Ankara, the Capital of the Republic of Turkey
Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey, is the country’s second most populous city after Istanbul, with a population exceeding 5.2 million. Located in the heart of Central Anatolia, Ankara has hosted various civilizations throughout history thanks to its strategic location, and today it has become the beating heart of modern Turkey’s administrative, political, cultural, and social life.
Throughout history, the city has carried the marks of civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. With the proclamation of the Republic, Ankara was declared the capital in 1923. Since then, it has become one of the best examples of planned urbanization, symbolizing modern Turkey with its government institutions, embassies, universities, cultural and art centers.
Today, Ankara is not only a bureaucratic capital but also one of the main centers of education, culture, arts, and commerce. Historical monuments from centuries ago stand side by side with modern Republican-era buildings. The city offers diverse experiences for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who enjoy the dynamism of urban life.
Places to Visit in Ankara
Ankara offers its visitors a wide range of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
- Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey. With the Lion Road, the mausoleum itself, and the Atatürk and War of Independence Museum, it attracts millions of visitors every year.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A world-renowned museum that showcases Anatolia’s history from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period with its award-winning collection.
- Ankara Castle: Located on one of the city’s highest points, offering panoramic views of Ankara from its towers. The surrounding streets feature handicraft shops and cafes.
- Hamamönü: Restored Ottoman houses, art workshops, museums, cafes, and boutique shops create a nostalgic atmosphere.
- Kocatepe Mosque: The largest mosque in Ankara, with modern architecture, completed in 1987 and able to host tens of thousands of worshippers.
- Ethnography Museum: One of the Republic’s first museums, showcasing Turkish culture from past to present.
- Atatürk Forest Farm: A unique mix of natural and cultural areas with a zoo, museums, and organic product shops.
- Gençlik Park: Opened in the 1940s, featuring a pond, amusement park, and walking paths, popular among families.
- Mavi Lake and Eymir Lake: Natural areas close to the city center, ideal for picnics, hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities.
- CerModern: The most important modern art center in Ankara, hosting exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events throughout the year.
Tip: Spend half a day exploring the historical center (Ulus, Castle area) and another half-day in the modern districts (Kızılay, Çankaya, Bahçelievler) to discover the two faces of the city.
Ankara Bus Terminal
The Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal (AŞTİ) is one of Turkey’s largest and busiest bus terminals. Opened in 1995, it hosts more than 120 platforms, large waiting halls, restaurants, cafes, banks, and shopping areas, serving thousands of passengers every day.
Bus services to all corners of Turkey depart from AŞTİ. Popular routes include Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon, Samsun, Diyarbakır, and many more. Thanks to the metro connection, reaching the city center is very easy—Kızılay can be reached in about 15 minutes by metro.
Inside AŞTİ, passengers can also find supermarkets, luggage storage services, bank ATMs, children’s play areas, and prayer rooms.
What to Eat in Ankara?
Ankara’s cuisine reflects the deep-rooted food culture of Central Anatolia.
- Ankara Tava: A local dish combining lamb meat and rice pilaf, usually cooked in stone ovens.
- Beypazarı Kurusu: A crunchy pastry served with tea, known for its long shelf life.
- Ankara Simidi: Thinner and covered with plenty of sesame seeds, distinct from other Turkish simits, a staple for breakfast.
- Tandır Kebab: A hearty dish made by slow-cooking meat in a traditional tandoor.
- Höşmerim Dessert & Pumpkin Dessert: Local sweets that dessert lovers must try.
- Beypazarı Güveci: A slow-cooked traditional casserole of meat and vegetables.
- İnceğiz Soup & Tarhana: Local versions of Anatolia’s traditional soups.
Tip: The district of Beypazarı is considered the gastronomic center of Ankara, with its historical streets and local cuisine. Don’t miss the “Beypazarı Sofrası” experience.
How to Get to Ankara?
Located at the very center of Turkey’s transportation network, Ankara is easily accessible.
- By Bus: There are bus services to Ankara from almost every city in Turkey. The journey takes about 6–7 hours from Istanbul, 8–9 hours from Izmir, and 8 hours from Antalya, all arriving at AŞTİ.
- By Air: Esenboğa Airport is 28 km from the city center, offering domestic flights to Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon, and many international connections to Europe. Transportation to the city is available via Havaş shuttles, municipal buses, and taxis.
- By Train: The High-Speed Train (YHT) connects Ankara with Istanbul, Eskişehir, Konya, and Sivas. Long-distance trains such as the Eastern Express, Southern Kurtalan Express, and Van Lake Express also depart from here.
- By Car: Ankara is connected to many parts of Turkey via highways and state roads. The distance from Istanbul to Ankara is about 450 km and takes around 5 hours by motorway.
Bus Companies Operating to Ankara
Some of the national and regional bus companies that operate services to Ankara include:
- Metro Turizm
- Pamukkale Turizm
- Ali Osman Ulusoy
- Varan Turizm
- Kale Seyahat
- Seç Turizm
- Anadolu Turizm
In addition, many other local and regional companies also provide services from Ankara to various parts of Anatolia.
