Understand

Ankara, the administrative center of Turkey, boasts a significant population of government workers and university students due to its status as a major university town. As the capital, Ankara is also home to a diverse community of foreign diplomats and embassy staff, offering a wide range of goods and services that may be harder to find in other Turkish cities. At first glance, Ankara may appear to be nothing more than a sprawling, modern city filled with concrete. This initial impression often leads tourists to merely use it as a transit point for other destinations like Konya or Cappodocia. However, for those willing to delve deeper, Ankara has much more to offer. Ankara holds great symbolic importance for the secular Turks as it marks the beginning of a new era for the Turkish people. It stands as a symbol of independence, development, and Western values, making it a city of immense significance.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dish 1: Köfte - Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish consisting of seasoned minced meat, typically beef or lamb, formed into patties or torpedo shapes and grilled or fried. It's often served with flatbread, vegetables, and a yogurt-based sauce called cacık.

Dish 2: Kebap - Kebap refers to a variety of grilled meat dishes in Turkish cuisine, typically featuring marinated cubes or thin slices of beef, lamb, or chicken, skewered and grilled over an open flame. They can be served plain or with a side of rice, bulgur, or flatbread, and often accompanied by a range of sauces and condiments.

Dish 3: Baklava - Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and butter, then cut into diamond or square-shaped portions and held together with honey or sugar syrup. This rich, crunchy dessert is a staple in Turkish cuisine and often enjoyed during special occasions or as a treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing