Ankara

Ankara is a grand European capital offering an extraordinary wealth of national monuments, world-class museums, Seljuk-Ottoman landmarks, and vibrant diplomatic promenades. The sacred crown jewel of the capital is Anıtkabir—the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk overlooking the city skyline. Visitors can explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (housed in a restored 15th-century Ot

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coastal

Districts

Key points of interest

Anıtkabir
Anıtkabir
The monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, featuring the Lion Road, ceremonial plaza, and Peace Park.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
An award-winning museum housed in a 15th-century Ottoman bedesten, displaying unrivaled Paleolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian treasures.
Historic Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)
Historic Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)
An ancient hilltop stone fortress overlooking the city, lined with restored Ottoman timber houses, artisan shops, and panoramic viewpoints.
First Grand National Assembly Museum (Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi)
First Grand National Assembly Museum (Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi)
The historic stone building in Ulus where the Grand National Assembly convened on April 23, 1920, directing the War of Independence.
Atakule Tower & Botanical Park
Atakule Tower & Botanical Park
An iconic 125-meter communications and observation tower in Çankaya overlooking the city and the lush Botanical Park.

Investment outlook

Ankara is Türkiye's premier center for high-technology, defense manufacturing, civil service, higher education, and medical tourism. The capital hosts world-class defense and aerospace industrial giants—including ASELSAN, TUSAŞ/TAI, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, and FNSS—anchored within specialized Organized Industrial Zones such as İVEDİK OIZ, OSTİM, and Başkent OIZ. With over 20 prestigious universities (including METU, Bilkent, Hacettepe, and Ankara University), international diplomatic embassies, top-tier research hospitals, and High-Speed Train (YHT) rail hubs connecting to all major Turkish cities, Ankara presents high-return investment opportunities in defense technology, software engineering, commercial real estate, health hospitality, and advanced logistics.

Investment score96/100

Living here

Living in Ankara offers an exceptionally high quality of life defined by cultured urban planning, world-class educational opportunities, safe green neighborhoods, and efficient public transit networks (Ankaray and Ankara Metro). Known as a 'student and civil servant capital', Ankara boasts a dynamic intellectual environment, rich symphony and theater seasons, extensive public parks (Seğmenler, Gençlik Parkı, and Eymir Lake), and excellent healthcare infrastructure. Residents enjoy a sophisticated culinary culture featuring Ankara Tava, Simit, and Beypazarı Kurusu alongside cosmopolitan international dining.

History & cultural identity

Ankara holds an august and defining position in world geopolitics as the capital of the Republic of Türkiye and the political, diplomatic, and cultural heart of the nation. Inhabited continuously for over 10,000 years, the region served as a major Bronze Age Hittite fortress, a royal Phrygian capital (Ankyra), and a bustling Roman provincial metropolis where Augustus Caesar's monumental deeds were inscribed on the Temple of Augustus. During the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, Ankara flourished as an essential Silk Road trade center famous worldwide for Angora goat mohair (Tiftik). On October 13, 1923, under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara was officially declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic, symbolizing national sovereignty, modern enlightenment, and statecraft.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Ankara chosen as the capital of Türkiye in 1923?+

Ankara was chosen due to its central geographical location, secure defense position in Anatolia, and its role as the headquarters of the national independence movement.

What is the best way to travel around Ankara?+

Ankara features a modern metro network (Ankara Metro and Ankaray light rail), commuter trains (Başkentray), extensive municipal buses (EGO), and taxis.

What local dishes should I try in Ankara?+

You should try Ankara Tava (bone-in lamb baked over pilaf), fresh Ankara Simiti, Beypazarı Kurusu, and Çubuk pickles.