Introduction to Ankara: The Capital of Turkey

Ankara is a city whose potentials have often been underestimated. Here, the attractions are as remarkable as those in other cities in Turkey, and the cafes and restaurants will provide you with better hospitality than anywhere else. Its reputable universities and strong economy have also made Ankara one of the best cities for travel or even migration in every aspect. If you don’t know much about this city, we at the travel magazine “Nabtrip” will provide you with general information about Ankara.

Where is Ankara?

Ankara is the capital of Turkey, located in the northwest of the country. The history of this city dates back to ancient times and has witnessed many ups and downs from the past to the present. For example, during a specific period, it was known as the center of the Hittite cult, Ankuwas, or in the Middle Ages, it was recognized as Ankyra. Finally, in 1930, its name was changed to Ankara.

However, Ankara is not the only special city in Turkey, and discussing the most beautiful or excellent cities in this country can be challenging because each city has its unique beauty. Nevertheless, some of the most beautiful ones include:

1. Istanbul: It is a city known for its rich history, the captivating Bosphorus Strait, and its large population. Istanbul is one of the most populous cities in the world and offers abundant job and educational opportunities compared to other Turkish cities. Tourism plays a significant role in this city as well.

2. Izmir: It is the third most visited city among Turkish cities. This city is popular for summer vacations due to its special features. However, it can be said that Izmir is beautiful in any season. Also, since this city is located by the Mediterranean Sea, you can find delicious seafood restaurants there. Tourism and the tourism industry are undoubtedly major sources of income for this city.

3. Bodrum: It is one of the chic and attractive cities in Turkey for spending leisure time. In fact, it provides everything you need and prefer in a destination for an excellent vacation. This city shines with its magnificent beaches and the Aegean Sea.

4. Kusadasi: If you want to visit lively and joyful cities in Turkey, Kusadasi is the best choice. There are numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs for tourists, making your stay in this city a dreamlike experience.

Introduction to Ankara

This city is a joyful symbol of Turkey’s independence. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk began his struggle for the republic during the Ottoman occupation and ultimately succeeded in declaring this city as the capital of Turkey instead of Istanbul. Currently, Ankara has flourished with its rich commercial and cultural heritage, captivating the hearts of tourists from around the world.

In addition to its political significance, Ankara also holds economic importance. Due to its strategic geographical location at the crossroads and its extensive railway network, it is considered a vital commercial hub in the country. However, these are not all there is to Ankara, and we will provide you with more details about it.

General Information about Ankara

• City Name: Ankara
• Province: Ankara
• Language: Turkish
• Religion: Muslim
• Population: Approximately 5.5 million people
• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Weather in Ankara

In the introduction to the city of Ankara, it should be noted that this city has a cold and semi-arid climate with low rainfall throughout the year. It experiences relatively cold winters and hot summers. During the summer months, temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius are quite normal, but on some days, the temperature can go even higher. On the other hand, winter temperatures reach freezing point, and cold and frosty conditions are observable on most days.

Education and Universities in Ankara

Living in the city of Ankara is highly ideal for those who wish to pursue further education. The educational environment in this city is at a satisfactory level, and the presence of numerous reputable universities, both nationally and internationally recognized, confirms this. Even several universities in this city offer instruction in English to make education accessible to everyone.

In the introduction to the city of Ankara, we present several reputable universities, including:

Ankara University: With over 1,000 professors and more than 65,000 students, it covers various fields such as the Faculty of Humanities Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry.

Hacettepe University: It has two large campuses and consists of 15 faculties with over 110 specialized fields and a capacity of over 30,000 students. Courses at Hacettepe University are taught in several languages such as English, French, and Turkish.

Middle East Technical University: Known for its quality infrastructure and large campus, it offers various engineering disciplines, in addition to the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Education.

Yildirim Beyazit University: This university has over 900 academic professors, most of whom are recruited from prestigious European universities and the top universities in Turkey.

Transportation and Tourism in Ankara

The extensive transportation system has made living in Ankara convenient. Public buses are an easy and affordable way to get around the city. With over 300 routes, you will certainly find one that takes you to your destination. The metro is also one of the main public transportation modes in Ankara, providing the fastest services for its residents. Due to the congestion and traffic in the city, especially near tourist attractions, many tourists and locals prefer the metro.

Cost of Living in Ankara

In the introduction to the city of Ankara, we come to the most important aspect, which is the cost of living in this city. It should be noted that as the capital of Turkey, Ankara is not a cheap city and, in fact, the cost of living is higher. However, this entirely depends on your lifestyle, such as the type of apartment you rent and the activities you engage in throughout the month. Nevertheless, we have provided several expenses in US dollars (2023), including:

– One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $208.24
– One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $127.90
– Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: $348.41
– Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $3.79
– Bottled water (0.33 liter): $0.21
– Milk (1 liter): $0.75
– Bread: $0.43
– Eggs (12 eggs): $1.72
– Monthly transportation card: $28.46

Airports in Ankara

There are two airports in Ankara: Esenboğa International Airport and Etimesgut, which is an airbase. However, Esenboğa Airport is recognized as the main international airport of the city. It is located 33 kilometers away from the city and takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center.

Laws and Culture in Ankara

In the introduction to the city of Ankara, we intend to familiarize you with the laws and customs of this city:

It is better to dress appropriately and acceptably in Ankara. Reserve open clothing for coastal areas and refrain from wearing them in the city.
Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, airports, bus terminals, train stations, and generally in public places.
Be mindful of your belongings when you are in crowded areas.
One notable feature of Ankara is its exceptional restaurants. The people of this city place great importance on food, and you can indulge in the most delicious meals of your life.
When in a social gathering, greet and show respect to the elders and senior individuals.
Turkish people are very patriotic and enjoy talking about their country’s achievements.