Ankara

About Ankara

Ankara is Turkey's capital, home to Atatürk's mausoleum at Anıtkabir, Ankara Castle and Kızılay; unlike Istanbul, it has a government/diplomatic character, and sits about 28 km from Esenboğa Airport (ESB).

Ankara sits at the heart of the Anatolian plateau and has served as Turkey's political, administrative and diplomatic capital since officially taking the role on October 13, 1923. In Ottoman times, known as Angora, it was a prosperous trading hub famed for its monopoly on soft mohair wool from native Angora goats. After the Ottoman Empire's collapse following World War I, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established his resistance headquarters in this strategically secure inland city; choosing Ankara over the occupied imperial capital of Istanbul symbolized a bold, secular fresh start and the birth of the forward-looking Turkish Republic.

The city's layered history shows in its landmarks: the historic Ankara Castle overlooking the narrow stone streets of Ulus below, and directly across from it, Anıtkabir — Atatürk's monumental mausoleum and a symbol of modern Turkish pride. Kızılay serves as the city's commercial and social pulse, while the 125-meter Atakule Tower in Çankaya offers a futuristic skyline view with its revolving restaurant.

Unlike Istanbul's coastal, cosmopolitan energy, Ankara has a more measured, calm and organized character. As the sole home of parliament, the ministries, and over 100 foreign embassies, its daily rhythm is shaped by a highly educated community of civil servants, diplomats, academics and university students.

Region

Central Anatolia

Main airport

Esenboğa Airport (ESB)

Character

Capital — government, diplomacy, university city

Main landmarks

Anıtkabir, Ankara Castle, Kızılay, Atakule

Became capital

October 13, 1923