Ankara

Description

Ankara, formerly addressed as Angora is known for its excellent quality of wool. Visitors can get a glimpse into the history of Ankara around the city centre near the citadel. There are numerous archaeological sites dotted around the otherwise modern capital.

These sites date back to the Hittite, Hellenistic, Phrygian, Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine eras. The city is home to some ancient and historic mosques that can be seen in the historic city centre and also across the city. One of the most beautiful mosques in the city is the Kocatepe Mosque which is also the largest mosque in Ankara.

The Haci Bayram Mosque is also among the oldest mosques in Ankara built during the 15th century.

Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the citadel, the Roman ruins, the Anitkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilization. Ankara also serves as an excellent base for surrounding several archaeological and historic sites around the city such as Hittite, Cappadocia, Amasya and Safranbolu. For those interested in modern art the Cer Modern Art Gallery is a must visit destination.

The city has some wonderful museums that give visitors a glimpse into the heritage and culture of the area. Some of the museums worth visiting include the Ankara Ethnography Museum, State Art and Sculpture Museum,MTA Museum of Natural History, METU Science and Technology Museum and the Ankara Aviation Museum.

Anakara does not disappoint ardent shoppers. From bustling market streets to sophisticated shopping malls there are several places where visitors can enjoy shopping. Ankara is home to the largest number of shopping malls in Turkey. Some of the best places to shop include Panora at Oran,Armada on Eskisehir Road, Karum, Ankamall in Akkopru, KentPark, etc.

The area around the citadel also has several shops selling antiques and traditional items. The Tunali Hilmi Road is a wonderful place to enjoy the shopping experience in Ankara.

Nearby Airports

The main airport near Ankara is the Ankara Esenboga International Airport. It is located about 28 Km northeast of the city centre. The airport serves domestic and international traffic. From the airport visitors can avail buses that travel to the city centre and Ulus. The one way fare for travelling by these the airport bus service is 10 TL. Local buses also operate to and from the city. One way fare for these buses is 5.25 TL. Taxis are also available and ideally cost between 60 to 80 TL.

Halal Restaurants

Ankara is home to numerous halal restaurants where visitors can get the taste of true Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine as halal food. Doner Kebap is the speciality of Ankara. Some of the best halal restaurants in Ankara include Besiktas Kebap, Tourist Hotel Restaurant, Meshur Adiyaman Cig Koftecisi Omer Usta,Barcelo Ankara Altinel, Zenger Pasa Konagi, Divan Ankara Cukurhan, Hati Poglu Konagi, etc.

Mosques

Ankara is home to several ancient and beautiful mosques. The Kocatepe Masjid is the largest mosque in the city. Other mosques include the Haci Bayram Mosque, TBMM Mosque, Basbakanlik Yeni Bina Mosque, etc. Many of the historical mosques can be seen around the citadel area and near the Haci Bayram Mosque. Several of them are still functional whereas others have been converted into museums or historic attractions.

Things to Do and See in Ankara

• Anitkabir
• Haci Bayram Mosque
• Kocatepe Mosque
• Atakule Tower
• Ulus and Republican Ankara
• Hamamonu
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
• State Art and Sculpture Museum
• Ankara Ethnography Museum
• Cengelhan Rahmi Koc Museum
• Cer Modern
• War of Independence Museum
• Salt Ulus
• TCDD Open Air Steam Locomotive