List
First duty: Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s Monumental Tomb)
A sanctuary: Ankara Kocatepe Mosque
For a moment to take a breath: Seğmenler Park
Presidential Library (The Nation’s Library of the Presidency)
First duty: The Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s Monumental Tomb)
In Ankara, the first destination would be the Anıtkabir, which is the eternal resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Set within a 750,000-square-meter area, the hilltop Anıtkabir complex features a park and walking paths. The stately mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk overlooks a massive ceremonial square surrounded by low structures that serve as museum spaces. The Anıtkabir site also contains sculptures, reliefs and various works of art created by more than twenty notable artists. It is optimal to view the Anıtkabir in person, but a virtual tour of the complex is also available. The Anıtkabir is in the center of Ankara, in Anıttepe, formerly known as Rasattepe.
A sanctuary: The Kocatepe Mosque
One of Ankara’s iconic structures, the Kocatepe Mosque opened for worship in 1987 after years of construction. Set on an area of 4,500 square meters, the design of the Kocatepe Mosque is similar to structures erected by Mimar Sinan, the prominent 16th-century Ottoman architect. The mosque has four minarets and a stunning interior with fine workmanship. It is located in the district of Kocatepe, from which it takes its name.
Take a deep breath: Seğmenler Park
There are two well-known parks in Ankara: one is the Ankara Kuğulu Park (Swan Park) and the other is Seğmenler Park. The two parks are relatively close to each other. Kuğulu Park features a large pond with swans, ducks and other waterfowl; Seğmenler Park is larger, with walking paths and beautiful city views. Both are lovely places to take a break, relax and perhaps read a bit. Our suggestion: J.D. Salinger’s Franny and Zooey.
Nature in all its tranquility: Lake Eymir
Set within the borders of the METU campus, Lake Eymir is a beautiful natural site with unique flora and fauna, including mallard ducks, coots and other birds. The lake’s shoreline is around nine meters and its average depth is about four meters. It is popular for cycling, walking and jogging – and an ideal area to bask in nature’s tranquility.
A trip into history: Ankara Castle
Built atop a high hill with narrow streets that are home to the city’s oldest neighborhood, Ankara Castle is a popular destination in the city. Allegedly, the castle’s structure was based on a dream of the Phrygian King Midas. The two- and three-story old Ankara houses leading up to the castle are quite picturesque. Evliya Çelebi, the celebrated travel writer, visited the city in 1640 and described the Ankara Castle as follows: “On the top of a mountain in Ankara, there is a strong castle made of four layers of white stone. The castle is surrounded by three rows of nested walls: The surrounding of the citadel has a rocky structure. It is not easy to climb up to the castle on these craggy rocks. There are weapons, ammunition and six hundred houses in the citadel. The citadel is surrounded with a second row of walls at the bottom. At the foothills of the mountain, there is the third row of outer walls. With these outer walls, the city is now fully secured.” The castle is located in Ankara’s Altındağ district.
On the trail of the past: The Ethnography Museum of Ankara
The Ethnography Museum has the distinction of being the first building in Türkiye to be erected specifically as a museum. It was opened to visitors in 1930 and exhibits artefacts from ordinary life throughout history, dating to the Turkish-Islamic period of Anatolia. A reminder: after the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1938, his body was kept in this building until it was moved to the Anıtkabir in 1953. The bronze Atatürk sculpture in front of the museum is the work of Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. For those unable to visit the museum in person, virtual tours are available.
Witnessing the present: CerModern
Established in the former railway depot of Sıhhiye, CerModern is Ankara’s gateway to contemporary art and culture. The museum’s website features information on its current and temporary exhibitions, as well as an events calendar with festivals and meetings.
A phenomenon: Atakule Tower
The futuristic Atakule Tower was inaugurated in 1987 by the former Turkish president, Turgut Özal, to commemorate the sixty-sixth anniversary of Ankara becoming Türkiye’s capital. At the foot of the tower is a shopping complex – the second shopping mall built in Türkiye and Ankara’s first. The 125-meter-tall tower features an upscale rotating restaurant with a terrace and an observation deck.
The heart of the state theatres: The Ankara State Theatre
Theatre arts have a long-standing history in Ankara and at the heart of this venerable culture is the Ankara State Theatre, which was Türkiye’s first official institution of art. The founding of the theatre was spearheaded by Turkish actor Muhsin Ertuğrul and it opened in October 1949. The Ankara State Theatre is still active, featuring performances staged in several halls, including the Şinasi Stage, the Küçük Tiyatro and the Oda Tiyatrosu.
Presidential Library (The Nation’s Library of the Presidency): Türkiye’s largest library
The Presidential Library is a megaplex that can serve 5,500 people at the same time. The library contains four million printed and more than 120 million electronic publications, as well as rare literary works and 550,000 e-books. Various seminars, exhibitions and events are also held in the Presidential Library.
When you’re hungry: What to eat in Ankara
First, Ankara’s soup season kicks off in October and runs throughout the winter, offering visitors a variety of hearty Turkish soups. Some of the city’s restaurants are quite notable: Patisserie Liva for a rich breakfast; döner and its variations at Aspava; and the famous döner kebab of Mutlu Restaurant at Guvenlik Caddesi No: 69. In fact, Ankara is known for its döner, thus we can mention three other establishments: Peçenek Döner, Canbolat in Aydınlıkevler, and Cici Piknik in Kumrular.
Though it might surprise visitors, allegedly the best fish in Türkiye is found in Ankara. Even though the city is landlocked, the best fish from the Turkish coasts are brought to the country’s capital. Trilye is among Ankara’s prominent fish restaurants.
For carnivores, Etmanyak Burger & Sausage, on Farabi Street, is a popular gathering place. And let’s not forget the Ankara simit – save a piece to share with the swans at Kuğulu Park!
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