Ankara lies in the heart of the Anatolian region and has been the crossroads of many civilizations dating back to the Bronze Age.
In 1923, Ankara became the capital of the Turkish Republic under its founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Today, Ankara is the second largest city in Turkey with over five million people. Its center includes the districts of Ulus, Kızılay and Çankaya.
Ulus and the adjacent citadel area mark the original site of the town, which retains architectural remnants of its ancient and medieval buildings. Old houses and shops selling traditional crafts, a bustling market, and narrow, winding streets and alleys give the district an inviting and picturesque character. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, with exhibits of artifacts from many of the cultures and civilizations that flourished in Anatolia over the course of thousands of years, is also located here.
Atatürk Boulevard, Ankara’s main thoroughfare, links Ulus with Kızılay, the heart of the modern city, with its many stores and lively nightlife and cafes. The street continues south to Çankaya, a district near the former Presidential Palace, where most of the embassies can be found.
Ankara is a well-planned city, with wide boulevards and plenty of parks, restaurants, cultural activities and museums. The presence of several universities, including Bilkent, gives Ankara a large student and professional population. The city has much to offer in the way of concerts, operas, theatrical performances and lectures, as well as events organized by foreign missions. Moreover, its location in the center of Turkey makes it a convenient hub for travel.
The weather in Ankara is fairly typical for central Anatolia. While spring and fall are generally moderate, with temperatures ranging between 10º C (50º F)
and 20º C (70º F), the winter and summer seasons can bring more extreme temperatures. The months of highest rainfall are October-November and
April-May. Snow is not unusual from the end of November until the end of March.
Seasonal Average Temperatures:
January 0º C (32º F)
April 17º C (63º F)
July 25º C (77º F)
October 20º C (68º F)
You can find current temperatures and daily weather reports for Ankara on the following websites:
www.mgm.gov.tr
www.cnn.com/weather
www.bbc.co.uk/weather
www.euronews.com/weather
These websites offer additional information about restaurants and cultural and social events in Ankara:
www.mymerhaba.com
www.virtualtourist.com
www.ankaracityguide.com
www.turkayfe.org
International Festivals in Ankara
• International Ankara Jazz Festival (ankaracazfestivali.com/index_en.php)
• Ankara International Film Festival (filmfestankara.org.tr/en/)
• International Ankara Music Festival (ankarafestival.com/en/home/)
• Flying Broom International Women’s Film Festival (festival.ucansupurge.org)