Advantages: Something for everyone; easy to get around Disadvantages: Very cold in winter; wine is expensive and can double the cost of your meal
We have been travelling to Ankara at least twice a year every year for nearly nine years now, and I have grown to love the city even more than Istanbul. Ankara is very, very different to Istanbul and, in many ways, it is unfair to compare the two.
So, why do I love Ankara? Basically because it provides all the things I want in a city (given that I'm not really a "city person"). Truly, it has something for everyone.
If you want history, it's got it - from Roman ruins, to the Citadel (Castle), to Ataturk and the War of Independence, which lead to the founding of the modern Republic of Turkey.
If you want grandeur, it's got it - even if you don't know the history, who can fail to be moved by Anitkabir, the imposing mausoleum built to honour Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
If you want iconic, modern buildings, it's got them ...
roundthekitchentable 27.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Ankara (Turkey)
Advantages: History, Everything is Cheap, Easy to Reach Disadvantages: Very Cold in Winter
can also use Turkish railways to reach a number of cities.
In Ankara, the summers are long and very hot. Nights are generally cool in Ankara in the summer time. Humidity level is very low. The winters are pretty cold with some rain and snow. When travelling, you should bear these factors in your mind.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN C
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
-1 1 5 11 16 20 23
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
23 18 13 8 2
The most interesting place you can see in Ankara is ANITKABIR, which is the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic
MUSEUMS
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
The EthnographicalMuseum
The Painting and Sculpture Museum
The Museum of Liberation
The Museum of the Republic
Ataturk's House
The Natural History Museum
The Ankara Citadel
The Temple of Augusts
The Roman Bath
The Column ...
Advantages: Important and interesting historic monument, great kitsch souvenirs Disadvantages: None
of the gifts presented to him by governments of other nations. Captions are in English and it's easy to follow the chronology and understand the exhibits.
Never able to resist kitsch purchases I was delighted by the range of Ataturk goodies in the gift shop, coming away with a selection of desk top stationery items bearing the great man's image. This curious emporium seemed somewhat at odds with the sombre and reflective tone of Anitkabir generally but since the man was a renowned drinker where's the harm in taking home some Ataturk coasters?
While there are several museums and other places of interest in Ankara, Anitkabir is the only one that really stands out. If you spend any time in Turkey away from the main beach resorts you will encounter Ataturk's image and legacy several times a day so it seems fitting to visit the Anitkabir if ...
