Ankara

Ankara dates back as far as 2000-1700 BC, as evidenced by the multiple Hattian, Hittite, Lydian, Phrygian, Galatian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman archeological sites in the city. Declared the capital of Turkey in 1923 by Turkey’s first President, Kemal Atatürk, Ankara today is a major commercial and industrial hub, and a leading center for the performing arts.

The historical center of the city is a rocky hill rising around 150 meters above the left bank of the Ankara river, atop which are the ruins of Ankara Castle. Overlooking the city is Anitkabir, the enormous hilltop mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk and the location of the Atatürk Museum, which displays many of Atatürk’s personal effects. Other important sights in Ankara include the the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (with its world-renowned Hittite collection) and the Ethnographic Museum (with its holdings related to Turkish history, folklore, and art). Ankara is also home to the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and several national theater companies.

Ankara

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