UNITEAM TUR
for unforgettable memories
Ankara Capital of Turkey
1. Culture Vultures
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and the second largest city in the country after Istanbul. It is located at the heart of both Turkey and Central Anatolia. The population is around 4.5 million.
Ankara is the administrative center of Turkey and a huge university town, so it has a large population of government workers and university students. As the national capital, Ankara is home to a large population of foreign diplomats and embassy staff, so it offers goods and services that might be more difficult to find in other Turkish cities.
Ankara is a sprawling, modern city which can appear as little more than a dull, concrete jungle at first glance. As a result, many tourists tend to use it merely as a transit point for getting to places like Konya or Cappodocia. However Ankara does have a lot to offer for those prepared to look a bit deeper.
Ankara has a symbolic significance for the secular Turks. It is the place where a new era for the Turkish people started. It is a symbol for independence, development and Western values.
2. Anitkabir
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Anıtkabir, open daily, museum open daily except Mondays - situated on an imposing hill in the Anittepe quarter of the city is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, completed in 1953. The Museum of Ataturk and War of Independence is located inside Anıtkabir, including a large collection of Atatürk memorabilia and paraphernalia, and a section for the War of Independence containing panoramic views of the war fields. Turks show a big respect to Atatürk, and millions visit Anıtkabir each year. Unlike the mournful visits on 10th November, his death anniversary, Turk turn Anıtkabir into a fairground of celebrations on national holidays. Visiting Anıtkabir on one of the national holidays is a great experience: 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. The site and the museum are free of charge. Expect a security check at the entrance to the area
3. To do
In order to follow the events and performances in Ankara. .Kuğulu Park is a public park in the Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi, the park is known for its swans.
Ankara has annual festivals, including Ankara International Music Festival, Ankara International Jazz Festival, Ankara International Cinema Festival and lot's more, and it is always good to check what's going on in the city.
Ankara Modern Arts Center (Çağdaş Sanatlar Merkezi), opposite the American Embassy in Kavaklıdere, at Atatürk Boulevard has free exhibitions and performances, mostly of local and infamous artists, but sometimes of more impressive ones.
Local and national groups play in Ankara bars and venues especially on the weekends.
Ankara offers a good selection of shopping malls. There are several concert halls for classical music and opera. Many universities promote concerts and spring festivals but these are sometimes open to their students only. Folk and traditional music is very alive, from small bars and restaurants to big concert halls where you can find local stars.
