Ankara

Ankara
Name	Ankara
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	39, 55, 48, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Turkey
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Central Anatolia Region
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Ankara Province
Established title	Founded
Established date	c. 1000 BC (as Ancyra)
Government type	Metropolitan municipality
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Mansur Yavaş
Area total km2	2516
Elevation m	938
Population total	5,747,325
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	TRT
Utc offset	+3
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	06xxx
Area code	+90 312
Blank name	Licence plate
Blank info	06
Website	http://www.ankara.bel.tr/

Ankara. The capital of Turkey and its second-largest city, it is a major political, administrative, and commercial hub located in the heart of Anatolia. Its transformation from the ancient Phrygian settlement of Ancyra to the modern seat of government was decisively shaped by its selection by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the base for the Turkish War of Independence. Today, it is distinguished by its planned urban layout, numerous foreign embassies, and prestigious institutions like the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the Presidential Complex.

History

The site, originally known as Ancyra, was a significant center for the Phrygians before falling under the sway of successive empires including the Lydians, Persians, and Alexander the Great. It later became an important provincial capital and military base for the Roman Empire, evidenced by the enduring Temple of Augustus and Rome. Following the Battle of Manzikert, the city came under Seljuk control and later the Ottoman Empire, though it remained a provincial town. Its modern prominence began when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established his revolutionary headquarters here in 1919, leading to its designation as the capital of the new Republic of Turkey in 1923, replacing Istanbul. This period saw extensive construction and planning under architects like Şekip Akalın and Clemens Holzmeister, creating a symbolic new center for the nascent republic.

Geography and climate

Situated on the eastern edge of the Central Anatolia Region, the city lies at an average altitude of 938 meters on a rugged plateau. The urban area is intersected by the Çubuk and Ankara streams, with the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo providing a major green space. It experiences a cold semi-arid climate under the Köppen climate classification, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, with significant temperature variations between day and night. The surrounding terrain is part of the broader Anatolian Plateau, with the city's expansion historically constrained by nearby hills.

Demographics

Following its designation as the capital, the city experienced rapid population growth through migration from other parts of Turkey, particularly from provinces in the Black Sea Region and Central Anatolia. This influx has made it one of the country's most populous metropolitan areas. The population is predominantly Turkish, with communities of Kurds and other ethnic groups. The presence of numerous international diplomats, staff of organizations like NATO's Allied Land Command, and a large student body attending institutions such as Middle East Technical University and Hacettepe University contributes to its cosmopolitan character.

Economy

The economy is heavily dominated by public administration, given its status as the seat of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, all government ministries, and foreign embassies. It is also a major center for banking, with headquarters for state-owned banks like Ziraat Bankası, and hosts the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. Significant industrial zones produce military equipment, electronics, and machinery, with companies like Turkish Aerospace Industries and ASELSAN based here. The city is a key hub for road and rail networks, connecting to other major cities like Istanbul and İzmir, and is served by Esenboğa International Airport.

Culture and landmarks

The city is home to several important national museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in a restored Ottoman bazaar, and the Ethnography Museum of Ankara. Key modern landmarks include the Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Cultural institutions like the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and the Turkish State Opera and Ballet are based here. The annual Ankara International Film Festival and the Ankara Music Festival are significant cultural events, while the historic Ankara Castle district offers views of the old city.

Government and politics

As the national capital, it houses all key branches of the Turkish government, including the Presidency, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in the parliament building, and the constitutional court. The city itself is administered as a metropolitan municipality, with the current mayor being Mansur Yavaş of the Republican People's Party. It is divided into central districts like Çankaya, which hosts most government buildings and embassies. The city plays a central role in national politics, hosting the headquarters of major political parties and being the site of significant political rallies and state ceremonies.

Category:Capitals in Asia Category:Ankara Category:Populated places in Ankara Province