Ankara: Museums, Castle and Capital History

Ankara reveals several facets of the history of Anatolia and the Republic of Türkiye: the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations traces early eras, the castle brings together different historical landmarks, and the city also tells the story of its transformation into a modern capital. There is also a nature park and zoo, as well as culinary specialities such as Ankara Simit. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

From Early Cultures to the Republic

The collections at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations are arranged chronologically. The tour spans the Palaeolithic, the Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Age, through to the period of the Assyrian trade colonies. These are followed by the early Hittites, the Hittite Empire, the Phrygian and Late Hittite kingdoms, and the Kingdom of Urartu. The history of Ankara and classical antiquity complete the arc. This places early eras and the city’s development within a shared historical sequence.

The buildings are also part of the visitor experience: the museum is housed in the historic Ottoman buildings of Mahmutpaşa Bedesten and Kurşunlu Han. Virtual tours and reconstructions complement the collections. Visitors especially interested in the founding period of the Republic will find a different focus at the Atatürk and War of Independence Museum in Anıtkabir. Using a range of techniques, the exhibitions cover the battles of Çanakkale, Sakarya, the Great Offensive and the Battle of the Commander-in-Chief, as well as the founding years of the Republic of Türkiye and the era of Atatürk.

Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye. It is in central Ankara and is recommended as a starting point for exploring the city. This offers a clear landmark for travellers who want to begin their visit to the capital with its more recent history.

The Castle District and Urban Development

The inner castle of Ankara was built by the Byzantines in the 7th century and has 42 towers. The inhabited area is home to old Ankara houses dating from after the 17th century, the 12th-century Alaaddin Mosque, as well as historic fountains and shops. Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque is located in Augustus Square. Together, these places invite visitors to explore Ankara’s different historical layers without reducing them to a single attraction.

Modern capital architecture offers another perspective. Ankara’s architectural development from the 1920s to the 1970s is considered an outstanding example of planning a modern 20th-century capital. The modernist urban fabric and architectural heritage of the new Republic continue to shape the city’s identity. They include surviving public buildings, public parks and squares in Ulus and Kızılay, as well as along Atatürk Boulevard. The Ankara Ethnography Museum adds to this perspective with artefacts from Anatolia’s Turkish-Islamic period.

Those interested in work at historic sites can also consider the Ankara Miras construction-site tours. With expert guidance and information about the city’s history, they offer a closer look at restoration work on the Roman Theatre of Ankara, the Ankara Arkeopark project and urban improvement work in the castle district.

Nature and Culinary Specialities

Opened in 2025, Ankara Nature Park and Zoo offers modern animal enclosures and animal-friendly habitats for more than 50 species. These include red deer, greater flamingos, macaws, zebras and grivet monkeys. A visit offers a change of pace from museums and historic buildings. Ankara Simit, meanwhile, is one of the city’s best-known culinary specialities and provides a simple introduction to its local food culture.

Nature and local cuisine can also be part of your travel plans. Then choose a holiday apartment according to your own itinerary and the theme that matters most to you.

Discover More Places

Istasyon Mh. is listed as another place within Ankara: Istasyon Mh.. You can also use the overview to visit Akkaya, Kızılcahamam, Güzelöz Köyü, Polatlı, Dikmen, Çayırhan and Örencik.

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