What is the capital of Turkey?

Turkey’s capital is Ankara. Located in central Anatolia, Ankara became the country’s capital in 1923, replacing Istanbul, following the founding of the Republic of Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This decision was intended to move the country’s administrative and political center to a more central location, and to symbolize the beginning of a new era for modern Turkey.

Ankara, known as Ancyre in Roman times and Angora under the Byzantine Empire, has a history stretching back thousands of years. Thanks to its strategic position on the Anatolian trade routes, the city was an important commercial center.

Under the Ottoman Empire, Ankara was renowned for its production of angora wool, derived from the angora goat, and for its angora rabbits and cats.

When the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose Ankara as his capital for its strategic position and to mark a break with the Ottoman imperial legacy represented by Istanbul.

One of Ankara’s most iconic landmarks, the Atatürk Mausoleum, is the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. The mausoleum is an impressive monument surrounded by parkland, attracting millions of visitors every year.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations presents a rich and varied collection of objects dating from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era. It is particularly renowned for its Hittite collections.

The old citadel overlooking the city offers a panoramic view of Ankara. The citadel is surrounded by narrow streets and traditional houses, representing the city’s ancient history.

Founded in 1946, Ankara University is one of Turkey’s leading academic institutions. It plays an important role in research and education in Turkey.

Neighborhoods such as Kızılay and Çankaya are centers of commercial and political activity, with numerous government offices, businesses, restaurants and cafés.

Ankara hosts numerous cultural, musical and film festivals throughout the year, reflecting the diversity and richness of Turkish culture.

Like many large cities, Ankara is experiencing rapid population growth, which brings with it challenges in terms of housing, transport and infrastructure.

The Turkish government is investing in the modernization of the city, with projects to develop public transport, urban renewal and the construction of new residential and commercial districts.

As the capital, Ankara is the seat of the Turkish government, including the presidency, parliament and ministries. It is the political heart of the country, where the major decisions affecting the nation are taken.

Ankara is home to numerous embassies and diplomatic missions, which play a key role in Turkey’s international relations.

Ankara has been Turkey’s capital since 1923. Although often eclipsed by Istanbul in terms of notoriety, Ankara is a crucial political and administrative center for the country. With a rich history, important cultural sites and a central role in Turkey’s modernization, Ankara continues to develop and prosper as a dynamic, modern capital.