Surmeli, Ankara

Advantages: History, Everything is Cheap, Easy to Reach
Disadvantages: Very Cold in Winter

...Ankara is one of cities I like very much in Turkey. I spent my childhood there. I love this city. It is also the capital city of Turkiye (Turkey) Ankara is located at the center of Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau. It is bordered by the cities of Cankiri and Bolu to the north, Eskisehir to the west, Konya and Aksaray to the south, and Kirikkale and Kirsehir to the east. The region's history goes back to the Bronze Age, Hatti Civilization. You can reach Ankara easily. Most countries have direct flights to Esenboga Airport in Ankara; also there are regular flights to the major cities of Turkey from Esenboga. Additionally, I can say that Ankara is the centre of Turkey's very extensive coach network; it is possible for you to travel to city to most Turkish cities, and also many major European cities. You... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Important and interesting historic monument, great kitsch souvenirs
Disadvantages: None

...In modern Turkey culture and pride revolve around one man: Kemal Mustafa Ataturk. He was the founder of the Turkish Republic, having proved himself during the First World War as a commander of the Turkish armies during the Gallipoli campaign. All Turkish towns and cities have a statue of Ataturk, all schools have a bust of him by the entrance, as do all army barracks, police stations and other civic buildings. Nowhere is Ataturk more celebrated than in Ankara, the city chosen by the great man to replace Istanbul and become the capital of the Republic of Turkey. Until then Ankara was a rather modest town with a population of around 30,000; today Ankara is home to some four million people. He chose Ankara because he wanted to leave behind the associations with the Ottomans and Istanbul just had too many reminders of the old regime... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful