Previously, completely different peoples lived in Turkey: Armenians, Greeks, Jews, Assyrians. Where did the Turks come from? Who are they?
Seljuks
According to official science, the first Turkic-speaking peoples appeared in Asia Minor in the sixth century. The Byzantine rulers settled the Bulgars here, the Arabs attracted Turkic-speaking Muslims from Central Asia, and to protect the outskirts, the Armenian kings settled Avars. However, these tribes disappeared, dissolving into the local population.
The real ancestors of the Turks were the Seljuks - Turkic-speaking nomadic peoples who lived in Central Asia and Altai (the language of the Turks belongs to the Altai language family), who concentrated around the Oghuz tribe, whose rulers converted to Islam.
These were Turkmens, Kynyks, Avshars, Kays, Karamans and other peoples. First, the Seljuks strengthened themselves in Central Asia and conquered Khorezm and Iran. In 1055 they captured the capital of the Caliphate, Baghdad, and moved west. Farmers from Iran and Arab Iraq joined their ranks.
The Seljuk Empire grew, they invaded Central Asia, conquered Armenia and Georgia, occupied Syria and Palestine, significantly displacing Byzantium. In the middle of the 13th century, the empire, unable to survive the Mongol invasion, collapsed. In 1227, the Kayi tribe moved into Seljuk territory, ruled by Ertorgrul, whose son Osman became the founder of the Turkish state, which was later called the Ottoman Empire.
Mixture
The invasion of the Mongols caused a new flow of settlers, and in the 13th century tribes from Khorezm came to Asia Minor. And today the ancient Khorzum tribe roams throughout Turkey.
From the 12th century, the Turks began to settle down, mixing with indigenous peoples, which marked the beginning of the Islamization and Turkization of the population. At the same time, Pechenegs, Romanians and Eastern Slavs migrated from the northwest to Asia Minor.
The Turkish people were formed by the end of the century. Already in 1327 official language in some areas of Turkey it was Turkic rather than Persian. Modern Turkish science believes that the population of Turkey consists of 70% descendants of the Seljuk Turks and 30% of the indigenous population.
Another version
Russian science thought differently. The Efron and Brockhaus encyclopedia indicated that the ancestors of the Turks were “Ural-Altai tribes,” but due to the mass of settlers of other nationalities, they have long lost their authenticity, and now the Turks are the descendants of Greeks, Bulgarians, Serbs, Albanians and Armenians.
It turned out that such confidence is based on the history of the warlike Ottomans. First they conquered the territories of Byzantium, then the Balkans, Greece, and Egypt. And captives and slaves were taken out from everywhere.
The conquered peoples paid with slaves; children and wives were taken from the Slavs for debts. Turks married Armenians, Slavs, and Greeks. And the children inherited the traits of these peoples.
There was another process that led to the “Turkification” of the Greeks and other peoples who were previously under the protection of Byzantium. After Constantinople was barbarously sacked by the Crusaders in 1204, the Greeks no longer considered the Latins allies.
Many chose to remain “under the Ottomans” and pay the jizya, a tax for infidels, rather than leaving for Europe. Just at this time, Islamic preachers appeared, preaching that there were not many differences between religions and persuading the Byzantines to convert to Islam.
Genetics
Genetic studies confirm that Turks are heterogeneous. Almost a quarter of Anatolian Turks can be classified as autochthonous peoples, a quarter can be classified as Caucasian tribes, 11% have a Phoenician gallogroup (these are descendants of the Greeks), 4% of the population have East Slavic roots.
Anthropologists believe that the average Turk is a representative of the Caucasian race, but the Seljuk Turks were not Caucasians. Central Asia is still inhabited by monogoloid peoples.
What do the Turks think?
The Turkish ethnographer Mahturk became interested in this question. He went to Central Asia and Altai to find there nationalities related to the Turks, to find common legends, identical elements in patterns and clothing, and common rituals. He climbed into remote villages and remote camps, but found nothing.
Moreover, he was surprised that anthropologically the people in Central Asia were very different from the Turks. And then the professor had a theory that official history embellishes reality, and in the 12th century the Turkic tribes began their migration due to lack of food. They moved first to the southeast, and then to Iran and Asia Minor.
The ethnographer noted that there are still purebred Turks in Turkey; they have retained their Mongoloid appearance and live compactly in just a few regions of the country.
According to statistics, there are now 89 million Turks living in the world. 59 million of them live in Turkey, five in Syria and Iraq, and almost seven in Europe.
Germany has the largest number of Turks - four million, Bulgaria has 800,000 Turks, and Britain has half a million. A million Turks live in the Netherlands and Austria. In Belgium - 200,000 Turks, in Greece - 120,000, in Switzerland - 100,000, in Macedonia - 78,000, in Denmark - 60,000, in Romania - up to 80,000, in Italy - 21,000. There are 500,000 Turks in the USA . Only 105,058 Turks live in Russia.
The Republic of Turkey is located at the junction of West and East. Has access to four seas. This country has stunning nature, architecture, and history. For tourists and travelers, Turkey is interesting as a place where you can enjoy the sun, beaches, healing springs, skiing, and mountaineering.
Geography of Turkey
Türkiye is a country located in the Mediterranean region. The main part of the country is located in southwestern Asia, about 3% of the territory lies in southeastern Europe. The European part of the country is separated from the Asian part by the Sea of Marmara, as well as the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. Turkey is washed in the north by the Black Sea, in the west by the Aegean Sea, and in the south by the Mediterranean. Turkey stretches for 1,600 km from west to east, and 800 km from north to south. The area of Turkey is 783.6 thousand sq. km, of which 755.7 thousand sq. km are in the Asian part of the country and 23.8 thousand sq. km. km - to European.
The country is a plain surrounded by mountain ranges in the north, west and south, and low mountains in the east (with an altitude of 1050 m above sea level). In the west, the mountains smoothly descend straight to the sea. The northern mountain range of Anatolia and the Taurus Mountains extend like arches, becoming denser towards the east. Highest Mountain peak– 5.1 km.
Capital of Turkey
Ankara is the capital of Turkey, the administrative center of the country, and there are a large number of universities here. The bulk of the city's population are employees, students and academics. The city is home to 3.5 million people. Ankara is second only to Istanbul in size.
About 50 years ago, Ankara hastily began to be developed by immigrants from rural areas (except for the old city and slum areas). Before this, no more than 20,000 people lived in Ankara. The convenient location of the city, almost in the very center of Turkey, contributed to the fact that most of the city was specially built up for the capital.
Ankara has a large selection of cinemas in areas of the capital such as Kankaya and Kavaklıdere, and several opera and ballet concert halls. Depending on your interests, you can stroll around the city, visit museums, or hunt for Ottoman relics in an ancient castle. Upscale shopping centers, such as Armada, offer excellent cinemas and restaurants.
Official language
The only official language of Turkey is Turkish, which belongs to the Altaic languages. Typically, speakers of Indo-European languages have difficulty learning Turkish. Since 1928, after many centuries of using Arabic characters in writing, Turkish began to use the Latin alphabet.
About 7-10% of the population speaks Kurdish.
State structure
Türkiye is a parliamentary republic. Power is divided into three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. The Grand National Assembly is the Turkish parliament, which holds legislative power in the country. The Prime Minister leads the government, which is the executive body. Judicial power belongs to the Constitutional Court of Turkey, whose composition is determined by the president and judicial panels.
Climate and weather in Turkey
Turkey's climate has significant variations based on varied terrain and latitude.
The Mediterranean climate prevails on the coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Summer is dry and hot, lasting from May to October, winter is mild and rainy, snow rarely falls. The water temperature stays between 23-28 C.
On the coast of the Sea of Marmara (including Istanbul) the climate is mixed: it has features of a marine and partially Mediterranean climate. Winter here is colder than, for example, on the west and south coasts. However, the snow only lasts for a few days during the winter. Warm summers are characterized by heavy rains that last only about 20 minutes. The water temperature is 20-24C.
The features of the marine climate are characteristic of the Black Sea coast. Summers here are warm and humid, winters are cold and dry. This region receives the most rainfall throughout the country. The water temperature in the coastal waters of the Black Sea is quite cold and fluctuates between 10-20 C.
In the whole country, the air temperature in winter remains within 6-7 C, in summer – 23-25 C. Very rarely in summer the temperature reaches 35 C.
Sea in Turkey
Turkey is washed by four seas: the Black and Marmara seas in the north, the Aegean in the west and the Mediterranean in the south. The Bosporus and Dardanelles straits separate the European territory of Turkey from the Asian one.
Rivers and lakes
Turkey's fairly large river network makes it possible to generate electricity through hydroelectric power plants and irrigate soils for agricultural needs.
The longest rivers – Sakarya, Kyzylyrmak, Yeshilyrmak – flow into the Black Sea. The famous Tigris and Euphrates rivers originate in eastern Anatolia and flow south to Syria and Iraq. The Greater Menderes and Gidiz rivers flow into the Aegean Sea, the Maritsa River is the border between Turkey and Greece, Seyhan flows from the eastern highlands directly to Mediterranean Sea. These rivers are the largest and most important in Turkey.
There are about 300 natural and 130 artificial lakes in Turkey. Their largest number is in the region of eastern Anatolia. It is here that Lake Van, the largest in area, is located - 3.7 sq. km. Lakes Erchek and Khazar are also located here. There are many lakes in the Taurus Mountains: Beysehir, Egirdir, Burdur, Adzhigel. Lakes Sapanja, Uluabat, Iznik, Manyas, Küçükçekmece, Büyükçekmece are located in the Marmara Sea region.
History of Turkey
The history of Turkey is the history of a civilization dating back more than 10 thousand years. Anatolia was a place where the cultures of Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria interacted for centuries and was dominated by the Hatti, Hittite, and Hurrian peoples.
On the territory of Turkey in the 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Troy appeared, playing an important role in the import of tin, so necessary for the smelting of bronze.
In the 2nd millennium BC. The Hittites ruled the lands of modern Turkey. With their excellent use of chariots and a monopoly on iron smelting, the Hittites dominated Egypt and Mesopotamia militarily.
A contemporary of the Hittite state and its enemy was the Kingdom of Minnati, founded by the Hurrians, who spread the use of two-wheeled chariots and horse breeding throughout the Middle East.
In the 1st millennium BC AD The Urartian state appeared, uniting the lands from the Caucasus Mountains to Lake Urmia. The Urartians were masters in the construction of hydraulic structures.
750 - 300 BC. On the territory of western and central Anatolia, the Phrygian state existed, which reached its dawn under King Midas. At the same time in the area modern city Izmir was inhabited by Lydians. There are versions that it was they who invented money.
After the death of Alexander the Great, Anatolia became the center of the Seljuk Empire.
In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks, under the leadership of Turgul, founded the dynasty of the great Seljuks, reigning in Iran, Iraq and Syria. In 1071, after the victory of Turgul's nephew over the Byzantines, Anatolia finally came under the rule of the Turks. The heyday of the Konya Sultanate occurred in the first half of the 13th century. The Sultan carried out centralized administration together with ministers and local governors.
The Seljuk Sultanate fell under the yoke of the Mongol invaders. Anatolia was again divided into rival principalities, one of which was Osman's.
In 1296, Osman proclaimed his independent Sultanate and created the Ottoman state. Soon, almost the entire southeastern coast of the Sea of Marmara was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. A significant event for the whole world was the capture of Constantinople in 1453. However, this was not the last achievement of the Ottoman Empire, which by the end of the 16th century had achieved a number of important victories in Europe.
During World War I, the Ottoman Empire took the side of Germany, which completely undermined the power of the empire.
In 1919, parts of Turkey were claimed by Greece, Great Britain, and France. The national-patriotic movement that began under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal was called upon to restore the unity of Turkey, to make it modern country politically, economically and socially.
Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk) was proclaimed president of the proclaimed Republic of Turkey in October 1923.
Türkiye became a NATO member in 1952.
Since August 2007, Abdullah Gul has been the President of Turkey.
Culture and religion of Turkey
Turkey is a country that combines diverse cultures and traditions that are hundreds of years old. Turkey's culture is a striking combination of West and East.
Ancient folk traditions in Turkish dances make them colorful and rhythmic. Each region of Turkey has its own characteristics in dance. There are some of the most interesting dances in different parts of the country. In the province of Sivas, eastern Anatolia, “Çayda Çıra” is a dance performed in the dark by young girls holding candles and dressed in kaftans embroidered with silver and gold. In the province of Mersin (Mediterranean region), during the dance “Silifke Yoğurdu”, dancers bang spoons over their heads. "Kılıç Kalkan" is an epic dance performed with shields and swords in the province of Bursa.
Until the beginning of the 18th century, painting in Turkey was mainly represented by miniatures, which were placed as illustrations in manuscripts. In the 18th century, there was a tendency to use oil paints in painting in frescoes. It should be noted that for the first time in Turkey, painting lessons began to be taught in military schools.
The most ancient literary heritage of the pre-Islamic era is considered to be the Orkhon inscriptions, created in northern Mongolia in 735. in honor of the Turkish king and his brother.
The bulk of the population professes Islam. However, it is interpreted with certain differences in different regions of the country. Thus, in the northwestern and western parts of the country they are quite liberal when it comes to religion. In the central region, on the contrary, more conservative views are common. The largest religious minority in Turkey are the Alevis, who make up 20% of the country's population and practice the shamanic rituals of the ancient Turks.
Kitchen
Turkish cuisine is recognized as one of the best in the world, thanks to the variety of dishes, the use of natural ingredients, taste and aroma, and its influence on the cuisines of Europe, Africa, Asia and the East.
In Turkish cuisine there is not a single dominant element, such as, for example, the Italians have pasta.
The main course usually begins with soup or meze, consisting of small cold and hot dishes intended for sharing.
Lamb is the most popular type of meat and is prepared in a variety of ways, including şiş kebap (selected cuts of meat roasted on a spit). “Köfte” – well-done lamb balls.
Fans of hot and spicy dishes should try “Adana kebap” - minced lamb with hot peppers and spices.
You will find a large selection of fish and seafood dishes in Istanbul or any other coastal city in the country.
Attractions
In addition to stunning nature, a mild sunny climate, beautiful beaches, Türkiye boasts cultural heritage. Located at the crossroads of civilizations, the country is filled with a huge number of ancient ruins.
Cappadocian caves and churches, perhaps the country's most unique "architectural" heritage. Real “underground” cities and rock churches were created centuries ago by Christians fleeing persecution.
Saint Sophie Cathedral in Istanbul, created in 537 by the heirs of the Romans, the Byzantines. For almost a thousand years this cathedral was the largest in the world.
Ruins of Ancient Troy, preserving traces of different civilizations.
Temple of Artemis Effes– one of the “seven wonders of the world”, located in the city of Effes, which has thousands of years of history.
Pamukkale- a reserve included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Beautiful thermal springs have made this place a popular resort since antiquity.
In addition, you will not be left indifferent amazing city Izmir, Aspendos - the ancient amphitheater, Istanbul - the financial and cultural center of Turkey, and much more.
Cities and resorts
Turkey has a huge number of resorts to suit every taste and budget. The most developed tourist regions of the country are in the west and south of Turkey. The three largest cities are Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
The most famous resorts are: Alanya, Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia, Fethiye, Istanbul, Kemer, Izmir, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Side.
Alanya is a wonderful resort with many clean beaches, modern hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. Cafes lining the harbor, a resting place for tourists. In addition, the harbor is filled with various shops offering leather clothing, jewelry and fancy painted pumpkins - a highlight of the region.
Antalya (or as they say the Turkish Riviera) is the most stunning resort on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
Bodrum is a world-famous peninsula of entertainment and recreation; its unique climate, nature, sea and history make the city a real paradise.
Fethiye is a wonderful resort for diving enthusiasts. From the boat stations you can take a trip to explore the amazing harbor in which the city is located. Great place for a relaxing family vacation.
Istanbul is the only city located on two continents at the same time. The city is also called the “peninsula of history”, as there are a huge number of monuments from the Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine eras.
Izmir is a city located at the beginning of a narrow bay, a place where there are many yachts, transit ships and steamships.
Marmaris is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey. Great place for a family holiday. Here, stunning fjords and pine-covered hills descend directly to the sea.
Souvenirs/shopping
In Turkey, in addition to the usual postcards and keychains brought by tourists, there are many specific and truly unique things. Buy leather clothes (Turkey is one of the largest producers of leather goods), carpets and rugs made by hand in many regions of the country, silk (the city of Bursa is especially famous for its silk production), pottery, Turkish coffee, chestnut dessert, Castile soap created on the basis of olive oil (can be bought in shops on the coast of the Aegean and Marmara seas).
Office hours
Usually museums are open every day, except Mondays from 9 to 17 00. Markets and shops are open from 9 to 19 00, with a lunch break (13 – 14 00).
Banking institutions: from 8:30 to 17:30 (lunch: 12:30 – 13:30)
Pharmacies: from 8:30 to 19:00.
Visa
Since August 2012, an agreement on a visa-free regime between Ukraine and Turkey came into force. This means that now to travel to Turkey you do not need a visa, which was previously purchased at the Turkish airport after arrival (the visa usually cost 30 US dollars).
Currency
Official currency unit Turkey - the lyre, previously used during the Ottoman Empire. Since 2005, the so-called “new” lira has been used (1 new lira was equal to 1,000,000 old lira).
Coins used: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kurus. There is also a 1 lira coin. The coins contain images of Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal).
Customs restrictions
Turkey is allowed to import duty-free coffee (up to 1 kg), mild alcoholic drinks (up to 5 liters), strong drinks in a volume of 1 liter (over 22 C), cigarettes (up to 20 packs).
If you take jewelry or antiques with you on a trip, the cost of which exceeds 15 thousand. USD, registration in the owner’s passport is required.
It is prohibited to import drugs (or drugs containing medical preparations above a certain norm), weapons (sharp objects).
To transport pets, you will need a special veterinary certificate.
You can export Turkish lira (1000 dollars in total), personal belongings, and souvenirs from Turkey. But the export of valuables must be confirmed by the presence of the owner’s passport. In addition to the export of weapons and drugs, it is prohibited to export antiques. For example, when buying a carpet in Turkey, you must take a certificate of purchase and obtain a certificate from any museum stating that this item is not an antique.
Useful telephone numbers and addresses
Representative offices of the country on the territory of Ukraine:
Turkish Embassy in Ukraine
Address: Kiev, Arsenalnaya st., 18
Phone: (+38 044) 281-07-50, 281-07-51
Fax: (+38 044) 285-64-23
Working hours:
Mon. – Fri: 10:00-12:30
Ukrainian representatives of the country:
Ukrainian Embassy in Turkey
Address: Sancak Mahallesi, 206 Sokak No. 17,
Yıldız Cankaya,
Ankara, 06550 Turkey
Tel.: (8 10 90 312) 441-54-99
(8 10 90 312) 440-52-89
Fax: (8 10 90 312) 440-68-15
Email: , This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.
Working hours:
09:00 – 19:00
Lunch break:
13:00 - 15:00
Weekends: Sat., Sun.
Emergency numbers
Ambulance – 112
Police – 155
Fire service – 110
Time
Like Ukraine, Turkey is in the second time zone, that is, there is no time difference.
Tips
Tips are usually 10% of the bill. If you make small purchases, you can simply round up the amount to + one lira. There is no need to leave it in cafes and restaurants. If you are satisfied with the service, then after the waiter brings you the change and leaves, leave the amount that you think is necessary.
Medicine
There is no risk of infection with dangerous viruses in Turkey. Still, try to avoid buying any kind of food from street vendors. Also, avoid drinking tap water (although it is usually chlorinated); it is better to buy bottled water in supermarkets.
Safety
To call the police, dial 155 for free from any phone.
It should be noted that in Turkey, however, petty thefts do occur, although they are not committed exclusively against tourists. If possible, avoid unlit areas of the streets, carry your passport with you, and do not show off your mobile phone or other valuables.
Quite a popular question about Turkey, which we will help you figure out.
Most of the tourists who visited Turkish resorts are still in the dark and do not know that the real capital of Turkey is Ankara. At the same time, many are sure that Istanbul is main city throughout Turkey and is its capital, and naturally they don’t even realize why Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey. This is a fairly common misconception and can be easily dispelled with historical facts about these two cities.
Was Istanbul the capital of Turkey?
The fairly popular question of why Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey has a clear answer if we look at history. Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul was built on the coast of the Marmara and Black Seas, for this reason, during the Ottoman Empire, the delivery of troops for a siege was simple, both from land and from sea, this was taken advantage of in 1883 by the Egyptian troops, along with the fleet of the Russian Empire. . This was the last one that put an end to the Ottoman Empire. A few years later, in the period from 1919-23, the headquarters of the then leader of the liberation movement Kemal Ataturk, who shaped Turkey as we see it today, was located in the city of Ankara. For this reason, in September 1923, Ankara acquired the status of the capital of Turkey. This decision was made due to many factors: at that time former capital In Turkey, Istanbul was dangerously close to hot spots and centers of political conflicts - the straits, and the Balkans, for example. Such conditions were too dangerous for the young state. Also important was the fact that a more liberal government was based in Ankara, in contrast to the Istanbul conservatives.
The capital of Turkey is Ankara or Istanbul
Despite the fact that Ankara is the second largest city in Turkey, the city still has behind it ancient history, originating in the 7th century BC. The city is located on the Antalya plateau without access to the sea, because of this it is visited by a relatively small number of tourists, unlike seaside resorts. Before the twentieth century, Ankara could hardly be called a large metropolis - only 60 thousand people lived there. Today, the city's population has exceeded five million, with universities, ministries, embassies and museums erected. First of all, the city attracts tourists with its charming architecture.
Tour operators who organize group cultural and historical tours consider Ankara as a “place for a passing overnight stop”, and then go on to explore other attractions of the country. For example, Bus tours which start from Istanbul and include visits to attractions inland (tours to Cappadocia or throughout Turkey), usually include a one-day visit to Ankara. For independent tourists, Ankara is also not the most popular destination, but in order to see the richness of the history and culture of Anatolia and Turkey, you must definitely visit the capital Ankara.
History of Ankara
It is difficult to determine the exact date of the founding of Ankara, but it is assumed that back in the Hetto period (1800 - 1180 BC) the city already existed under the name “Ankuvas”. The Phrygians who replaced the Hittites (in the 7th century BC) renamed the city “Ancyra”. Coming from Thrace, the Phrygians occupied Anatolia from the Sea of Marmara to the river. Today's Afyon, Ankara, Eskisehir and ancient Gordion were considered Phrygian cities. The ancient capital of Phrygia, Gordion, is 90 km away. west of Ankara, near the modern village of Yassihöyük. Gordion received its name from the Phrygian king Gordius, the founder of the city. The most famous story, associated with the city of Gordion, is a story about Gordian knot. The origins of the phraseological unit “Gordian Knot” go back to mythological times when Phrygia did not have a ruler.
Gordian knot - legend
“In those days, there lived a peasant named Gordios, who predicted that one day he would become king. Another prophecy said, however, that the king of Phrygia would be a man who would first enter the city on a team of oxen, tied to the team with such a knot that no one could untie. Both prophecies came true, and Gordios became king of Phrygia. His team was preserved in memory of these events.”
After Phrygians Ankara owned Lydians and Persians. Later, in 333 BC, the army of Alexander the Great passed by the city on its way to India. Many centuries later, when Alexander the Great stopped near Ankara V Gordione, was intrigued complex knot. Without further ado and without thinking for very long, I cut Gordian knot with a sword. It is assumed that turkish knot is famous Gordian knot.
In 25 BC. e. located at the intersection of the caravan routes of Ancyra ( Ankara), became administrative center Roman province of Galatia. Later she was owned Byzantines, conquered Arabs, crusaders And Seljuks. In the middle of the 14th century Ankara was conquered Ottoman Turks.
Ankara – Capital of the Republic of Turkey
The First World War (1914) effectively ended the Ottoman Empire. Türkiye entered the First world war on the side of Germany, and after the defeat, Türkiye was occupied by Entente troops. It was during these years (1918 - 1923) that Ankara became the center of the national liberation movement. After the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, Kemal Atatürk moved the capital from Istanbul to Ankara. At that time Ankara was small town, whose population numbered only 60,000 people.
Sights of Ankara
Old part of the city Ankara called Ulus. All historical attractions are located in this part of the city. The modern city center is called Kızılay.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara
One of the main attractions Ankara is one of the richest museums in the world - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. It houses a unique collection of exhibits from all over Anatolia (Asia Minor) and the world's largest collection of monuments Hittite culture. Along with this, the museum contains collections from the Paleolithic period, Neolithic stone products, Bronze Age products and monuments of material culture related to all civilizations that lived in the territory Anatolia(Phrygians, Assyrians and Urartu). Virtual tour of the museum halls
Photos of museum exhibits
Solar disk – Bronze. III millennium BC
Ceremonial standard – III millennium BC
Anitkabir – Ataturk Mausoleum
One of the modern architectural monuments Ankara is the mausoleum of the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The mausoleum is located in the new part of the city. Erected 15 years after death Ataturk in 1953, in honor of this legendary figure. The mausoleum consists of 3 parts. The first part is Lion's Way(262 meters) is lined with statues of sitting lions, 12 on each side. The Lion's Path leads to the second part of the mausoleum - Ceremonial area. And the third part is the main building of the mausoleum. The sarcophagus with the remains of Ataturk is kept inside the mausoleum. In the room with the sarcophagus there are vases filled with earth brought from all provinces Turkey. Near the mausoleum there is a museum where the personal belongings of Mustafa Kemal are displayed. The museum is worth visiting for its amazing historical panoramas of the War of Independence, accompanied by thematic music.
Photo of Anitkabir in Ankara
Ethnographic Museum in Ankara founded in 1925 and is considered the first museum opened after the proclamation of the republic. This museum contains collections of items related mainly to Seljuk And Ottoman period. These are household items and Everyday life Turks, who clearly demonstrate folk traditions and the specifics of various crafts.
War of Independence Museum in Ankara
The museum is located on the square Ulus. The museum displays the history of the events of the War of Independence and the exhibits here are mainly photographs and documents. The museum highlights the events of the 20s of the 20th century, when an independent modern state was created on the ruins of the Ottoman Empire that collapsed during the First World War. The first parliament was located in this building Turkish Republic.
Hacı Bayram Mosque in Ankara
Hadji Bayram- the oldest in Ankara- dates back more than six centuries. Built in the mid-15th century, it is still in use. The mosque houses the tomb of Haji Bayram, the head of the monastic order in the fifteenth century. The Temple of Augustine and Roma is connected by a common wall with Hadji Bayram Mosque. It was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus.
Temple of Augustine and Rom in Ankara
Temple of Augustine and Roma located in close proximity to the mosque Hadji Bayram, was erected in the 1st century BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus . It was during this period Ankara was declared the capital of the Roman province Galatia.
Roman Baths in Ankara
Login Roman bath located on Chankar Boulevard (Çankırı caddesi). Roman baths were erected in the 3rd century AD under the reign of Emperor Caracalla and dedicated to the god of medicine and healing. Bathhouse size 80 x 130 m.
Which of our compatriots does not know about most beautiful country with wonderful beaches, warm sea, comfortable high-class hotels, good-natured local people and beautiful scenery. We are talking about Turkey - a magnificent country that combines the best that is necessary for have a nice rest, and at the same time accessible to the majority of our fellow citizens. A large number of not only Russians and citizens of the former CIS, but also residents of other countries choose this country as a place to spend their holidays and New Year holidays.
People come here not only to relax in the hot climate, but also to get acquainted with the history of the ancient city, see various monuments and architecture of ancient buildings, and also try Turkish cuisine in best restaurants Islamic state.
History of the Turkish capital
Ankara is, of course, one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor, which has a history of several thousand years. There is evidence that back in 1200 BC, local residents took refuge from attacks in the city fortress.
Previously, this city was known by the Greek name Ancyra, which means anchor in Greek. This name was not given in vain, because the city connected trade routes between Europe and Asia, being at the crossroads. That is why, even during the Roman Empire, Ankara was a developing trade and political center.
As a result of military clashes, Ankara passed into the power of other nations several times. Here, in turn, there were Celts, Byzantines, Seljuks, Crusaders, Arabs and Ottomans.
In the 19th century, during the Ottoman Empire, Ankara significantly lost its importance and became a provincial town. But already in 1893 everything begins to change, when construction ends railway from Istanbul to Ankara.
Another important event in the history of the city was the holding of the Turkish National Assembly in 1920, at which a new government was formed. And since 1923, Ankara became the capital of the Turkish Republic. It was from this moment that the new capital underwent many transformations.
Sights of Ankara
With such a rich, multi-thousand-year history, Ankara has acquired a considerable number of fascinating sights, interesting places and fascinating legends, which it can boast of and amuse the curiosity of even the most sophisticated tourists.
The sheer number of museums makes you wonder about the historical significance of the city. There are about eighty of them here!
It is believed that this museum is one of the richest in the world, because it contains thousands of exhibits telling about the culture and history of all the peoples who lived in the territory since ancient Paleolithic times. This main historical museum of the Turkish Republic is the third most archaeologically important in the world after the Louvre and the British Museum.
The exhibition is open daily from 8:30 to 17:30 local time. Price entrance ticket is 15 liras, which is approximately 351 rubles.
Ethnographical museum
The exposition of this museum contains exhibits from different parts of Turkey, telling about the daily life, craft and folk traditions of the Turks.
You can get here any day except Monday, from 8:30 to 17:30. A ticket costs 5 Turkish lira, or approximately 115 rubles.
Mausoleum of Ataturk
The mausoleum will tell you about the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of Turkey, who significantly changed the lives of all Turks in better side. There is also a beautiful park on the territory with trees and flowers brought from different parts of the planet. But the most remarkable thing is that here you can see the stunning spectacle of the changing of the guard, which occurs every two hours.
The mausoleum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Entry is absolutely free for all visitors.
Some areas of Ankara are attractions in themselves and are a must-see for every tourist. One of these places is Ulus, or « Old city» , there are many historical and architectural sites here.
Citadel
A huge stone complex, which has another name - Hissar fortress. During the Roman Empire it served for defensive purposes. The inner wall of the fortress was built in the 6th century, and the outer wall in the 9th century.
Belkis Minaret
Or Julian's Column, which was erected in the 4th century in honor of the Roman emperor's visit to Ankara. It is more than 15 meters high and decorated with stone carvings.
Roman baths
The city inherited this landmark from the Roman Empire. Here, in the 3rd century, a huge building was erected dedicated to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing.
Although today there are only ruins left here, many people come here to see this architectural monument.
The Roman Baths can be visited daily from 8:30 to 18:30. The ticket price is 5 liras, or 115 rubles.
Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara is a city of mosques; according to some estimates, there are more than two and a half thousand of them!
The largest and most significant mosque in Ankara. It was built in the oriental classical style with four minarets. Many call Kocatepe the main attraction of the capital.
Haji Bayram Mosque
The oldest surviving mosque in Ankara, which was built in the 15th century in honor of Hacı Bayram Vali, founder of the Bayrami order.
Excursions in Ankara
In a city like Ancora, with many interesting places for visitors, local tour guides can have plenty of fun. Which is exactly what they do.
Average sightseeing tour around the city, covering the main attractions, with a Russian-speaking guide will cost about 17 thousand rubles for a group of up to 10 people (the cost of entrance tickets is not taken into account here).
Other entertainment
Tourists visiting Ankara go straight to Salman Street for shopping and all sorts of souvenirs. There are many shops and stalls selling clothes and jewelry. Local residents also call it “copper street” thanks to a large number copper products sold on this street.
Water City Water Park, the largest of its kind in the entire Turkish Republic, is located in Ankara. There is a huge swimming pool, six adult and eleven children's slides, a jacuzzi, golf and tennis courts, and much more.
The capital of Turkey has many excellent clubs, the best of which are: Locus Solus, Bull Bar, Aura, Hayal Eskisehir, Laila.
To try the local spicy Turkish cuisine, you won’t have to look long for a good establishment. There are a lot of them here, and they are all on high level. Here is a list of the most popular establishments: Korfez Lokanta, Akman Et Lokantasl, Pasa Konagi, Mangal, Wine House.
Hotel prices
Ankara provides more than 200 accommodation options that can satisfy the needs of any tourist, depending on their goals, desires and financial situation.
Most cheap option is a hostel with an average cost of 700 rubles per night. Average cost of a single standard
