As the capital of Turkey, Ankara is an important city with many historical and cultural riches. Sights in the city range from historical ruins to modern monuments, from large parks and gardens to museums.
One of the city's most iconic buildings is Anıtkabir. This memorial complex, which houses the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is open to visitors as an expression of respect for the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Anıtkabir is not only an architecturally impressive building, but also a museum that tells the story of Atatürk's life and the Turkish War of Independence in detail. Visitors can learn about Turkey's recent history through the exhibitions here.
Ankara Castle is one of the oldest monuments reflecting the historical texture of the city. The castle bears traces of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods and offers panoramic views of the city. The narrow streets inside the castle are filled with restored historical houses, art galleries and cafes. Visitors can witness Ankara's history by taking a walk in this area and buy samples of handicrafts.
Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo is a place Atatürk founded to promote modern agriculture and animal husbandry projects and now serves as a large recreational area. This is an ideal place for those who want to explore the wildlife and various plant species. In addition, the museum inside the farm provides information about Atatürk's agricultural innovations and the history of the farm.
Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum is recommended for those who want to have a museum experience in Ankara. The museum exhibits artifacts from Rahmi M. Koç's personal collection, focusing on industrial history and technological developments. This collection includes many interesting objects such as old automobiles, airplanes, submarines and steam engines.
Finally, Gençlik Park and Kuğulu Park are among the city's green spaces and places where social life is kept alive. Gençlik Park is a popular meeting point for families and young people with its large green areas, walking paths, pond and amusement park. Kuğulu Park, on the other hand, is known for hosting a variety of bird species as well as Kuğulu and offers a tranquil getaway in the center of the city. These parks are important places that enrich Ankara's natural beauty and the social life of its people.
Besides Kuğulu Park, another important park in Ankara is Seğmenler Park. This park is located close to the center of the city and offers a public recreation and entertainment area with large lawns, flower gardens and comfortable walking paths. Seğmenler Park is a popular destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, especially in spring when the flowers are in bloom. The large pool in the center of the park is indispensable for those who want to cool off in the summer months.
Another important stop for art lovers in Ankara is CerModern. This venue, which has an important place in Ankara's modern art scene, hosts the works of international and local artists. Full of contemporary art exhibitions, workshops and artistic performances, CerModern showcases the artistic diversity and dynamism of the city. The venue is also known for its educational programs on art and design and aims to bring art to people of all ages.
Another important place that comes to mind when it comes to museum visits in Ankara is the Ethnography Museum. Turkey's first ethnography museum, this institution is full of artifacts that display the richness of Turkish folk culture. The museum includes traditional Turkish handicrafts, clothing, carpets and various utensils from ancient times. Also on display are works by some of the most important figures of Turkish art. The Ethnographic Museum is an ideal place for visitors who want to dive deeper into Turkish culture and art.
Finally, another place to recommend for history buffs is the Roman Bath Archaeological Site. This site contains the remains of Ankara's Roman period and provides information about life in ancient times. Visitors can see historical artifacts and architectural structures unearthed as a result of excavations and research. The Roman Bath is considered an important archaeological site that sheds light on the prehistoric periods of the city.
Filled with these riches, Ankara offers both local and foreign visitors unforgettable experiences that combine history, nature and art. Each unique in its own way, these places show that Ankara is not only a capital city, but also a cultural treasure.