The name Ankara comes from the word 'Ancyra' which means 'anchor.'
Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Atatürk during the national resistance which followed World War I, and was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th 1923 when the National War of independence freed Turkey from foreign occupation.
Occupying one of the most prominent parts of the city is Anıtkabir, the magnificent mausoleum constructed to commemorate Atatürk. This structure, which was complete in 1953 is a synthesis of antique and modern architectural themes and proves the elegance and strength of Turkish architecture.
The oldest parts of the city surround the Castle. The Alaaddin Mosque found inside its walls is still one of the best examples of Selçuk art and wood craftsmanship, in spite of the fact that it was restored by the Ottomans. The area has experienced a rejuvenation with the restoration of many interesting old Turkish houses and the opening a several art galleries and fine restaurants which feature examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. Near the gate of the castle is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is a beautifully restored portion of the old bazaar. It contains priceless artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations.
Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many select ballet, theater, opera and folk dances performances. The city's Philharmonic Orchestra, which always plays to a packed house is especially famous.
SITES OF INTEREST: Atatürk's Mausoleum, Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo, Youth Park (Gençlik Parkı), Ankara Castle, Augustus Temple, Caracalla (Roman) Baths, Julianus Column, Alaeddin Mosque, Hacı Bayram Mosque, Aslanhane (Ahi Şerefaddin) Mosque, Ahi Elvan Mosque, Cenabı Ahmed Pasha Mosque, Ulus Republic Monument, Güven Monument, Victory Monument, new and old Parliament Buildings, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, State Art and Sculpture Museum, Ethnography Museum, Çankaya Atatürk Museum, Natural History Museum, Çubuk Dam, Gölbaşı (lake area), Kızılcahamam Soğuksu National Park and hot springs, Ayaş Karakaya hot springs, Haymana hot springs, Gordion.
MUSEUMS: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Address: Hisar Cad. Ulus - Ankara
Tel: (312) 324 31 60 Fax: (312) 311 28 39
Ethnography Museum Address: TalatPasha Bulvarı Opera - Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 95 56
War of Independence and Republic Museum Address: Cumhuriyet Cad. Ulus - Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 04 73
Gordion Museum
HISTORICAL SITES AND RUIN:
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Gordion-Polatlı/Yassıhöyük
Roman Bath - Ankara/Center
Gavurkale Ruins - Ankara/Haymana
Karalar Village Ruins- Ankara/Kazan
Karahöyük Ruins - Hacıtuğrul Village
Etnography Museum
Temple of Augustus - Ankara/Altındağ
Beypazarı Culture and History Museum
Hacıbayram Mausoleum - Ankara/Altındağ
Mehmet Akif Ersoy House
Ancient Cities : Gordion, Ahlatlıbel, Bitik, Etiyokuşu, Gavurkale, Karalar, The Temple of Augustus, Julian's Column, Roman Baths, Ankara Roman Theater, Akköprü
Höyük (Tumulus) : Kül Höyük, Karaoğlan, Beştepeler Tumulus,
Yumurtatepe (Demetevler) Tumulus
Castles : Ankara Castle, Kalecik Castle,
Mosques : Some of the city's most important mosques are as follows; Ağaç Ayak Mosque, Ahi Elvan Mosque, Ahi Yakup Mosque, Aslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque, Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa Mosque, Alaaddin Mosque, Çiçekçioğlu Mosque, Direkli Mosque, Eskicioğlu Mosque, Hacettepe Mosque, Hacı Arap Mosque, Hacı Bayram Mosque, İbadullah Mosque Karacabey Mosque, Kocatepe Mosque, Kurşunlu Mosque, Tabakhane Mosque, Tacettin Mosque and Zincirli Mosque.
Tombs : The following tombs are in Ankara: Ahi Şerafettin Tomb, Azimi (İsmail Paşazade Hacı Esad) Tomb, Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa Tomb, Hacıbayram Veli Tomb, İsmail Fazıl Paşa Tomb, Karacabey Tomb, Karyağdı Tomb, Kesikbaş Tomb, and Yörük Dede (Doğan Bey) Tomb.
Catholic Church : (St. Paul Church) Address: Atatürk Bulvarı No: 118 - Kavaklıdere (On the grounds of the Italian Embassy) Tel: 0 (312) 426 65 18
Service times: Saturdays: (Summer) 19.00 (Winter) 18.00
Sundays: (Summer) 10.00 -12.00 -19.00 (Winter) 18.00
Anglican Church : (St. Nicholas Church) Address: Şehit Ersan Cad. 46 - Çankaya (Inside the Embassy of Great Britain)
Tel: 0 (312) 468 62 30/32 85
Service times: Sundays : 10.00 (English)
Synagogue : (Jewish Congregation) Address: Sakalar Mah. Birlik Sok. 8 - Samanpazarı, Tel:0 (312) 311 62 00
Hans : Çengel Han, Kurşunlu Han, Mahmut Paşa Bazaar, Sulu Han, Zağfiran (Safran) Han
Baths (Hamam) : The Old Baths, Karacabey Baths, Şengül Baths
Memorials : Mimar Sinan Memorial, Güvenlik Memorial, Mithat Paşa Memorial,
Ulus Republic Memorial, Triumph Memorial, Lady Zübeyde Bust
Recreational Areas : Altınpark, Atakule, Atatürk Forest Park, Gençlik Park, Bayındır Dam
The Çankaya Ridge, Çubuk Dam, Elmadağ Ski Center, Gölbaşı, Other Recreational Areas
National and Natural Parks : Soğuksu National Park
Thermal Springs : The most important thermal springs in the province are Ankara Thermal Springs Kızılcahamam-Sey Thermal Spring and Bath, Ayaş Thermal and Mineral Spring, Ayaş Karakaya Thermal Spring, Beypazarı-Dutlu-Tahtalı Thermal and Mineral Springs, Kapullu Thermal Spring, Çubuk Melikşah Thermal Spring and Haymana Thermal Spring.
Caves : Ankara Caves
Ornithology Areas : Sakarya Basin, Kızılırmak Basin, Çöl Gölü Bird Area, Mogan Gölü Bird Area, Kızılcahamam Ormanları Bird Area, Kavaklı Dağı Bird Area, İnözü Vadisi Bird Area and Sarıyar Barajı Bird Area, Beynam Ormanı Bird Area ve Tuz gölü Bird Area in Ankara.
Museums : The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, The Ethnographic Museum
The State Museum of Painting and Sculpture, The Museum of the Republic
The Museum of the War of Independence (1st Parliament Building)
Anıtkabir (mausoleum) Museum, Atatürk's House (museum)
The Railroad Museum, Mta Natural History Museum
The Ankara Atatürk Cultural Center and the Museum of the Revolution of the Republic
Odtü Museum, Gordion Museum, Other Museums
Alagöz Military Headquarters Museum
The Museum of the State Meteorology Administration
Vehbi Koç Museum and the Ankara Research Center (vekam)
SIGNIFICANT DAYS
Local Days of Celebration :
Anniversary of Sakarya Victory and Commemoration of the Marties Day Polatlı
13-15 September
Human Rights Activities Altındağ 10-17 December
Declaration of Ankara as Capital Province-wide 13 October
Anniversary of Atatürk's Arrival at Ankara Ankara Dikmen (Junction od General Staff Headquarters) 27 December
Contribution to Peace Activities Altındağ 6-9 August
Atatürk's Arrival at Kalecik Kalecik 23 August
World Environment Day Altındağ 5-6 June
Festivals: Tulip and Culture Festival Sincan 2 May - 9 May
Carrot Festival Beypazarı 14 October
Soğuksu Festival Soğuksu National Park (Kızılcahamam) 27 December
Salt Festival Ş. Koçhisar 5-6 August
Hot Spring Festival Haymana 18-20 June
26 March Festival of Amateur Theatres Keçiören 26-31 March
Melon Festival Kazan September - October
Fairs: Çorak Fair Kızılcahamam October-November
Festivities: 23 April National Independence and Children's Day (For Disabled Children)
Altındağ Municipality Cultural Center 23 April
Childrens' Theater Festival Keçiören 20-24 May
19 May Youth Week Keçiören 19-25 May
Urus Kapama Day Beypazarı 20 August
Cross Races Mamak 14 November
Atatürk Week Conferences Mamak 12 November
Open Air Film Showings Keçiören 4 August - 4 September
Hıdrellez Spring and Culture Festivities Nallıhan 6 May
Hıdrellez Kalecik 6 May
Festivity of Disabled Children Altındağ 22-26 April
World Theater Day Altındağ 23-27 March
Youth Week Altındağ 19-26 May
Karapürçek Wrestling and Music Activities Altındağ 2-3 August