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As the headquarters of the National Struggle and the capital of the Republic, Ankara is a city waiting to be discovered with its historical identity as well as its natural and cultural riches. From iconic structures of the Republican Era to monuments surviving from Roman, Ottoman, and various Anatolian civilizations, it offers numerous travel options ranging from expansive parks to serene lakes. Let's get to know Ankara, home to the eternal resting place of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, more closely through its must-see places.

The Eternal Resting Place of Atatürk: Anıtkabir

Located at Anıttepe in the Çankaya district of Ankara, Anıtkabir is one of the capital's landmark structures. Construction began in 1944 and was completed in nine years, opening to the public in 1953. As the eternal resting place of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic, Anıtkabir welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Spanning an area of approximately 750,000 square meters, the complex consists of Peace Park, the Lion Road, the Ceremonial Ground, and the Monument Block where the mausoleum is located. The complex also features ten towers representing concepts such as independence, national sovereignty, peace, and victory, along with the tomb of İsmet İnönü Atatürk's close comrade-in-arms and Turkey's second President. At the Anıtkabir Atatürk and War of Independence Museum, you can view many of Atatürk's personal belongings, clothing, medals, decorations, and various gifts presented to him.

Traces of Anatolian Civilizations: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Located southeast of Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations presents Anatolia's thousands of years of history through a chronological narrative. The foundation of the museum dates back to the initial collection formed in 1921 at the Akkale Bastion of Ankara Castle. As the artifact collection grew over time, the Mahmut Paşa Bazaar and Kurşunlu Inn were restored and transformed into a museum complex, following Atatürk's request.

In the Mahmut Paşa Bazaar where historical artifacts are exhibited, there is an extensive collection spanning from the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages to the Assyrian Trade Colonies, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian civilizations, extending from the Classical Period to the Roman Period. In the chronologically organized halls, you can closely examine numerous works reflecting Anatolia's social life, beliefs, art, and production culture. Selected as the "European Museum of the Year" by the European Museum Forum in 1997, it stands among the primary cultural stops to visit in Ankara.

One of Ankara's Oldest and Most Majestic Structures: Ankara Castle

Rising on a rocky hill overlooking the city in the Altındağ district of Ankara, Ankara Castle is one of the finest spots for a panoramic view of the capital. Although it is not known exactly when or by whom it was built, the castle was already present when the Galatians settled in Ankara. Restored during the Roman Period, the structure attained its current appearance through additions made during the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.

Consisting of two parts the inner and outer castle its walls bear traces of different eras of Ankara's history. Along the narrow streets within the castle, you can see historic houses reflecting traditional Ankara architecture, handicraft workshops, shops, and dining establishments. After enjoying the city view from the ramparts, you can take a break at one of the surrounding cafes or restaurants to savor the historical atmosphere of the area.

For Those Who Want to See Ankara's Famous Swans: Kuğulu Park

Located on Tunalı Hilmi Avenue in the Kavaklıdere neighborhood of Ankara, Kuğulu Park (Swan Park) is one of the capital's symbol spots, named after its resident swans. Holding the status of a First-Degree Natural Site, the park covers an area of 7,743 square meters. The pond home to ducks and various bird species alongside swans forms the most eye-catching section of the park.

With its green areas, resting spots, children's playground, and cafeteria, Kuğulu Park is delightful at any time of the year for a short break in the city center. Especially on snowy days, the scenery around the pond offers captivating shots for those wishing to photograph the swans.

An Oasis in the Middle of Ankara: Atatürk Forest Farm

Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on lands he purchased in 1925, the Atatürk Forest Farm (AOÇ) was brought to life to develop modern agricultural methods and provide high-quality recreational areas for the public. Atatürk donated the farm to the treasury in 1937 along with its facilities and assets. Among Ankara's most important historical and natural sites, AOÇ was registered as a natural and historical site in 1992, and its protection status was raised to first-degree in 1998.

The farm complex houses the Atatürk House built as a replica of the house in Thessaloniki where Atatürk was born the AOÇ Museum and Exhibition Hall, and the Gazi Forest Farm Park. The Atatürk Children's Nature Park and Zoo, opened to visitors on the AOÇ grounds in 2025, also offers diverse activities with picnic spots, walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and animal habitats.

Dairy and food products manufactured by the Atatürk Forest Farm are still offered for sale today. During your visit, you can take a pleasant break by sampling AOÇ's long-famous ice cream.

Lake Enjoyment in Ankara: Lake Eymir and Lake Mogan

Standing among the primary natural areas near Ankara's city center, Lakes Eymir and Mogan offer an environment suited for various activities from walking and cycling tours to picnics and birdwatching. The area has been protected under the Gölbaşı Special Environmental Protection Area since 1990.

Located on METU (Middle East Technical University) property and spanning an area of approximately 1.2 square kilometers, you can walk, run, or ride a bicycle around Lake Eymir. You can also take a break at the dining spots along the shore while taking in the view at the lake, where the METU Rowing Team conducts its practices.

Covering an area of approximately 5 square kilometers, Lake Mogan is larger than Eymir and draws attention with its reed beds and bird diversity. Mogan Park along the lake shore features walking trails, observation points, picnic grounds, children's play areas, and various facilities. Here you can watch the lake scenery, go birdwatching, or relax at the shoreline restaurants and cafes.

From the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List: Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque

Located in Ulus, right next to the Temple of Augustus, the Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque and its surroundings were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2016. Featuring a stone base, brick walls, and a tiled roof, the eastern facade of the mosque adjoins the Temple of Augustus, while its southern facade adjoins the Tomb of Hacı Bayram Veli. This layout creates a multi-layered historical vista where Roman and Ottoman structures converge in the same area.

Dated to 1427–1428, the mosque was restored over time to feature the architectural characteristics of late 17th and early 18th-century Ankara mosques. Renovated in 1714 by Mehmet Baba, one of Hacı Bayram Veli's grandsons, the building highlights a wooden ceiling, tiles, a painted minbar, and decorations crafted by Nakkaş Mustafa. On the southern projecting wall of the latecomers' porch, there is the Kalima at-Tawhid written in oil-paint Thuluth script resembling green glazed bricks.

Visitable alongside the Tomb of Hacı Bayram Veli and the Temple of Augustus, the mosque is a historical stop where you can observe Ankara's religious and cultural past in a single location.

A New Accommodation Spot for Your Ankara Trip: Elite World INN Ankara Ulus

Serving guests who wish to stay in Ankara for both business and cultural trips under the motto of accessible comfort, Elite World INN Ankara Ulus elevates the city vacation experience to the next level with its 46 rooms, restaurant, and privileged amenities. Welcoming its guests starting in the second quarter of 2026, you too can choose Elite World INN Ankara Ulus whenever your journey brings you to Ankara for a cozy and comfortable stay.