Ankara – The Capital of Turkey with a Subtle Blend of History

Editor (Travel)

Ankara, a purpose-built capital of Turkey in its heart, is a commercial and industrial city where resides Turkish government. Tourists visit it not so often, so be prepared that most of the people will not be able to speak English but will try to communicate with you somehow (a good idea is to bring a small phrasebook). Ankara (historically Angora) used to be well known for its Angora goat and prized for the wool, but nowadays the only place where you can spot the days of mohair fame is next to the interchange on the highway — in a kind of lovely sculptures.

Probably the best way to start your acquaintanceship with the city is by realising how old it is and how many different empires it has been ruled by, from Hittite to Phrygian and from Roman to Ottoman. Go up to the mound where lies the Ankara castle, a symbol of Turkey’s long history, which views the city from above — a wonderful vista of the panorama of Ankara, and a splendid spot for a photo during a sunset (and also for a bottle of wine with Ankara under your feet). As for the shopping-lovers looking for some unique traditional items, they will find a great place for shopping around the castle where they can buy different goods from delicious local food to Turkish handicrafts.

Near the Ankara Castle, there is a world-class one-of-a-kind Cengelhan Rahmi M. Koc Museum, built during the Ottoman Empire by Suleiman — the Magnificent. It is an industrial museum located in a marvellous romantic building and exhibiting tens of thousands of different items that have changed our daily lives. If you get hungry during your visit, there is a very cosy restaurant in the museum serving luscious food.

And how about a visit to the capital to see the mausoleum of the most important person in the history of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk? He was the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and also the founder and first President of Turkey. Interestingly, his surname Ataturk (‘Father of the Turks’) was granted to him in 1934 but afterwards, the Turkish parliament inhibited the usage of the last name to any other individual. Due to Ataturk’s merits, Antikabir (‘memorial tomb’) was constructed in 1944. To learn more about him, there is a museum, which exhibits Ataturk’s personal belongings such as weapons, medals, books, cars and even his personal toiletries. A visit to museum will make you realise what a significant person he is for the Turkish nation.

A recreation not-to-be-missed by anyone visiting Turkey is the Turkish Hamam (Bath) and a wonderful place for that in Ankara is the Sengul Hamam — a 600-year-old Hamam, which has been restored and is dazzling clean. You can choose the services that you like, for instance, Kahva Masaj (Coffee Massage) or Kese (Scrub). Whatever procedures you select, your skin will feel amazing afterwards. A visit to the hamam is one of the life’s best pleasures.

For a high quality shopping, there is Ankamall shopping mall, located next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Here you can find whatever you fancy, from a good place to eat to some trendy boutique offering all of the most famous brands in Turkey. You may finish buying the souvenirs for your precious ones here or for yourself, to recall your stay in Ankara, the heart of Turkey.

Image Courtesy: Veritas-tr (Wiki Commons),

Name of the photographer (Wiki Commons)

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Ingrida Kurlinkute

Ingrida is currently a student at the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University, United Kingdom. She is very curious about the world around her and is keen on sharing her opinion and knowledge with others. One of the biggest passions of Ingrida is travelling and therefore she heads the Travel Section on the website.