Ankara

As one of the big cities and the second city of Turkey, Ankara holds its capital city quality with a population sheltering about 5,000,000 inhabitants. Since Istanbul is the largest city in terms of population and in general the most popular one in Turkey, it is commonly known as the capital of Turkey. However, this statement has no foundation and it is basically untrue. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Ankara became the capital of the newly founded Republic of Turkey in 1923.

Sheraton - Atakule Tower - Kocatepe Mosque

In the middle of Anatolia, this landlocked city has been a witness to history since the Paleolithic Age. The first known inhabitants of Ankara are the Hattians who established a civilization in the whole Anatolian peninsula between 2500-1700 BC. Its following inhabitants such as Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, and finally Turks gave a shape to the culture, architecture and lifestyle of Ankara. Also, these factors leave a permanent mark on the background of Ankara too. Today, it is a historical and modern city where you can visit the Temple of Augustus and Rome as well as having a dinner at an elegant restaurant.

Furthermore, being the heart of Turkish politics, there are lots of ministries and embassies in Ankara. The city center is named Kızılay Square which is near the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Besides Kızılay Square mostly provides transportation need of the city. It can be easily reached from there to every part of Ankara with the available busses and also the subway station which are located in the center.

Moreover there is a building in Anıttepe quarter of the city which has a crucial place especially for the Turkish citizens. It is called Anıtkabir, mausoleum or the tomb of Atatürk (most simply to describe, a great man who found the Turkish Republic). Another remarkable building, as a symbol of Ankara, Atakule Tower can be shown. Plus there are 37 shopping malls on the scene. Thereto many parks are stated in Ankara but the biggest one can be counted as Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo. It is an expansive recreational farming area plus harboring a zoo, containing agricultural farms on a limited scale, also greenhouses, restaurants, a dairy farm and a brewery. It is possible to try old-fashioned beer and ice cream and other fresh dairy products. 

Lastly, one of the most significant features of Turkish culture is food. Thus it can be said that Ankara has variety of tastes which prove that trait. 

Ankara is a big city which draws you into it. The closer you live to the center of it, the easier it gets. Last but not least there is an outstanding matter which should be pointed out; weather. Climate of Ankara is terrestrial because of its geological position. Monthly mean temperatures change from 0.3 °C (32.5 °F) in January to 23.5 °C (74.3 °F) in July, with an annual mean of 11.7 °C (53.1 °F)(In winter it changes between 3 degrees to -5 degrees and summertime average is changing between 25 degrees to 12 degrees in Turkey's temperature volume). So if you are planning coming to Ankara, do not forget to consider these factors while you are packing!