What is the Capital of Turkey? Ankara

Capital City of Turkey: Ankara

City Overview

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, situated in the central part of the country. It became the capital in 1923, replacing Istanbul after the foundation of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk’s decision to move the capital from Istanbul to Ankara was strategic, as Ankara was more centrally located, which allowed for better control over the country and offered a symbolic break from the Ottoman Empire’s legacy. See Themakeupexplorer for other major cities in Turkey.

Ankara is Turkey’s second-largest city after Istanbul, and it plays a critical role in politics, culture, and education. While Istanbul is known as Turkey’s commercial and cultural hub, Ankara is the heart of the country’s political and administrative life. The city hosts the Presidential Palace, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, and numerous government ministries and embassies. Additionally, Ankara is home to several major universities and institutions of higher learning, including Hacettepe University and Middle East Technical University (METU).

The city is known for its mix of modern and historic architecture, with ancient Roman ruins, Ottoman-era structures, and contemporary buildings coexisting. It’s also famous for its large green spaces, such as Gençlik Park and Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo, making it one of the more pleasant capitals in terms of urban parks. Ankara’s atmosphere is more laid-back compared to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, providing a calm and organized environment for its residents.

Key Facts:

• Area: 25,406 km²
• Population: Approximately 5.2 million (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: Turkey Time (TRT), UTC +3 (Turkey does not observe daylight saving time)
• Highest Mountain: Mount Ağrı (Ararat), 5,137 meters (located in eastern Turkey, far from Ankara but the tallest in the country)
• Longest River: Kızılırmak River, 1,355 km, flowing across the central and northern parts of Turkey.

Ankara’s economy is driven by the government, defense industries, and a growing services sector. Major industries include defense contracting, automotive manufacturing, and telecommunications. The Ankara Stock Exchange (Borsa İstanbul) is also located here, and the city is home to many foreign embassies, which further reflects its importance in global diplomatic relations.

Major Landmarks in Ankara

Ankara is home to many historical landmarks, reflecting its rich past as a site of significant ancient civilizations, such as the Phrygians, Hittites, and Romans, as well as its role in the formation of modern Turkey.

1. Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum)

One of the most important landmarks in Ankara is Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. It is located on a hill overlooking the city and is a symbol of the nation’s modern identity. The site includes a large memorial hall, an impressive colonnade, and a museum dedicated to Atatürk’s life and Turkey’s history. Every year, thousands of visitors come to honor Atatürk’s legacy.

2. Kocatepe Mosque

The Kocatepe Mosque is the largest mosque in Ankara, completed in 1987. It is a magnificent example of modern Ottoman architecture, with its grand domes, towering minarets, and intricate calligraphy. The mosque can hold up to 24,000 worshippers and is one of the city’s most important religious sites.

3. The Roman Temple of Augustus

The Roman Temple of Augustus is an ancient ruin dating back to the 2nd century BCE. This temple, dedicated to the Roman Emperor Augustus, is one of the most significant remnants of Roman rule in Ankara. The Monumentum Ancyranum, located inside the temple, is famous for containing the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, a historical document inscribed by Augustus himself, describing his achievements.

4. Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)

Situated on a hill, Ankara Castle offers a panoramic view of the city. The castle was originally built by the Phrygians and expanded by the Romans and Byzantines. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with cobblestone streets, old houses, and artisan shops. The castle has been a key strategic point throughout history, offering protection to the city.

5. Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

This vast green space is dedicated to Atatürk’s vision for a self-sustaining Turkey. The farm produces milk, cheese, and other agricultural products, and houses a zoo with various animals. It is a popular spot for families and those interested in Turkish agricultural history.

6. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a world-class museum that displays artifacts from the Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, and Ottoman periods, among others. The museum is housed in a 15th-century Ottoman building and is one of the most important cultural institutions in Turkey.

Climate Overview

Ankara has a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Due to its elevated position (around 900 meters above sea level), the city experiences more extreme temperature variations compared to coastal cities like Istanbul. Winters can bring significant snowfall, while summers can be hot and dry, often exceeding 30°C.

Monthly Average Climate Data (Ankara):

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	2°C	39 mm	4
February	3°C	35 mm	5
March	8°C	38 mm	7
April	14°C	29 mm	8
May	20°C	32 mm	9
June	26°C	18 mm	10
July	30°C	5 mm	11
August	29°C	3 mm	12
September	24°C	11 mm	9
October	16°C	29 mm	6
November	9°C	35 mm	5
December	4°C	42 mm	4

Other Cities as Capital in Turkey’s History

Historically, several cities in Anatolia have served as important capitals or administrative centers. However, Ankara has been the permanent capital of Turkey since the founding of the republic in 1923. Before that, the following cities served significant roles:

1. Istanbul (Byzantium / Constantinople, 330 – 1453, Ottoman Capital, 1453 – 1922)

Before the establishment of the Republic, Istanbul (formerly Byzantium and later Constantinople) was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire. The city played a central role in political, cultural, and religious affairs for over a millennium. It was the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1922, when the Ottoman Caliphate was abolished.

2. Nicaea (Iznik) (4th century – 10th century)

During the early centuries of the Byzantine Empire, the city of Nicaea (modern-day Iznik) served as the capital during periods of invasions and crises. Nicaea was the site of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which was a significant event in Christian history.

3. Sivas (1920 – 1923)

During the Turkish War of Independence, Sivas served as a temporary capital for the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The decision to move the capital to Ankara was made by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and was part of the efforts to establish a new, modern Turkish state.

Country Facts

Turkey is a country that spans two continents—Europe and Asia—and is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and strategic location at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western worlds.

Key Country Facts:

• Population: Approximately 85 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 783,356 km²
• Largest City: Istanbul
• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
• Official Language: Turkish
• ISO Country Codes: TR (Alpha-2), TUR (Alpha-3)
• Government: Presidential Republic
• Independence: October 29, 1923 (Republic founded)

Turkey is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), NATO, and the Council of Europe. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Göbekli Tepe, Ephesus, and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. Its economy is diverse, with strong sectors in tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Despite challenges, Turkey continues to be an important regional player in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.