Ankara, which is the capital city and administrative center of Turkey, symbolizes independence and modernity for the Turkish people. Ankara has a mix of modern and historical elements in different neighborhoods. Here are some attractive destinations in Ankara that you can’t miss while traveling.
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Attractive Destinations in Ankara
1. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
This museum is reason enough to include Ankara on your Turkish itinerary. It is the only place in the country where you can get a full grasp of Anatolia’s pre-classical human history.
The most important findings from the Neolithic village site Çatalhöyük, near Konya, include a mural believed to be the world’s first map of a town by some archaeologists and a statue of the floating fertility goddess sound, on display here in the first hall.
Further afield, the halls dedicated to the Hittite Empire of the Bronze Age had their capitals at Hattusa (200 kilometers to the east) and the Phrygian and Urartian Empires, which thrived on the Anatolian steppe during the period.
2. Ankara Castle
If you spend time in museums and mosques that allow you to see a piece of Ankara’s history and culture, then going to Ankara Castle allows you to have a 360-degree view of Ankara. Located in the Ulus district, Ankara castle was originally built as a military defense and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ankara. Unlike the castles in your old storybook, Ankara castle is a large, dense military stronghold: it consists of 4 giant walls, building a circular area in the middle of the city, with 42 towers. Pentagon runs along the top. While walking up the hill to reach the castle was not an easy task, the stunning views that awaited above were undoubtedly, as was the bustling market with dozens of small stalls for sale.
3. Anitkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum)
Ankara’s most visited attraction is also Turkey’s most important modern pilgrimage site. Perched on a hilltop, just west of the city center, is the mausoleum of Atatürk (Mustafa Kemal), the founder of the Turkish state.
As well as the actual mausoleum, with lavish use of marble, this site, located in the center of a vast plaza, houses a large museum complex. It contains both exhibitions on the War of Independence, led by Atatürk, leading to Turkey’s birth as a modern nation, and the ones focusing on Atatürk’s life. Outside, there is a great view of Ankara from the amusement park surrounding the square.
The tomb itself is decorated with gilded inscriptions about Atatürk’s speeches. Inside, a cenotaph stands above the site of the Atatürk tomb. Visitors entering the mausoleum should respect the serene atmosphere of reverence within, while the Turks pay homage to the founder and first president of their modern nation.
4. Atakule
This is one of the attractive destinations in Ankara. Atakule, opened in 1989, is an observation and communication tower with a height of 410 feet. ‘Ata’ means the ancestor and ‘kule’ means the tower, and ‘Ataturk’ is the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. This historic site located in Çankaya, has an open terrace that allows tourists to have a panoramic view of the city. If you want to dine with a view, visit Sevilla, their restaurant that rotates 360 degrees for an hour, giving you a panoramic view of the city without having to leave your seats.
5. Erimtan Archaeology & Art Museum
The Erimtan Museum’s collection is mainly focused on the Classical period, so it acts as a great addition to the city’s main Anatolian Civilization Museum. As the two sit on the road leading to the city quarter, they can easily see them together one morning or afternoon.
Free from the curiosity of the traditional museum, Erimtan’s contemporary storytelling exhibits come to life at exhibitions of this private collection, allowing you to learn more about everyday life during the Greek period and Roman.
In addition to the permanent collection, Erimtan also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions in its lower hall, often focusing on specific archaeological sites or Turkish culture.
6. Gençlik Park
If you take the train to Ankara, one of the first things you will see upon entering the station is the Ferris wheel in Gençlik Park! The Gençlik Park is a public park with a distinction: also with 69 acres of greenery and water, it has a swimming pool, an amusement park, an outdoor theater and two mini trains! There are also more than 40 kiosks in the park selling all kinds of ceramics and every evening the main pool hosts a breathtaking light show. item. Guests can enjoy all day and night fun at Gençlik Park!
