Ankara historically known as Ancyra and Angora, is the capital of Turkey. Located in the central part of Anatolia, the city has a population of 5.8 million in Ankara Province, making it Turkey's second-largest city after Istanbul.
The region's history can be traced back to the Bronze Age Hattic civilization, which was succeeded in the 2nd millennium BC by the Hittites, in the 10th century BC by the Phrygians, and later by the Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, and Turks (the Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm, the Ottoman Empire and finally republican Türkiye).
Serving as the capital of the ancient Celtic state of Galatia (280–64 BC), and later of the Roman province with the same name (25 BC–7th century), Ankara has various Hattian, Hittite, Lydian, Phrygian, Galatian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman archeological sites. The Ottomans made the city the capital first of the Anatolia Eyalet (1393 – late 15th century) and then the Angora Eyalet (1827–1864) and the Angora Vilayet (1867–1922). The historical center of Ankara is a rocky hill rising 150 m (500 ft) over the left bank of the Ankara River, a tributary of the Sakarya River. The hill remains crowned by the ruins of Ankara Castle. Although few of its outworks have survived, there are well-preserved examples of Roman and Ottoman architecture throughout the city, the most remarkable being the 20 BC Temple of Augustus and Rome that boasts the Monumentum Ancyranum, the inscription recording the Res Gestae Divi Augusti.
On 23 April 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established in Ankara, which became the headquarters of the Turkish National Movement during the Turkish War of Independence. Ankara became the new Turkish capital upon the establishment of the Republic on 29 October 1923, succeeding in this role as the former Turkish capital Istanbul following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The government is a prominent employer, but Ankara is also an important commercial and industrial city located at the center of Turkey's road and railway networks. The city gave its name to the Angora wool shorn Angora rabbits, the long-haired Angora goat (the source of mohair), and the Angora cat. The area is also known for its pears, honey and Muscat grapes.
Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, located in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Built between 1944 and 1953, this monumental structure reflects the combination of modern and traditional Turkish architecture in terms of architecture.
Anıtkabir consists of two main sections, the Peace Park and the Monument Block, on a total area of 750,000 square meters. The Peace Park is surrounded by trees and plants brought various countries and conveys a message of friendship and peace.
The Ethnography Museum of Ankara is a cultural museum dedicated to showcasing Turkish art, culture, and traditions. Established in 1925, the museum is located in the heart of Ankara and displays an extensive collection of artifacts, including traditional costumes, textiles, wooden carvings, ceramics, and metalworks.
The museum also highlights daily life and customs of Anatolian civilizations, providing a deeper understanding of Turkey's diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, the museum served as the temporary resting place of Atatürk until Anıtkabir was completed in 1953.
Ankara Castle is a historic fortification located in the heart of Ankara, Turkey. Dating back over 3,000 years, it has been ruled by several civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. The castle features high walls, robust towers, and offers panoramic views of the city. Its interior is filled with narrow streets, traditional houses, and small artisan shops. The site is a blend of history and culture, attracting visitors who wish to explore Ankara’s ancient heritage and architectural beauty.
The Gordion Museum, located near Polatlı, Turkey, is dedicated to the ancient city of Gordion, the capital of the Phrygian civilization. It showcases artifacts various eras, including the Bronze Age, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. The museum's highlight is its connection to King Midas, the legendary ruler known for the "Golden Touch." Visitors can explore exquisite pottery, statues, jewelry, and the monumental burial mounds, or "tumuli," believed to house Phrygian royalty. The museum provides a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich archaeological and historical significance.
The Temple of Augustus, located in Ankara, Turkey, is a historical monument built in the 1st century BC to honor the Roman Emperor Augustus. It is notable for the “Monumentum Ancyranum,” an inscription carved into its walls that records the deeds and achievements of Augustus in Latin and Greek. The temple was later converted into a church during the Byzantine era. Today, it stands as an important symbol of Roman influence in Anatolia and is a popular archaeological site showcasing ancient Roman architecture and history.
