Introduction
Ankara the capital of Turkey is located in the centre of Anatolia province. With a known history of around 3000, Ankara has seen great heights in the past. Today, Ankara is a sprawling urban mass thoroughly organised and well – planned and much European in look than most of the cities in Turkey. Its wide-open roads, large hotels, restaurants and government offices distinguish the city. Besides, there are several tourist attractions in the city making it an ideal destination for the tourists.

What to do
Ankara offers a multitude of activities, to get involved in. Once here, you either visit the large variety of interesting sites it has to offer, or spend some time in its various shopping malls, or get acquainted with its culture and lifestyles by visiting a number of exhibitions and cultural performances that are held here regularly. More than anything else a simple walk down the streets of this age-old city could reveal a few interesting facts to you.

City at a Glance

Latitude 39°93’N to 16°34'43"E Longitude 32°85’E to 48°19'23"N Area 25,706 sq km Population 3,627,098 Language Turkish, Kurdish Religion Islam Telephone Code 0312

History
Around 3000 years ago, the Hittites established a city by the name of Akuwash (old name for Ankara) at the intersection of two trade routes in Turkey. During its earlier phase, Ankara was ruled by Phrygians, Macedonians (under Alexander the Great), and Romans. Seljuk Turks captured the city in 1071 AD and renamed it as Enguriye. Most important moment in the history of Ankara came when Ataturk founded his provisional government here in 1920, and in 1923 when it became the capital of Turkish Republic. The city has seen a number of changes since then, however it has been successful enough in maintaining a fine balance between the old and the new and thereby living up to its unique identity as the “Melting Pot of East and West”.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Vienna has a moderate subalpine climate January is the coldest and July is the hottest months. Summers in Vienna starts from Easter and continues through mid October while mid December to mid March is the winter season. The best time to visit the place is the shoulder seasons when the temperature is moderate. The high season in Vienna starts in April and continues through October.Istanbul has a typical continental climate with long and hot, but pleasant summers. Winters are cool with some snow and rainfall. The best season to visit the city is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).

HIGHLIGHTS/ ATTRACTIONS
The Ankara Citadel
The foundations of this citadel were laid by Galatians to be completed by the Romans. Byzantines and Seljuk made major changes later on. The citadel is located atop a hill in the old city where one can see some fine examples of traditional architecture of Ankara.

The Museum of Anatonian Civilisation
Situated near the citadel, it houses a unique collection of archaeological remains of from this city. The museum is open everyday except Sunday.

Museums
Other museums in the city include: Ethnographical Museum, Painting and Sculpture Museum, Museum of Liberation, Museum of Republic, Presidential Mansion museum, and Natural History Museum.

Anikabir
The mausoleum of Ataturk is a spare but beautiful structure that reflects harmony between Anatonian and modern architectural ideas. Besides, it houses a museum showcasing the belongings of Ataturk and, an exhibition of photographs related to the life of Ataturk and Turkey’s freedom struggle.

The Temple of Augusts
This temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus was built in the 2nd century BC. Its importance lies in the fact that it contains the sole surviving "Political Testament of Augustus", a statement detailing the achievements of the Emperor Augustus. The statement is inscribed on the walls of the Temple.

Other Attractions
Some of the other important attractions in Ankara are: The Roman Bath, The Column of Julian, Haci Bayram Mosque, The Hatti Monument, Victory Monument, Monument of the Republic, Yeni Mosque, Kocatepe Mosque, and so on.

GETTING AROUND
Oland
Oland is an island, which is bustled by the tourists in the summer season. Kalmar is linked to Oland by a 6-km long bridge. Oland is also the holiday destination of the Swedish Royal family. Kalmar is also at an hour’s drive from the world’s finest glassworks at Boda, Orrefors, Kosta and Strombergshyttan.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
The International Children’s Festival and International Arts and Music Festival are held every year in Ankara. Besides, all the Islamic festivals are celebrated with much fanfare as they are in the other Muslim countries.

After Hours
Ankara has the tradition of good nightlife especially so on the weekends. The city has number of Bars, discotheques, and nightclubs mostly in the Cankaya area where one can spend some good time.

SHOPPING
If you are looking for carpets then it is probably one of the best places in Turkey. In the old town you can shop for fruits, antiques, souvenirs, and other artefacts. Besides the city is coming up with a number of upmarket malls some of which are already there offering some good bargains in comparison to European markets.

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is not a problem and you will find many options to choose from. From the upmarket deluxe hotels to rundown hostels the choice is wide enough to suit every budget.

WHERE TO EAT
Ankara has a number of eating joints and restaurants, which serve some delicious Turkish cuisine. Besides, you can also savour some of the international cuisines available here. The prices range from reasonable, for the roadside eateries, to exorbitant, for the ‘class’ restaurants

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
Ankara’s Esenboga Airport is well connected to other cities in Europe as well as to important destinations in other parts of the world.

Land and Water
There is an extensive coach (bus) network that connects the city with other places in Turkey and some important European cities. Turkish railway system, though not that much popular, can be used for overnight journeys.