Ankara is the capital of Turkey, a city in the center of the country. It is located on the Anatolian Plateau, in the confluence of the Chubuk and Ankara rivers, at altitudes of 900-950 m above sea level. The population of Ankara is 4.9 million people. By the number of inhabitants, it is second only to Istanbul. Ankara's area is 25, 437 square meters. km Time zone - UTC + 3.
Geographical position
Ankara is located in the center of the Anatolian Peninsula, dividing the Black and Mediterranean Sea into two separate reservoirs. Latitude and longitude of Ankara: 39 ° 52'00 ″ s. w. and 32 ° 52'00 ″ in. d.
The terrain is a mid-mountain dry-steppe landscape. The climate is moderately continental and moderately arid. Summer is usually hot and quite long, with large daily temperature amplitudes. Winter is mild and rather snowy. Autumn is much warmer than spring. During transitional seasons, most of the precipitation falls. Summer is the driest season. In winter, precipitation often falls in the form of snow. The driest month is August.
Snow lies for about 45 days (from 15 to 75). In January, the average temperature is about zero. And the average annual is only +12.1 ° С. The amount of precipitation is about 400 mm per year, and the number of days with precipitation is 104. Despite the subtropical latitude, heat at 35 ° C happens infrequently and not for long. Coolings below minus 15 ° C are also rare.
By nature, the climate of Ankara is similar to the climate of Stavropol, Odessa and the steppe part of the Crimean peninsula. The record low temperature is frost at -32.2 ° C, and the highest recorded temperature is +41.2 degrees.
Administrative division
The governing body in Ankara is the City Council and the mayor. The city consists of 17 municipalities, 422 quarters and 82 settlements.
Economy
Ankara is the second (after Istanbul) city by importance in Turkey. The enterprises here are concentrated in the so-called industrial zones. Throughout the city, there are approximately 53 thousand various industrial facilities, which are the place of work for 380 thousand people. There are about 45, 000 people unemployed at the labor exchange.
A large number of people are involved in the automotive and auto repair industries, slightly less in the field of electrical engineering and about 10% in the manufacture of food products. In Turkey, cattle grazing on natural pastures is traditionally developed.
The production of metal products and equipment is essential. The bulk of enterprises are small and medium-sized objects.
Transport
Ankara is a major railway junction in the country. Direct train service is available to Istanbul, Izmir and many other cities located in different parts of the country. This is also the intersection of motorways. From here bus services depart in all directions, in the amount of 161 buses. The main bus station is located a little to the west - in the city of Kyzylai. The international airport is located 30 km north of Ankara.
In the city itself, almost 2 thousand buses run, as well as commuter trains and even trams. The network of metro lines is gradually expanding. The construction of the metro began in 1996-1997.
Population
The number of city residents is increasing from year to year. This growth is very rapid. So, in 1927 only 74553 people lived here, but by 2008 the population of Ankara had reached four million, and in 2011 it was close to five million. In 2015, it amounted to 5 million 270 thousand 575 people. The most numerous generation, which is now 25-29 years old.
The population density of Ankara is 3451 people / km sq.
However, it is not the same in different areas. In general, Ankara is a city of contrasts. The main streets are luxurious multi-storey buildings and hotels, as well as cafes and restaurants, embassies and administrative buildings. And closer to the city outskirts, the traditional life of workers and peasants, the historical inhabitants of Ankara, is seething.
Attractions Ankara
There are a large number of mosques in Ankara. The ancient Hadzhibayram mosque, built in the 15th century, is especially attractive for tourists. Also, tourists are attracted by the Ataturk Mausoleum. This is a large building with columns, which is associated with the declaration of independence by Turkey. Also of interest are the remains of the ancient temple of Augustine and Roma, also in the city you can find the ruins of Roman baths. And the highest attraction of this city is the Atakule observation tower, 125 m high, which is visible from any part of the city.
Museums in Ankara
Ankara has a large number of various museums. The most interesting tourist attraction is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, whose expositions are housed in ancient buildings. Also see museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Independence, the Museum of Science and Technology, the Museum of Industry, and the Museum of Locomotives.
What dishes can be tasted in Ankara
There is no shortage of restaurants in the city. There are a huge number of them, and everyone will be able to find something to their taste. First of all, tourists are interested in, of course, local Turkish cuisine. It is an unusual combination of ingredients and spices. The most common dish is Turkish kebab. In addition, in any Turkish restaurant or diner you can order "pilav", which is pilaf based on meat and cereals of wheat. Among the dishes are also “dolma” (an analogue of cabbage rolls, but with grape leaves), manti, and lamb meatballs.
As a side dish, they can offer dishes based on lentils, stewed beans, vegetable stew, eggplant caviar, eggplant puree and rice with spices. Soups are also varied. They can be based on beans, lentils, rice, meat, beets. Seafood is also used.
A mandatory attribute of Turkish cuisine is bread. They prefer to eat it only fresh. Desserts resemble Central Asian ones: halva, candied fruit, Turkish delight, as well as common ones: marmalade, puddings, etc.
As drinks use juices, coffee, mineral water, cold herbal teas. Alcohol is also there: local wine, vodka, beer. Nevertheless, the massive drinking of alcohol in the wrong place is not welcome here and is even prohibited by law.
Accommodations
There are hotels of various quality in Ankara. Almost in any of them there is free food, gyms, bars. Also, almost everywhere you can find restaurants, swimming pools, discos and playgrounds. The price for accommodation is moderate.
Leisure in Ankara
The absence of the sea can be compensated by visiting the huge Water City water park. There are many pools, attractions, waterfalls and water slides. A lot of sports facilities were built around the city. The most famous tennis club. There is also an equestrian club, fitness club, riding school, restaurant and sauna.
And for lovers of night fun nightclubs are provided. The most exotic Bull Bar, which is made in the style of the primitive world.
Festivals and holidays are often held. Especially interesting is the souvenir festival, which turns the city into a kind of huge fair.
Shopping centers
Ankara is famous for its large shopping centers. There are several dozen of them, and everyone has fame abroad. One of them even acquired the status of the best shopping center in Europe in 2003. An interesting center is Ankara Castle, where retail outlets of local family businesses are located. There is also an oriental bazaar, a bakery, and many traditional shops. There are a lot of Turkish markets where you can buy goods for every taste.
Local souvenirs are sold almost everywhere. These are outfits for dancing, hookahs, chess, vases, skullcaps, shoes, carpets, copper products.
Connection quality
Turkey is known for its well-developed mobile and landline communications. Throughout the city, telephone booths are installed. Phones are in all post offices. Mobile communication is available anywhere in the country and has excellent reception quality. Roaming in Turkey is quite expensive, but when you buy a local SIM card, the prices will be quite reasonable. Internet security is also well established. You can get online from numerous Internet cafes and most restaurants and hotels.
