Ankara which is located in Central Anatolia is the capital city of Turkey. As the second largest city after İstanbul, Ankara has 5.445.026 population. Mainly Ankara is a civil and administrative city that involves many universities, for this reason education level in Ankara is high. This population also includes expat staff from the embassies foreign embassy staff, university academics, students, international business partners etc.
Generally, having access to goods and services in Ankara is quite easy. There are many commercial areas like shopping malls, forums and entertainment areas. Transportation is also very accessible. Traffic density is low in many areas.
As in the middle of Turkey, nearly all the cities of Turkey are very close from Ankara especially tourism wonders Cappadocia, Konya, West and Central Black Sea regions which are preferred to visit by many expats and tourists.
Ankara embodies a huge amount of history in it is soil. It was home of Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Galatians, Romans, Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire and currently Republic Of Turkey. Ankara also famous for Angora Goat, bagel and Ankara pear.
Ankara is a large city which was grown a very short amount of time, mostly the districts have their different visualization of their own. The centre is accepted as Ataturk Boulevard, which is a long way starting from north to south. The boulevard is starting through Ulus, Kizilay, Kavaklidere then Çankaya.
As a historical area of Ankara, Ulus includes many different museums, 1st and 2nd parliaments, Atatürk’s sculpture at the centre. It was the most famous and visited area in 20th century. Kızılay is currently accepted as the centre of Ankara. A meeting point for mass transportation and all districts can be accessible through mass transportation from this area. It is a political territory and holds many of the ministries with TBMM (Great Parliament Bulding). Kavaklıdere may be named as social area of Ankara, the place has a lot of cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants. It is a good place to spend free time and socialize. Çankaya has top restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes and it is best place to look for quality.
PLACES DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE SEEN IN ANKARA
Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s Mausoleum): Located in Anıttepe, can be seen from most of the houses in Ankara. It is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founder of Turkey. The construction was completed in 1953, mausoleum area includes Atatürk’s personal belongings, books, automobiles and items from War of Independence with lots of photos. The museum and everything is free of charge. It is recommended that visiting Anıtkabir in these days: April 23 – National Sovereignty and Children’s Day; May 19 – Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, August 30 – Victory Day, October 29 – Republic Day.
Hacı Bayram Mosque: Haci Bayram Mosque was constructed in 1427. It is also, Haci Bayram’s memorial tomb, built in 2 years later which is next to the mosque. The mosque is also surrounded by antique and nostalgic shops, cafes and restaurants.
Atakule: Located in Çankaya. A giant disk which you can see all Ankara above. It is a high building and one of the symbols of Ankara.
Hamamönü: Hamamönü is one of the most elegant and historical place in Ankara. It has old stylish houses, mosques, work places and other buildings which remains from Ottoman Empire era. Houses are renovated, and it is good place to drink coffee it gives the feeling of nostalgia.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi): The displays in this museum proves that Anatolia harbours of footsteps for many different civilizations. It contains items old as Paleolithic Era. This
museum was selected European Museum of The Year in 2002. Even the museum itself is historical.
State Art and Sculpture Museum (Devlet Resim ve Heykel Müzesi): From 1800’s until now, Turkish art from paintings to sculptures are displayed in this museum.
Ankara Ethnography Museum: This museum contains traditional clothes and items which are used by Turkish People.
Çengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum: It is an industrial museum, the building was also a caravansaray (inn) for traders. Industrial equipment and other items like toys are displayed in this museum.
War of Independence Museum (Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi): It is the First Grand Parliament Building used during War of Independence which started in 1920 in Ulus Square.
TCDD Open Air Steam Locomotive Museum: This museum contains old locomotives and wagons with the same wagon which Atatürk used during the War of Independence.