Cankaya Ankara, Turkey Travel Guide
It gives travelers a genuine insight into Turkey's Anatolian soul.
The city's ancient heart of the city developed around Ankara Castle, perched atop a hill. This ancient fortress commands views over the modern urban sprawl which contains grown outward. From this point vantage point, you can trace the city's expansion, seeing how the ancient nucleus gave way to the planned boulevards and districts of the republican era. The high altitude means cooler evenings even in summer, and crisp, clear air much of the year. This central location in Anatolia makes Ankara a hub for land travel nationwide, connecting east and west, north and south.
The plateau environment shapes Ankara's character, fostering resilience and a robust connection to the land.
Ankara’s story stretches back millennia, evidence of its long-lasting importance. Before it became the proud capital of modern Turkey, various civilizations left their mark. The Bronze Age Hatti civilization first settled the area, followed by the powerful Hittites. Later, the Phrygians, Lydians, and Persians controlled this strategic crossroads. Alexander the Great's Macedonians also passed through, leaving their influence.
Under the Roman Empire, Ankara flourished as Ancyra, a major administrative center. Remnants of this Roman grandeur still dot the city. The Temple of Augustus and Rome is a copy of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, Emperor Augustus's autobiography. This inscription is an unique historical document, giving insight into the Roman world. The city's advantageous location kept its importance through the Byzantine and Ottoman empires as well, serving as a regional center of business and administration.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose Ankara as the headquarters for the Turkish War of Independence.
Central location, far from coastal invasions and Istanbul's political complexities.
Symbol of resistance and a new beginning.
Ankara declared capital of newly established The republic of Turkey.
From provincial town to planned capital, reflecting the aspirations of the young republic.
This dramatic transformation shapes Ankara’s identity. It is a city of profound historical weight, yet it carries the dynamism of a nation charting its own course.
Its historical layers give a compelling journey for anyone interested in Turkey's diverse past and its current identity.
Ankara's central location had strategic advantages, far from the coast invasions and Istanbul's political complexities.
Ankara is a city of profound historical weight, yet it carries the dynamism of a nation charting its own course. Its different periods of history give a compelling journey for anyone interested in Turkey's diverse past and its current identity.
Ankara today serves as the main city of the Republic of Turkey and contains the distinction of since it's the second-largest city by population.
Its metropolitan municipality counts approximately 5.8 million residents as of a 2023 estimate, making it a bustling urban center. The city'its financial backbone rests on several industries. Government and administration form a large part of its identity, as it houses all ministries and government bodies. Healthcare facilities are advanced, serving the region's needs. Technology and defense sectors are growing, reflecting Turkey's strategic priorities. The automotive industry also maintains a presence.
Approx. 5.8 million (2023)
Government, healthcare, technology, defense, automotive.
Modern, planned capital with ancient roots.
Beyond politics, Ankara thrives as a center for cultural activities, having various museums, theaters, and galleries.
