Ankara, located in the Central Anatolia on the eastern range of the high Anatolian plateau with an altitude of 850 meters, is the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Known for its historical significance as the city was under several rulers in the past including Romans, Byzantines, Selucks and others, Ankara was made the capital of Turkey in 1923 owing to its historical, positional and strategic importance.
The thing that will attract you most in Ankara is the historical ambience of the city. The major attractions of the city include several archeological sites like Citadel, Temple of Augustus, Roman Theatre and Roman Bath, various museums and galleries like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ethnography Museum, Painting and Sculpture Museum, and War of Independence Museum etc. You should not also miss Anitkabir and Atakule Tower - two of the most popular landmarks of Ankara. This city is also the place of cinema, opera and music, as one can find a number of cinemas in Kavaklidere and Cankaya and also several concert halls where various operas and programs of classical music are organized regularly.
How to Reach
Ankara Esenboga International Airport (ESB) is the nearest airport located 28 km northeast of the city centre. Ankara can also be reached by train from Istanbul in 6-7 hours. Buses are also available from most of the cities in Turkey.
Anatolian Civilizations Museum
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations or the Anatolian Civilizations Museum is one of the most popular museums in Ankara. Located in Atpazan area, near Ankara Castle in Ankara, the Anatolian Civilizations Museum has two Ottoman buildings called Mahmut Pasa Bedesteni and Kursunlu Han. Known to the whole world for its astonishing collection of Anatolian archaeological artifacts this museum also has a huge collection of artifacts starting from Paleolithic Age to Neolithic Age, Chalcolithic Age, Early Bronze Age, Hittite Period, Phrygian Period, Late Hittite Period, Urartian Period and Lydian Period. It is a great joy for every visitor to see the gold, solver, glass, marble and bronze collections of Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period. The museum is easily accessible from the city center.
Ankara Citadel (Hisar)
The Ankara Citadel is another popular attraction of Ankara that has in its collection some of the finest examples of traditional Ankara architecture. The Citadel is located on the top of the hill in the old city where its foundations were laid on a prominent lava outcrop. Tired of visiting? You can relax in the recreational areas which has wonderful green areas and also restaurants.
Ataturk Mausoleum (Anitkabir)
Ataturk Mausoleum, popularly known as Anitkabir is a unique place where one can find the confluence of ancient and modern architectural styles. Located atop the hill in Anittepe quarter of the city, this mausoleum also has a wax statue of Atatürk and also his writings, letters and personal belongings. There is also a photographic exhibition that successfully showcases the important moments of his life.
Temple of Augustus
Located in the Ulus quarter in Ankara, the Temple of Augustus, also known as Monumentum Ancyranum, is a major destination in the city that has the only surviving 'Political Testament of Augustus' which describes the achievements of the Emperor Augustus in details. Built between 25 BC - 20 BC, the temple was later enlarged by the Romans during the 2nd Century and later was converted into a church by the Byzantines in the 5th century. Further later, a mosque was built next to the tomb of Haci Bayram.
