Ankara

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second-largest city, located on the Anatolian plateau. As the seat of parliament, government institutions and foreign embassies, it has a more measured and administrative character than Istanbul, while still offering strong museums, universities and an evolving cultural scene.

Ankara's landmarks reflect a long history. Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is the city's most important national site, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations displays artefacts from the Hittites and other ancient cultures. The hilltop Ankara Castle and the Roman Temple of Augustus recall the city's older past, while Kocatepe Mosque dominates the modern skyline.

The city is organised around distinctive districts. Ulus and the castle area form the historic core, while Kızılay is the busy commercial and transport centre. Çankaya, with its embassies, government buildings and the tree-lined Tunalı Hilmi area, is more upscale, and the restored Ottoman houses of Hamamönü are popular for cafés, crafts and evening walks.

Ankara is also a centre of administration, higher education and technology. Universities such as Middle East Technical University, Bilkent and Hacettepe, together with the defence and aerospace sector, support a strong professional and conference economy. The city hosts government meetings, trade fairs and international events, and its dining scene ranges from traditional Anatolian cooking to contemporary restaurants.

For travellers, Ankara works as both a business destination and a base for exploring central Anatolia, with day trips to places such as Beypazarı and the ancient site of Gordion. Its monuments, museums, parks and more local pace make it a distinctive addition to any Turkey itinerary.