Ankara

About

Settled since the Bronze Age, Ankara was overshadowed by the various other urban centers that dominated Turkey’s history. This all changed in the 1920s when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led the anti-Allied resistance from Ankara, and made it the capital of Turkey. While most tourists pass the city over, writing it off as a modern development, it offers some fascinating cultural sites if you know where to look. The hilltop citadel has some elements dating back to the 7th century, and is surrounded by the Old Town, which is filled with traditional buildings and is slowly being restored to be more tourist friendly. There are also several Roman ruins scattered around the city, including baths and a theatre, but the most significant is the Monumentum Ancyranum, where the most complete record of Emperor Augustus’ life and deeds was discovered. Those with an interest in history and culture won’t want to miss the exceptional Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.