Local Information

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second largest city after Istanbul Being a deserted village in the early 1900s, it has developed into a modern and dynamic city with a European look, an educational centre and home for the Turkish ex pat community. Thank to its vibrant past and rich heritage, Ankara has quite a few places of interest worth visiting. One of the general attractions is Anitkabir or Ataturk's Mausoleum - an impressive fusion of ancient and modern architecture. Completed in 1953, this tribute to the founder of the Republic of Turkey houses lots of valuable exhibits of Turkish history.

Museum of Anatolian Civilization is another tourist spot with its unique collection of chronologically displayed treasures belonging to different eras. The museum is situated in a charming ex-market area, dating back to 15th century.Painting and Sculpture Museum and Ethnography Museum located close to each other are two more places you may find interesting to visit in case you want to learn more about Turkish art, culture and lifestyle. If this is still not enough, Ankara has many more museums to boast: Ataturk Cultural Centre Museum, Museum of The Republic, Presidential Mansion, Ataturk's House, War of Independence Museum, and others.

The acknowledged symbol of the city is Ankara Citadel, which to 978 meters high. It is the oldest part of the city, containing many fine examples of traditional architecture. The citadel has inner and outer castles; inside the citadel area many restored traditional Turkish houses have found new life as restaurants, serving local cuisine, music and of course, raki (traditional alcoholic beverage).

Hiring a car in Ankara couldn't be simpler. If you are flying in, we offer Car hire at Ankara Airport, you can pick up your car as soon as you get off your flight and enjoy your holiday in style, or we also offer Car hire in Ankara City Centre for your convenience. The Temple of Augustus was dedicated to Emperor Augustus and reconstructed by Romans in the 2nd Century BC. In the 5th century it was converted into a church by the Byzantines. The walls of the temple have Latin and Greek inscriptions detailing the achievements of the Emperor.

Other archeological sites around Ankara include The Column of Julian, The Roman Theatre and The Roman Bath. As any Muslim city Ankara has a considerable amount of mosques. Make sure you are appropriately dressed if you are going to visit one. Well worth seeing are an ancient Haci Bayram Mosque and modern Kocatepe Mosque.

When visiting Ankara, don't miss its delightful parks and lakes as well as places of shoppers' interest, including the traditional old bazaar. Areas nearby the city also has quite a few exciting historical sites. Check the event calendar if you want to observe national and religious holidays as well.

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