Things to do in Ankara

Ankara is rich in history and culture and there are numerous places of interest to visit. Visitors will immediately notice the contrast between the Old Town, Ulus, and the new town, which was developed after Ankara became the capital of the Republic of Turkey. The history and culture can be savoured and experienced by visiting one of the many museums and ancient sites in Ankara.

Museum of Anatolian Civilisation

Visitors who are interested in the history of Asia Minor will not want to miss stopping here. The museum, located in a 15th century covered market, has an impressive collection of ancient items including tablets and statues that reveal the history of Anatolia. Many of the items come from the Catal Hyuk site which is said to be the earliest known human community.

Mausoleum of Ataturk

The mausoleum is a tribute to Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The architecture of the building is a mixture of old and new ideas and is quite outstanding. Writings, letters, photographs and several other items that belonged to Ataturk are on display at the mausoleum along with an exhibition on the War of Liberation. Every summer evening, a light and sound show is held here.

The Temple of Augustus

The temple which dates back to 25 BC was built on the ruins of another temple and was only discovered about 50 years ago. The temple is famous for its inscriptions in Greek and Latin but the most important features are the inscriptions dedicated to Emperor Augustus on its walls. The marble temple was turned into a church during the reign of the Byzantines.

The Roman Baths

The baths were built during the reign of Emperor Caracalla in 3 AD to honour the God of Medicine, Asclepios. It consists of a firgidarium (cold section), tepidarium (cool section) and calidarium (hot section). Visitors will notice that the hot and warm sections of the bath are wider and bigger than the cold section, this was to accommodate cold winters of Ankara when people used to flock to these sections to keep warm with a bath. Today, only parts of the basement and the first floor remain.

Haci Bayram Mosque

The mosque was built in the 15th century in honour of Haci Bayram, who was the founder of a religious sect. Haci Bayram died in 1429 and his tomb lies next to the mosque. The temple is beautifully decorated with flower motives, tiles form Kutahya and carved wooden celings.

Ankara Citadel

Although the Galatians laid the foundations of the citadel, it was the Romans who completed it years later. The Byzantines and Seljuks added to the citadel and it is a fine example of how architecture has been influenced throughout the ages. The areas in and around the citadel are fascinating because this is one of the oldest areas in Ankara. Many of the old houses have been restored to become restaurants and cafs and there are also many recreational areas to rest at and enjoy the view.

The Roman Theatre

The Romans are well known for their construction of palatial theatres and the one that once stood tall and proud here was no exception. Today however only parts of what were once the stage and the backstage remain. Parts of the side are still being painstakingly excavated and tourists are only allowed to visit certain areas.

Ataturk Farm and Zoo

This is a large recreational area that houses a zoo, greenhouses, farms, a diary farm, a brewery and several restaurants. There are many pleasant shaded picnic spots as well as hiking and biking paths which are all pleasantly tree lined and shady. A replica of the house in which Ataturk was born in 1881 has been reconstructed here and is well worth a visit. The highlight of a trip here would be to try some old fashioned ice-crea and home brewed beer. There are also many restaurants and cafs around the park.