearance of modern Ankara with its presence. The tower is 125 meters high with a peak altitude of 118.2 meters. At 115.6 meters, a multi-purpose cocktail hall suitable for audiovisual devices (wedding ceremonies, seminars, conferences, etc.) has an area of 600 square meters. The revolving restaurant, which makes one round per hour, is at 111.8 meters. The observation terrace, open daily from 09.30 to 23.00, is 103.8 meters. At 99.8 meters there is a cafe – bar.
Information Tel: 0.312.440 77 01

Atatürk Forest Farm:

Founded by Ataturk, the farm is now a popular sightseeing and recreation place for Ankara residents with its casinos, parks, picnic areas, zoo, various products and nature. Transportation is possible by municipal buses, minibuses and suburban trains.
Information Tel: 0.312.212 02 3 l

Youth Park

It is located between the Station and Opera buildings. It is an important sightseeing and entertainment center with its amusement park, tea gardens, casinos, theaters operating in the summer months, a large pool with boats and water bikes, restaurants and various entertainment venues.

Bayındır Dam:

It is 12 kilometers away from Ankara, on Samsun Road. The dam, with its natural beauty, casino, camping area and swimming pool, is a sightseeing and recreation place that is also appreciated by foreigners. Transportation is possible by bus and minibus.

Çankaya Ridge:

This is where the Presidential Mansion and the Atatürk Museum are located. In Çankaya, which is relatively cool in the hot days of summer, there are pastry shops and country cafes in the large park area, and it is the most beautiful place where Ankara can be viewed like a painting.

Çubuk Dam:

It is 12 kilometers away from Ankara. There are casinos, picnic places, walking areas and country cafes in the forested area around the dam. It is possible to go to the dam, which is suitable for motorcycle trips, by municipal bus.

Gölbaşı

Located 25 kilometers southwest of Ankara and on the Konya Road, Lake Mogan has a beach and casinos as well as restaurants and cafes on its shores. It is a sightseeing and promenade place that satisfies the longing for the sea in the hot summer months. The lake, which has a swimming pool on its shore, is suitable for boat trips. Transportation is provided by the municipal bus.

Other Recreation Places:

MTA Rose Garden, Kurtboğazı Dam, Sarıyar Dam, Beynam Forest Resting Place, Çamkoru Forest Resting Place, Güven – Karagöl Forest Resting Place, Hoşebe Forest Resting Place, Karagöl Forest Resting Place, Sorgun Forest Resting Place, Söğütözü Forest Resting Place, Tekkedağı Forest Resting Place, Uluhan Forest Resting Place.

National Parks

Soguksu National Park

Caves

There are caves dating back to the Byzantine period in Güdül district of Ankara province.

Ankara Hot Springs (Health Tourism)

Important hot springs of the province are Kızılcahamam-Sey Hamamı Hot Spring (link), Ayaş Drinking and Hot Spring, Ayaş Karakaya Hot Spring, Beypazarı-Dutlu-Tahtalı Hot Spring and Drinking, Kapullu Hot Spring, Çubuk Melikşah Hot Spring and Haymana Hot Spring.

Bird Observation Area

Desert Lake Bird Area, Mogan Lake Bird Area, Kızılcahamam Forests Bird Area, Kavaklı Mountain Bird Area, İnözü Valley Bird Area and Sarıyar Dam Bird Area are located within the borders of Ankara province. Beynam Forest Bird Area and Salt Lake Bird Area are also located in Ankara.
Sakarya Basin
Kızılırmak Basin
Konya Closed Basin

Sportive Events

Winter Sports:

Elmadağ Ski Center (Winter Tourism)

In Elmadağ Ski Center, which is 26 km. away from Ankara, there is the opportunity to ski in the winter months with a snow thickness of 30-40 cm. The facilities in Elmadağ Ski Center are in service. There are also two ice skating rinks in Ankara, one in Kurtuluş Park and the other in Bahçelievler Sondurak.

Paragliding Places

Air Sports Gölbaşı is one of the areas where air sports are practiced in Ankara.

Hunting

Ankara Province harbors a wide variety of game animals. The most important of these are partridge, partridge, rabbit, wild ducks and wild geese. There are bear, lynx, wild boar and deer in the forest areas of Nallıhan, Beypazarı, Kızılcahamam, Çamlıdere, Çubuk and Güdül districts.

Angling:

Fishing within the provincial border of Ankara can be categorized in four groups as river, lake, dam lake and pond fishing.

River fishing is carried out in Kızılırmak, Sakarya rivers and their tributaries and Kirmir Stream. Lake fishing is carried out in Lake Mogan, Lake Eymir and Karagöl. Dam lake fishing is carried out in various dam lakes around Ankara.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

Ankara is the capital of Turkey in cultural and artistic terms as well as in political terms. State Theaters, private and amateur theaters, the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, the State Museum of Painting and Sculpture, numerous art galleries, amateur music groups, and cultural centers are among the activities enjoyed by the people of the capital.

The State Theater of the Republic of Turkey, which is more than half a century old, has not only staged the most beautiful plays in Ankara, but has also raised a conscious and highly sophisticated theater audience. The ballet of the Republic of Turkey, which is more than 40 years old, has sprouted in Ankara. This branch of art, just like theater, has created and developed its audience together. Opening their curtains in October every year, the theater, opera and ballet stages present outstanding examples of local and foreign works until the end of May. The Presidential Symphony Orchestra also adds color to Ankara’s cultural and artistic life with its concerts.

The “Ankara International Film Festival”, which started in 1988, and the “International Ankara Art Festival”, which has been going on since 1984, are among the important events organized in Ankara. In addition, Ankara International Cartoon Festival, Ankara International Music Festival and Asia – Europe Art Biennial are interesting artistic events.

WHAT TO EAT IN ANKARA

The old Ankara kitchen constitutes the largest part of the house. On one side was the stove and tandoor, and on the other side was the pantry where winter provisions were kept.

Ankara dishes are quite diverse. Soups; aş, dutmaç, miyane, milky, tarhana and toyga soups, meat dishes; Ankara tavası, alabörtme, calla, çoban kavuması, ilişkik, kapama, forest kebab, meat with eggplant, sızgıç, siyel, siper, pilafs; bici, bulgur pilaf, oğmaç aşı, pıt pıt pilaf, dolmas; stuffed efelek, manti, stuffed shirden (humbar), false dolma, pastries and buns; top and bottom pastry, moon pastry, bohça, entekke pastry, hamman, kaha, arm pastry, papaç, Pazar pastry, tandır pastry and yalkı are some of the dishes.

Recipes from Ankara

Ankara Pan

Ingredients

400 gr. lamb
4 tablespoons of cress oil
15 shallots
2 small carrots
1 cup inner peas
1 teacup yogurt
1 tea glass flour
3 eggs
1/2 bunch parsley or dill
salt, black pepper

Preparation:
Roast the meat in butter in a pot. Add shallots, peas and carrots cut into rings and saute. Add enough water to cover and let it boil. In another bowl, prepare a marinade with yogurt, egg and flour. When the meat is cooked, season it with salt and pepper and add the seasoning slowly. Garnish with parsley or dill and serve.

Bulgur Pilaf with Vegetables

Ingredients

1 cup bulgur
1.5 cups of hot meat or chicken broth
1 onion
2 bell peppers
2 tomatoes
1 eggplant
1 carrot
1 potato
1 cup inner peas
1 tablespoon of cress oil
paprika, black pepper, salt

Preparation:

Cut the carrot and potato into cubes. Boil them together with peas. Chop the eggplant, bell pepper and tomatoes into small pieces. In a pot, fry the diced onions in butter until they turn slightly pink. Add the eggplant and bell peppers and continue roasting while stirring constantly. After 4-5 minutes, add carrots, potatoes, peas and tomatoes and continue roasting all together. After roasting the vegetables for a while, add bulgur and 1.5 cups of boiled meat or chicken broth. Season with salt, black pepper and red pepper and cook for about 20 minutes. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes and then serve.

SHOPPING IN ANKARA

Shopping centers in Ankara are concentrated in Ulus, Kızılay and Kavaklıdere. A favorite place to visit for visitors to Ankara is the Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu near Ulus and the shops there.

Around Ulus Castle, Samanpazarı and Çıkrıkçılar Slope, there are shopping places selling traditional handicraft products such as weaving, copper, pottery, wicker, leather, various jewelry, ornaments, souvenirs and all kinds of antiques.

In the Bakırcılar Bazaar you can find lots of old and new items, copper and jewelry, as well as clothes, antiques and ornaments. A walk to the castle gate leads to stalls selling spices, dried fruit, nuts and many other products.

Modern shopping districts are usually located in Kızılay, Tunalı Hilmi Street and Çankaya Atakule. At 125 meters high, the Atakule dominates the entire city; its revolving restaurant offers a view of the entire city. Karum shopping center in Kavaklıdere is home to Turkey’s most exclusive stores. It also offers recreational opportunities in addition to shopping with its food, beverage and entertainment facilities.

USEFUL LINKS

Metropolitan Municipality http://www.ankara-bel.gov.tr/

Ankara University http://www.ankara.edu.tr/

Baskent University http://www.baskent.edu.tr/

Bilkent University http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/

Hacettepe University http://www.hun.edu.tr/

Çankaya University http://www.cankaya.edu.tr/

Middle East Technical University http://www.metu.edu.tr/

Altındağ Municipality http://www.altindag-bld.gov.tr/

Çankaya Municipality http://www.cankaya-bld.gov.tr/

Çubuk District Governorship http://www.cubuk.gov.tr/

Çubuk Municipality http://www.cubuk-bld.gov.tr/

Golbasi Municipality http://www.golbasi-bld.gov.tr/

Nallıhan Municipality http://www.nallihan-bld.gov.tr/

Keçiören Municipality http://www.kecioren-bld.gov.tr/

Yenimahalle Municipality http://www.yenimahalle.belediyesi.com/

Beypazari Municipality http://www.beypazarı-bld.gov.tr/