About Ankara

General Information

Capital of Turkey
Region:	Central Anatolia
Coordinates:	39°52'N 32°52'E
Population:	4.750.000
Time Zone:	GMT +2
Elevation:	850 m
Total Area:	24.520 km²

A Brief History

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second largest city after Istanbul. Centrally located in Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau, at an altitude of 850 meters, Ankara is an important commercial and industrial city where shades of the mystical east and ancient civilizations lie partially hidden among 20th-century office buildings, shopping malls and government offices.

The city is imbued with the spirit of modernity and youth, this being a student town filled with language schools, universities, colleges and military bases. It is also the center of the Turkish Government, and houses all foreign embassies. It is an important crossroads of trade, strategically located at the center of Turkey's highway and railway networks, and serves as the marketing center for the surrounding agricultural area. The city was famous for its long-haired Angora goat, a unique breed of cat (Angora cat), and Angora rabbit.

Ankara's history and that of the surrounding area dates back to the Bronze Age as the home of many civilizations including Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Galatians, Celtics, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. The name Ankara comes from the word 'Ancyra', which means 'anchor'.

Following World War I, Ankara gained prominence during the Turkish Independence War under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. By consequence of its role in the war and its strategic position, it was declared the capital of the new Republic of Turkey on October 13th, 1923. The oldest parts of Ankara surround the ancient citadel. Within the walls, the 12th century Alaeddin Mosque restored traditional Turkish houses which are used as art galleries or restaurants and Museum of the Anatolian Civilizations. It contains priceless artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations. Outside the citadel the 3rd century Roman Baths, 4th century Julian Column and 2nd century Temple of Augustus are worth visiting. Anitkabir (Ataturk's Mausoleum), Ethnography Museum, the Painting and Sculpture Museum and the Independence War Museum are among the sites to see. Ankara is also a center of culture and art for opera, jazz, ballet, modern dance, film, art and music festivals.

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