Ankara... Long ago, in the 3rd century BC, the Galatians were the first to make "Ancyra" of those times, their capital. Much later on, in 1923, M. Kemal Ataturk chose the same district to be the capital of newly founded Türkiye, and "Ankara" thereafter held to be the strategic heart of the country. Today's modern city, situated at the core of Anatolia, hides an ancient site behind, dating back even to prehistorical times. The remains from Urartian, Phrygian, and Hittite periods have beautified the area here, now fascinating the visitors by enlivening the respective periods. For the ones who would like to go to the very beginning, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is the third important archeological museum after Paris-Louvre and London-British museums, is a perfect place to see, with its wide collection of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hatti and Hittite works of art. The pieces exhibited here, are unique in the world and it is exciting to see the life style of the earliest humans in those beautiful objects. Viewing the subsequent Phrygian period is possible, taking excursions to nearby locations, like Gordion (Yassihoyuk), the capital of the kingdom, not far from Polatli. Excavations have brought to light the advanced artistic works of this civilization which date back to the 10th century BC, and which had an important influence on artistic works of the successive ages. Next comes the Lydian invasion which was followed by the Persian settlement continuing until the death of Alexander the Great, who stayed in Ankara after he gained the rule of Asia. After Galatians, Romans and Byzantines conquered the land, they erected plenty of monuments some of which reached today is the Temple of Augustus of AD 2nd century, built in the Corinthian style and dedicated to the Emperor the most prominent among the Roman remains. It is a remarkable and important sight with the "Political Testament of Augustus" on its walls, inscribed in Greek and Latin. In the 5th century, this temple was converted into a church by the Byzantines and the high walls are still standing in their original solidity. The ruins of a Roman theatre and the Roman baths of AD 3rd century, are other interesting figures together with the Column of Julian, a memorial from the 4th century. Captured by the Arabs, Seljuks and Ottomans in succession, Ankara also stored artistic examples of those periods, inside its borders, like the Alaeddin, Arslanhane, Kursunlu, Ahi Ervan and Haci Bayram mosques, representing the interval between 12th and 15th centuries.

Kocatepe Mosque is the most recently built mosque and it has a capacity of 20,000 people. The walls of Ankara Castle which once enclosed the fortified city proper are now lost in the centre of the sprawling metropolis. Although they encircle the city's highest hill they are not visible from every point but wait to be discovered by the discerning eye.

Almost all of these historical remains in the city are situated around the old citadel, called "Hisar", where, according to a legend an anchor was found while it was being constructed, from which the city took its name "Ancyra". Inside its walls it contains examples of old Turkish houses beside the ancient ruins, and there is also a covered bazaar, called "bedesten", close to the gate "Hisar Kapisi".

The principal monument, and the dominating sight in Ankara, is Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The building composed of limestone stands in majesty, with its beautiful architectural style and it is reached by a ceremonial road adorned with -fine statues and reliefs. Nearby is a museum, housing some of the personal belongings of Ataturk. Ataturk's house located at Cankaya, is also converted into a museum to be visited.

Ankara today, is a center of history, culture, and also nature the Ethnographical Museum and the Sculpture and Painting Museum are noteworthy for their wide collections of artifacts from the area. The well-known philharmonic orchestra and the frequent artistic events including ballet, theatre, opera and folk-dance, are to be mentioned with respect to the cultural values, in addition to two yearly international festivals which are "The Arts and Music Festival" and the "Children's Festival", both held in every April. Also present around the city are some sites of natural importance, such as lakes of Golbasi, Cubuk Baraji, Kurtbogazi Baraji, Karagol for resting, and the Mount Elmadag for winter sports. On the other hand, Kizilcahamam is a thermal and hot springs center like Ayas, Haymana and Beypazari. The city has good excursion opportunities to the historical and natural sites of Cappadocia, Gordion, Hattusas, and Alacahoyuk.

Atakule, and Karum Center are excellent shopping centers. This city of such diverse features, also possesses a wide variety of specialties. Ankara is tamed with its wool, goat, cat, pear and honey, and the land itself is special in fact, and should not be missed if being gotten near.

93 kms from Ankara on the Eskisehir road, is Gordion, the capital of the old Phrygian Kingdom. This ancient city took its name from King Gordios who was the founder of the state under the leadership of King Midas, the son of Gordios, and dominated the whole central and southern Anatolia.

By the excavations performed here, a high gateway and houses belonging to the royal family were found on the city mound. Also discovered are the tumuli in the environs, the most prominent one being the 53 meters high and 300 meters wide, tumulus of King Midas of the Golden Touch. It is the second largest tomb of its type in the world.

Another special interest is the legend concerning the famous Gordion knot, untying of which was prophesied to be possible only by the master of Asia. When Alexander the Great invaded the Anatolian peninsula, he cut this knot with his sword and gained the key to the continent.

The ruins spread all over this ancient site, the area which is still being excavated are for the interest of history-lovers. The local museum is a must to see where the archaeological finds are in display, as well as the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara which houses the artifacts found in the region.