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Ankara: Discover the Modern Capital of Turkey

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Ankara is the capital of Turkey, a city where threads of ancient cultures and modern civilizations intertwine. Located in the heart of Turkey in the Anatolia region, Ankara is rich in tourist and historical sites, as well as all governmental and administrative services. If you are planning to visit Ankara, we explain you its location, how to get there, and the most important tourist sites to visit, in addition to a selection of the best restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food.

Ankara city Strategic Location:

One of the main factors that led to the change of Turkey's capital from Istanbul to Ankara is its strategic location in the Anatolia region, at a point where famous roads and routes link. Ankara is located in the center of Turkey, close to all Turkish states, making it the best city to be the capital of Turkey. Ankara's elevation above sea level is approximately 850-950 meters, and it is featured by its continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.

How Far is Ankara from Istanbul?

The distance between Ankara and Istanbul is approximately 450 kilometers, and it takes about 4 and a half hours by car.

How Far is Ankara from Antalya?

Ankara is over 490 kilometers away from the city of Antalya, and it takes about 5 hours to reach it. You can reach Ankara from Antalya in just an hour by plane, as the distance by plane is only 390 kilometers.

Tourist Attractions in Ankara:

Ankara city is featured by its history filled with cultures and civilizations, and it has a variety of tourist attractions that make it one of the most beautiful sites in Turkey:

1. Ankara Castle Ankara Castle is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Turkey, built in the 8th century BC, around 3000 years ago. It was rebuilt during the period of various civilizations and kingdoms that ruled the area such as the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. The castle od Ankara city was used for self-defense against aliens, as a warehouse for weapons, and as observation points.
2. Atakule Tower in Ankara city Atakule Tower is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in Ankara with a height of about 125 meters. So You can see it from any area in the capital Ankara. You can reach the top point of the tower inside the beautiful dome and enjoy a magnificent view of Ankara. You can also taste delicious Turkish cuisine dishes in restaurants located in Atakule Tower. One of these restaurants rotates 360 degrees and provides you with a unique experience in Ankara city.
3. Museums in Ankara The city of Ankara has more than ten museums containing ruins and characters indicating the historical and cultural significance of Turkey. Those museums include “the Ethnography” Museum, “Independence War” Museum, and “Anatolian Civilizations” Museum.
4. Gençlik Park (Youth Park) If you are looking for relaxation, Gençlik Park is the best place to relax in city of Ankara. The park extends over an area of 275,000 square meters and is featured by its unique beauty, making it one of the most beautiful sites in Turkey. You can walk in the park through greenery and engage in sports activities. The park also has an amusement park and special areas for children. If you are a music lover, you will find a concert hall for music performances in Gençlik Park, offering concerts from time to time.
5. Kocatepe Mosque Kocatepe Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Ankara city and one of the most beautiful sites in Turkey. When you see the designs and decorations of Kocatepe Mosque for the first time, you may think it was built hundreds of years ago. Because it was built according to Ottoman architectural designs. It covers ​​4500 square meters, making it one of the largest mosques in Turkey. Kocatepe Mosque has four minarets with height of approximately 88 meters. Inside, you will find beautiful decorations and paintings, as well as a library, conference hall, and car parking. Famous Baths in Ankara city Turkey's baths and hot springs are a destination for thousands of tourists who come for swimming or therapy.

Among the most famous thermal baths in Ankara, we mention:

1. Roman Baths One of the oldest baths in Turkey, build during the Roman Empire in the early 3rd century AD. The bath covers an area of 65,000 square meters and includes cold rooms, hot rooms, and rooms for changing clothes.
2. Karbajı Baths in Ankara city Karbajı Bath extends over an area of 2,000 square meters and includes separate rooms for men and women. It is featured by a heating system that is the first of its kind in Turkish baths. Shopping Places in Ankara city You can shop in many places within Ankara, from “Kızılay” to “Ulus” and other commercial centers and malls.

Let's get to know the most prominent markets in Ankara:

1. Kızılay Square in Ankara city Located in the center of the capital Ankara, Kızılay Square is one of the most famous shopping centers there, it includes shops, stores, restaurants, and cafes. people and visitors come to Kızılay Square throughout the day, and at night you will also find a variety of shops selling their products all night long.
2. Anka Mall Anka Mall is the largest mall in Ankara city and the second-largest mall in Turkey after “Cevahir” Mall in Istanbul. In Anka Mall, you will find clothes, electronics, appliances, and delicious Turkish cuisine foods. Anka Mall also offers various services such as central air conditioning, car parking, beautiful garden, and other services.
3. Copper Bazaar The Copper Bazaar is one of the most famous bazaars in Ankara city and one of the most important bazaars in Turkey. It offers a variety of shops selling textiles, clothing, handicrafts, water pitchers, artifacts, jewelry, handmade carpets, and many souvenir.
4. Suluhan Market Suluhan Market is one of the most beautiful popular markets in Ankara city, located 400 meters from “Ulus” Square. The market is a building dating back to the Ottoman era, transformed into a popular bazaar housing stores selling handicrafts and souvenir gifts. Suluhan Market also includes cafes where you go to relax and enjoy delicious Turkish tea. Best Restaurants in Ankara city During your visit to Ankara, you might go to the most delicious restaurants and cafes that offer the most delicious dishes from Turkish and international cuisine.

Let's know the best restaurants in Ankara according to visitors' opinions:

1. Trilye Restaurant Ankara Trilye Restaurant in Ankara city is one of the most famous restaurants serving the most delicious dishes of Turkish cuisine. It is located near the most beautiful tourist areas in Turkey. Among the foods served at Trilye Restaurant are seafood, especially salmon and shrimp, despite the restaurant being hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest seas. It is known for its reasonable prices allowing everyone to come to this restaurant.
2. Jokso Restaurant One of the oldest restaurants in Ankara city working since 1989, located near beautiful sites in Turkey. Jokso Restaurant is famous for its “kofta” and “kebab” dishes and is known for its cheap prices compared to food prices in Turkey.
3. Kuglu Restaurant Kuglu Park Restaurant is located in the center of Ankara city near many restaurants and tourist sites in Turkey. If you want to taste the most delicious meat skewers in Turkey, “Kuglu Park” Restaurant offers you the best and most delicious ones.

Why is Ankara city the capital of Turkey?

Several reasons contributed to choosing Ankara as the new capital of the Turkish state: Its strategic location at the center of Turkey. Ankara city historical importance as an important administrative center within Turkey during the Ottoman period. The historical significance of Ankara as it was once a center for Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans.The founders' desire to establish a city on modern foundations, which they found in Ankara, unlike Istanbul known as the capital of the Ottomans.

What was Turkey's capital before Ankara city?

Istanbul - the well-known city - was the capital of Turkey for a long period, with a history dating back over 2000 years. Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire and also the capital of the Ottomans. It remained the capital for more than 1700 years before Ankara city became the capital of Turkey instead. Istanbul have a strategic location as it serves as a bridge between Asia and Europe and includes beautiful historical sites in Turkey such as the Blue Mosque, museums, markets, and bazaars.