However, recently the situation has settled and the last attack happened in January 2017. However, that isn’t to say that violent, as well as petty crimes, don’t exist in Ankara, because they do. Then, it was taken over and restored by Seljuks, adding their own architecture to it. Ali Nazım Apt. At its initial years, Ankara was well planned to accommodate a population of 500,000 because by then the population was below 100,000 occupants. Ankara is the capital city of Turkey. Grains, vegetables, and fruit are grown nearby. Which city has the better climate, Ankara or Istanbul? Ankara is the capital city of Turkey. The buses are so crowded that what usually happens is that you pass your card down to the front of the bus, somebody touches the machine at the front and the card makes its way back down the bus to you. Therefore, the architecture of the Castle represents both of these old and empires. Moreover, being an alone woman may also be risky in the city. Police were just overly heavy handed. Ankara became the symbol of the foundation of Turkey. Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and, at the same time, the second-largest city in the country after Istanbul. Ankara has a very high cultural value, being in Anatolian history. “Ankara criticized the Western countries for recognizing the Armenian Genocide.” The city has historical, geographical and political importance for Turkish people. The only negative experience I ever had was on National Day in October. Now the first time I did this I thought ‘ I’ll get somebody else’s card back with half the credit’ that never happened. Ankara Castle, which was known to be present during the period of Galatians, was restored by the two empires. Ankara, city, capital of Turkey, situated in the northwestern part of the country. We visit Ataturk's mausoleum (Anitkabir), then meet up … Starting from the Ulus district up to Ankara Castle, it is possible to see many buildings, hammams, inns and houses from many ancient civilizations and empires who lived and settled in Anatolia. As there are more than ten universities in Ankara, a considerable amount of the city’s population is made up of students. Oh, and everybody smokes (I am convinced Turkish people don’t smoke after sex but during it!). 2,533,209), capital of Turkey and Ankara prov., W central Turkey, at an elevation of c.3,000 ft (910 m). Why is the capital of Turkey Ankara rather than Istanbul. The city has historical, geographical and political importance for Turkish people. Although the bloc is unlikely to impose sanctions on Ankara, it is … Ankara is an advantageous location. He named the city Ancyra, meaning anchor. As for natural disasters, floods and heavy rains have been known to hit Ankara, but apart from that, you're perfectly safe here. It is also the administrative center of Turkey and a huge university town. The first Assembly is a museum now. Ankara is safe to visit. The city had no agriculture or industrial value whatsoever. Before the Independence war, even before the Ottoman Empire, it was the settlement of many civilizations, including the Roman and Byzantium Empire. © 2020 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas. Çarşı Mah. Please fill in the form. read more, Ankara also had a railway and being roughly at the center of Turkey made more sense as a capital logistically. When it comes to animals, Ankara is famous for its cats and goats. Which city is more westernized, Ankara or Istanbul? If you're a woman traveling solo you should avoid walking alone after dark in this country. As long as you stay away from the Sincan district, which is full of drug dealers and other sorts of dangerous people, you’ll be perfectly fine. “Turkey has never expressed any regret for the massacre in 1915,” Mailyan said. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too. Although Ankara is Turkey's political capital, the de facto capital for everything else is most definitely Istanbul to this day. The majority of violent crime doesn't happen in Ankara so you don't have to worry but do avoid deserted areas and places that are poorly lit and abandoned. In the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, there are countless historical artefacts representing these civilizations. Similarly, on a dolmus (small mini buses) you pay with cash. Beyond its historical and cultural value, Ankara is known for its sumptuous cuisine, which consists of mostly foods with grains and meat. Therefore, it was no surprise when the city became the centre of this new Republic. On December 27, 1919, Ataturk and other commanders of the Turkish Independence War came to Ankara and started to plan battles and revolutions. Why was Istanbul called 'Istanbul' and by who? Demographics of the Capital City of Turkey. There aren’t nearly as many foreigners or English-speakers living in Ankara as there are in Istanbul, which is why many people say it’s a lonely city. The Republic of Turkey eventually gained independence in October 1923 and Ankara became the official capital city replacing Istanbul. Turkey appears increasingly pressed to downscale its goals in the conflict in Libya, which has become closely intertwined with its gas exploration rows in the eastern Mediterranean. We will contact you as soon as possible. The deadliest terrorist attack happened in January 2017. What is the capital of Turkey, Ankara or Istanbul? The Ethnography Museum is the first museum built in Turkey. What's the difference between Ankara and Istanbul? Most of these attacks are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey. However, it had strategic importance for being in the middle of Anatolia. On municipal buses you use a prepaid travel card. Ankara, city (1990 pop. Turkey's largest city after İstanbul Ankara is primarily an administrative city, but it is also an important commercial, industrial, and cultural center. Never had any incidents of personal danger at any point, and this included wandering home from clubs and bars at 2am or later. Therefore, Ankara was an excellent choice to be the centre of command. I was living in Çankaya and the only other general worry was the packs of stray dogs. These can happen even if you are accompanied by a group. Learn more about Ankara’s history, economy, and attractions. As for pickpocketing, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Ankara, which is a popular tourist destination, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. The common scam in Ankara is locals befriending tourists, taking them out for a drink, or dinner and then expecting the tourist to pay for it. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride. Same reason Washington DC is the Capital of the U.S. instead of New York or Philadelphia, and that Brasillia is the Capital of Brazil instead of Rio. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. Also, Ataturk’s mausoleum, also known as Anitkabir is in Ankara. I lived in Ankara for 18 months, home at the time was London. Then Hittites made the city famous and called it Ankuwa. It is also the administrative center of Turkey and a huge university town. Which places shouldn't I miss in Istanbul and Ankara? Backpacking in Ankara , Turkey: Top 5 Things to See and Do. Ankara is the capital of Turkey, as we are so excited to share a little bit of Turkey's history with you. Public transport is excellent and a token of how safe the city is. read more. Turkey's largest city after İstanbul Ankara is primarily an administrative city, but it is also an important commercial, industrial, and cultural center. Damlataş Cad. The artefacts in the museum were donated by the citizens, and there are artefacts from the Muslin era of Turkish people there. There have been reports of sexual assaults and verbal insults. There are many parks, recreational areas, crafts and such can be found in the Capital. A great cafe society and. Three years later, on October 13, 1923, Ankara officially became the capital. After the Independence war is over and the Turkish Republic was founded, the first Turkish Grand National Assembly was established in Ankara. Back then, Ankara was a small town. The most popular civilization which settled in Ankara is the Hittites. Many historical buildings from founding times of the Republic is present in Ankara. The course of developments in the region dictates a more realistic attitude from Ankara, including acceptance of … 61/C 07400Alanya. The real danger in Turkey and the reason many tourists are a skeptic when it comes to safety in this country are the continuous and frequent terrorist attacks all around Turkey that have to do with the political situation in the state and most of them are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey. Why is Ankara called Ankara; is it the print or the texture? In Ulus district where many old buildings and museums where one can see the history of the Republic. It lies about 125 miles (200 km) south of the Black Sea, near the confluence of the Hatip, Ince Su, and Cubek streams. It sums up the general honesty of the place. Eskişehir, which also had a railway and was close to Istanbul, was either very near the border or occupied by the Triple Entente and its proxies during various stages of the war.