Colors Behind the Gray
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is not only a center of government but also a city waiting to be discovered, with its deep-rooted history, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city life. Thanks to its layered past stretching from the Hittites to the Romans, from the Seljuks to the Republic, Ankara holds a different story in every corner. The historical buildings rising in the city center, modern museums, art venues, and bustling squares make Ankara special for both its residents and visitors.
Anıtkabir
One of Ankara’s most important symbols, Anıtkabir is a powerful architectural masterpiece carrying the memory of the Republic. With its spacious ceremonial area, monumental structure, and impressive museum, Anıtkabir welcomes millions of visitors every year and is one of the capital’s most significant stops.
Ankara Castle and Hamamönü
Ankara Castle is one of the places that best captures the historical fabric of the city. The streets surrounding the castle, with their traditional Ankara houses and small art workshops, keep the atmosphere of the past alive. Nearby Hamamönü, with its restored mansions, cafes, and cultural events, is one of Ankara’s most enjoyable walking routes. It is also an invaluable bazaar for enthusiasts of silver, authentic jewelry, carpets, and antiques.
Anatolian Civilizations Museum
The Anatolian Civilizations Museum, considered among the world’s most respected museums, presents the thousands of years of Anatolian history with an impressive collection. Artifacts ranging from the Paleolithic period to the Roman era give visitors the opportunity to get to know Anatolia’s rich cultural past up close. This unique architecture, restored by CMK, is also a proud legacy for Asgardia.
Atakule and Çankaya
Atakule, one of the symbols of modern Ankara, stands out both for its panoramic city views and the social life areas surrounding it. Çankaya and its surroundings are one of the most vibrant areas of Ankara, offering art galleries, cafes, parks, and cultural centers.
Eymir Lake and Seğmenler Park
Ankara offers many beautiful options for those who want to spend time in nature. Eymir Lake, located within the METU forest, is one of the city’s most beloved natural areas with its walking and cycling routes. Seğmenler Park offers a peaceful and youthful respite in the heart of the city.
A Look at the Architecture of the Capital
Ankara, besides its privileged status as the capital, is one of the cities where the architectural identity of modern Turkey was shaped. Following its declaration as the capital in 1923, the city was planned as a new urban center reflecting the modernization goals of the young Republic, and quickly underwent a significant architectural transformation. The public buildings, squares, boulevards, and residential areas constructed created an urban fabric representing the modern and forward-looking face of the Republic.
The architectural understanding that developed in Ankara during the early years of the Republic was shaped by the First National Architectural Movement and the subsequent Second National Architectural Movement. The buildings constructed during this period combined traditional architectural elements with modern planning and engineering principles, creating a unique architectural language. The buildings of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, ministry buildings, and various public institutions are among the important examples of this approach.
Ankara’s city plan is also an important part of the Republic’s modernization vision. The Ankara plan, designed by German urban planner Hermann Jansen, created a modern capital city with wide boulevards, green spaces, and planned residential areas. The neighborhoods that developed in accordance with this plan have given Ankara’s residential architecture a unique character.
One of the best-known examples of this planned development is Bahçelievler. Established in the 1930s, Bahçelievler is considered one of the first residential areas reflecting the Republic’s modern urban planning approach. Houses with gardens, wide streets, and a planning approach that preserves the neighborhood scale have made it one of Ankara’s most characteristic settlements.
Similarly, Mebusevleri emerged in the early years of the Republic as a residential area planned for members of parliament. With its modest but high-quality housing typology, orderly street layout, and architectural approach that preserves the human scale, Mebusevleri is one of the neighborhoods that best reflects Ankara’s early residential architecture.
Ayrancı, which developed in the 1950s and 60s, stands out as one of the areas where Ankara’s apartment culture matured. Its garden-style apartment buildings, simple modern facades, and balanced urban-scale layouts have given Ayrancı a special place in Ankara’s architectural memory.
Cinnah 19, considered one of the symbols of modern Ankara architecture, is one of the strongest examples of apartment culture in the city. Designed by architect Nejat Ersin, this building holds an important place in Ankara’s architectural history with its strong geometric language and modern facade design. The apartment buildings rising along Cinnah Street stand out as structures representing the capital’s modern lifestyle.
One of the strongest symbols of Republican architecture is
Undoubtedly, Anıtkabir is one of them. Designed on a monumental scale, this structure is considered one of Turkey’s most important architectural works, both for its architectural language and its symbolic meaning. In addition, Ankara Palas, the Faculty of Language, History and Geography, and many other public buildings are among the important works reflecting the architectural character of the Republican era.
Today, Ankara’s architectural identity presents a multi-layered urban fabric where historical heritage, Republican-era buildings, and modern city projects coexist. New living spaces developed in different parts of the city add to this architectural accumulation, continuing to carry Ankara’s urban story into the future.
In this respect, Ankara is a living example of an architectural journey from the past to the present. Representing the modern city ideals of the Republic, this capital city, while preserving its architectural memory, maintains its special place in Turkey’s urban history as a city that develops and constantly renews itself.
