Ankara

GENERAL INFO

Ankara is turkish capital with almost 5 million inhabitants. It became capital of Turkey instead of Istambul in 1923, when Turkey was declared as republic. Ankara was in ancient byzantine times knows as Ankyra (anchor in greek), and Angora, name used until 1930s. Angora was capital of public government of Mustafa Kemal Pasha Ataturk, who led war for liberation of turkish regions.

 Ankara has old north part of city that still holds middle-century eastern outlook, and modern southern part that has been constructed after 1923. Ankara is city in the northwest part of Turkey. It is situated 200 kilometers from Black Sea and 450 kilometers southeast from Istambul.

Alexander the Great conquered Ankara in 333b.c. while the city was capital of tribal community of Tektosag, Galatic tribe. Ankara became part of roman empire in 25 b.c. when emperor August conquered it.

At the beginning of 11th century, Seljuks conqeuered Ankara, and just some 30 years later it was took over by Raymond of Touluse. He couldn’t keep the city too long, and city was constant subject of interest among turkish border tribers and Seljuks. Mongolian ruler Timur took Ankara in 1354, but as soon as 1403 it has been taken over by Orhan, second Otoman sultan. Since then Ankara was constantly part of Otoman epire, and few centuries later it became important trade center on the karavan road toward East.

After the end of First World War, Ankara became headquarters of young Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who from Ankara organized fight against greek interventionist forces as well as against sultan and empire government in Istambul. After Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923, Ankara became capital of new state.

ANKARA ARCHITECTURE

With this rich history, it is no wonder that Ankara is beautiful and amazing mixture of several historic era in architecural sense.

Anitkabir is magnificent mausoleum that is memory to Ataturk and it is located within most important part of the city center, surrounded with the oldest buildings. Mausoleum was finished in 1953 and it is synthesis of antic and modern architecture, proving that turkish architecture is unique mixture of ethnic style and elegance.

Aladdin Mosque is situated within city walls and it is still one of the best examples of art and carpentry skills of Seldjuk masters, despite the fact that it has been reconstructed during Otoman empire.

Actually, this entire old part of city was revived through resoration of many interesting traditional turkish houses, as well as with opening of several art galleries and fine restaurants that serve traditional turkish cuisine.

Near the fortess gate is Museum of Anadolian civilisation, that is beautifully restored prt of old bazaar. There you can see priceless artefacts from paleolitic and neolitic period, as well as from Haat, Hetite, Frigian, Urartu and roman civilization.

CULTURE AND ART

Cultural and artistic life of Ankara is very lively. Basically every day you can go to one of numerous ballet, theater, opera, or folklore show. City Philarmonic Orchestra of Ankara is known around the world and always play in front of full auditorium.

EXCURSIONS

There are so many things to do and places to visit while on turkey guided tours in Ankara.

Akjurt is located 33 kilometers from Ankara center and has been inhabited as long ago as bronze age until 14th century. Large hummock 15 meters tall and almost 300 meters in diameter has been found 1 kilometer from village Balikhisar, and dates from 3rd millenium b.c. It has been created durin early bronze age.

Ajas is district 58 kilometers from Ankara, and it is known for termal springs. Radioactive waters of Karahak termal springs and mineral water for drinking are well known for their health benefits. Springs are located some 23 kilometers west from Ajas city. Some of natural resources of district include wineries in Karader, Ariklari, Kiradizbay.

Bala Forrest is located within national park Baynam, 35 kilometers from city Bala. This is important recreation facility for Ankara citizens as well as Bala locals.

Bejpazari district is located 100 kilometers from Ankara. Bejpazari history dates back to Hettite and Firgian times. Bejpazari was ineteresting region for many civilization, and in different periods of time it was controlled by Galatians, Romans, Seljuks and Otomans. In one period Bejpazari was episcopal center. Historic artefacts and ancient maps tell us that previos name of the region was Lagania, and later waschanged to Anastasiopolis.

This charming region is famous for its historic houses, crafting of silver and carrot farming. While on turkey tours you can see here many interesting sites, such as Bogazkesen mausoleum, Suluhan, old hammams, Sultan Alladin Mosque, Aksemsedin Mosque, Kursunlu Msoque, Rustem Pasha hammam, Gazi Gunduzalp mausoleum, Kara Davut mausoleum and Karaja Ahmed mausoleum.

Tekke Mountain is located 10 kilometers from Ankara. Lake and geologic structures resemble “fairy chimneys” around Dereli village.

Jamlidere District is located 110 kilometers northwest from Ankara. One of most interesting sites during daily sightseeing tours is Seljuk period mosque, near city Pejenek. Other interesting historic location are remains of tumbs and settlements from Byzantine era.

Jubuk city is 40 kilometers from Ankara city ceneter. Remains of fortress in Aktep and Carved rock (Ojulu Kala) tumb in Karadana village are remains of Hettite settlement.The region was latter ruled by Firgians, Galatians, Persians, Romans, Byzantinians and Seljuks, and it was also strategically interesting for Otomans. Forrest around Jubuk Dam and Lake Karagol are interesting recreation centers.

Firgians, Lydians, Persians and later Romans ruled near the district Elmadag located 40 kilometers from Ankara center. Motifs and styles of locally made carpets and different bags date from Seljuk period. Carpet manufacture is still active in Teke and Akjali villages, while carpets and hand-made bags still have authentic cultural roots in villages of Akjali, Deliler, Hasanoglan, Karajahasan and Kajadibi.

Etimesgut district is located 20 kilometers from Ankara ceneter. Remains of Frigian and Hettite settlements was found in this region. Later, this district was home to Turks who moved from western Trakia after declaration of turkish republic.
Gazi ad Etimesgut are historic railroad stations that Ataturk used for his travels toand from Istanbul, and interesting sites to visit on turkey guided tours. Ahi Mesud and Ahi Elvan were famous citizens who named this region, and Ahi Elvan’s gravesite was found in the backyard of Elvankoy mosque.

History of Evren district, located 180 kilometeres from Anakara goes back to hettite time. In this region, along the Evren-Sariahsi road, some 2 kilometers from Evren city is hummock, in which were found ceramic artefacts from 1st millenium a.d. Sigirjik fortress, 2 kilometers southwest from Jatalpinar village was made in late byzantine and otoman period.

Golbasi is located 20 kilometers from Ankara, and is local summer resort and touristic site, as well as site of some important industries. Lakes Mogan and Ejmir, with their natural beauty, fresh air and fishing potential make this region attractive both for locals and for tourists.

Villages in this region all have fascinating background, and there are many sites to visit on daily sightseeing tours. For example, you can visit hummocks anr artefacts in villages Selametli, Gokjehojuck and Bezirhane; roman graves and pillars in Taspinar village, byzantine coins  and artefacts in Karaoglan; remains of churches  for early christian period in villages Jurtebey and Karaoglan.

Gudul is located 90 kilometers northwest from Anakara. History of Gudul goes back to 3500 b.c. Caves near the Kirmir river that goes through this region carry remains from hettite period.

Termal springs in district Hajmane, located 75 kilometers from Ankara are world famous. They were used back in Hettite times. After Hettites, termal springs location was reconstructed during roman period, and the town which remains are still visible, was founded 1,5 kilometers east from  Hajmane, and was important therapeutic center.

Kalejik is located 70 kilometers from Ankara and is believed to be inhabited back in early calcolite, between 3500-4000 b.c. Important historic sites in this region include Hasbey, Saraj and Tabakhane mosque, Kazanjibaba and Alisoglu mausoleums, Develioglu bridge that crosses river Kizilirmak, and Kalejik fortress.

Kazan district is located 45 kilometers from Ankara and is not sure when it was first inhabited. Artefacts found on the site show that different civilizations used this site as its settlement.

Kiziljahamam is located 85 kilometers from Ankara. This is city with thickest forrest in region. Termal springs in Sej Hamami are located 16 kilometers from Kiziljahamam, and are rich in minerals, what makes them one of most important termal spring location in Turkey.

Nalihan district is located 160 kilometers from Ankara, and its center, also called Nalihan has been founded in 1599 by Nasuh Pasha who built han there, which is how city got its name. Roof of this 3000 square meters han is in bad condition. Mosque and hammam were also built in this period. Uluhan mosque in village Uluhan (Kostebek) was built in 17th century and has precious historic structure.

Polatli is located 80 kilometers from Ankara. It has been founded around 3000 b.c. as center of local Gordion, that was last Frigian city in the world. Gordion was ruley by Hettite, Frigians, Persians, Romans and Byzantine and it became part of Ottoman empire in 1516.

Jasihojuk village and surrounding region is located 20 kilometers from today Polatli is truly birth place of turkish history. There are 86 hummocks and royal mausoleums here, as well as numerous artefacts from different historic periods.

Sereflikojisar is located 150 kilometers from Ankara. It was first inhabited between 1400-1300 b.c. In Seljuk time, there was fortress around the hill right next to the city, and another one on the higher hill. There is salty lake in te region, second in size in Turkey. Hirfanli damm and lake on the north of district enable irigation of this dry region, where nevertheless there is fish farm! Salty lake, Kursunlu mosque, Kojhisar fortress and Parlasan fortress are popular touristic destination on turkey package tours in the region.

WHAT ELSE TO SEE IN ANKARA DISTRICTS?

Altindag District is located 1 kilometer from city ceneter and has been inhabited back in prehistoric period.It was important center during Seljuk and Otoman period, and today is distric with many sites worth visiting on daily sightseeing tours. Some of them are Ankara fortress, Augustus Temple, Iulian pillar, roman spa, Memorial center of Republic, Museum of Anadolian civilization, State Museum of Painting and its sculptures, Etnographic Museum, Museum of Independence War and Museum of the Republic. This region is also location of mausoleums of numerous famous people: Karajabey, hi Seraphetin, Haji Bajram Veli Ephendia, Karajagdi, Gulaba and Izetin Baba, Haji Bajram, Aslanhan, Ahi Elvan, Aladin, Zinjirli and Kursunlu mosque.
Jankaja District is one of most important Ankara regions, with numerous sites intersting for turkey guided tours. Some of these sites are Ataturk Orman Jiftiligi, Ejmir Lake, Elmadag ski resort, and Ahlatlibel, which is sports and leisure center.

Long list of touristic atractions in Ankara include: Anitkabir, Ataturk memorial center, Natural History Museum, Security memorial, Etnographic Ataturk Memorial, Archeological Museum of Middle-Eastern Technical University, State Painting and Sculpture Gallery, Memorial Park, Botanic Garden. Natural beauties within city include: Abdi Ipekji Park, Guven Park, Kurtulus Park, Kugul (Swan) Park, Park of National Sovereignty, Ahmed Arif Park and sports objects such as municipal skating rink and inside pool in 100 Jil. There is also interesting Toy Museum, Hettite Memorial and building of Turkish National Assembly.
Kejioren is one of central parts in Ankara and home to world’s largest weather center, as well as several departments of Ankara University, Ataturk Sanatorium and Gulhana Military Medical Academy.  There is also old Ankara Agriculture School that Ataturk used as military headquarters during war for independence, that has since been turned into museum.

Jenimahale is part of city that has sites which reflect rich history of the region. Main attraction on daily sightseeing tours is Akopru bridge, built in 1222 by Seljuk ruler Aladin Kejkubat on old bagdad trade road over Ankara river. Bridge has four big and three small arches.

SHOPING IN ANKARA

In 2012 shoping fair was held in Ankara, that had purpose to present capital as important world shoping destination. Ankara indeed has diverse shoping offer, and is determined to become “new shoping center of Turkey”. Best shoping destination in city is Armada center, with modern shops with famous world brands, that can be purchased for affordable prices.

As bargaining is one of Turkish traits, you can shop successfully on city streets on numerous bazaars. Bargaining is definite must before actual purchase! 

USEFUL INFORMATIONS

City bus transportation is cofmrotable, fast and affordable. Every city part has bus station (otogar) where every bus carrier has its representation where you can reserve and buy bus ticket. Tickets can also be bought in one of local touristic agencies.

Between Ankara and Istambul you can travel in train with sleeping coach, that is another comfortable transport solution. Train tickets can be reserved and bouth on any train station and through local touristic agency.

Between cities and local villages you can travel by bus or with dolmush, that is common taxi, something like minibus or large vehicle that transports on predetermined route, picking passengers along the way. Price of ticket depends on distance and is payed directly to driver. Dolmush is affordable option for traveling, although you might find yourself spending some time on one station for longer period, as driver will wait for passengers who might come.
Family is very important in Turkey, and you will notice that children are welcome everywhere, which makes for pleasant and relaxing vacation. It is perfectly normal to see small children dine with parents later in evening. Most of restaurants have children chairs. Formula milk and diapers are easily accessible. Most hotels will provide you crib if you ask for it in advance. Also, most tour operators and rent-a-car companies will provide you with car seat. Most of hotels have children clubs, and can organize daycare service.