Ankara City Guide

Positioned in the heart of Turkey and Central Anatolia, upon a steep and rocky hill, Ankara is the amazing capital of Turkey and the second largest city after Istanbul. With approximately a population of 4 million inhabitants, Ankara also serves as the capital of the Province of Ankara.

Ankara has had many names through the history, starting with Ankuwash, given by the Hitties before 1200 BC, later the Romans called it Ancyra, in the Byzantine period it has come to be known as Ánkyra, and under 1930 it bared the name of Angora. The history of the whole region reaches back to the Bronze Age and thanks to its many and diverse inhabitants through the ages; the area enjoys a rich cultural heritage. Ankara has become the capital of the new Republic of Turkey on 13th of October 1923, after the War of Independence has been won, replacing Istanbul (known as Constantinople).

Ankara is an important commercial and industrial city, being the center of the Turkish Government and housing all foreign embassies. It also operates as the marketing center for the neighboring regions. The city has become renowned for its long-haired Angora goat and its high-quality wool (mohair), white rabbits and their valued wool, as well as for a unique breed of cat (Angora cat), pears, honey, and the region's Muscat grapes.

Thanks to the countries diverse topography and latitude climate tends to vary from place to place. Ankara is most probably one of the driest places in the country, enjoying a dry continental climate, meaning that summers are truly hot while winters are snowy and cold. If you are looking for the perfect time of year to visit this beautiful city, pick a month between May and October as than you can hardly expect any rain, but you will surly have plenty of sunshine. Keep in mind that the level of humidity is usually pretty high which makes a hot summer day feel even hotter!

As the only official language is Turkish, a tiny dictionary or knowing a few useful phrases might come in handy. Even if you do not know a sole Turkish word, you have nothing to worry about as many people worked abroad, so in most places you will bump into people who speak German, or Dutch or even French. Also among young people English is becoming more popular day by day and they will be more than happy to help out tourists. People are generally friendly and welcoming, so for sure you will have a wonderful time in Ankara.

Other cities you may like: Amsterdam - Ankara - Antwerp - Barcelona - Berlin - Cologne - London - Pamplona - Paris

Ankara guide