Ankara is the capital of Turkey, a city in the center of the country. It is located on the Anatolian Plateau, at the confluence of the Chubuk and Ankara rivers, at an altitude of 900-950 m above sea level. The population of Ankara is 4.9 million people. In terms of the number of inhabitants, it is second only to Istanbul. The area of Ankara is 25,437 sq. km. Time zone – UTC+3.
Geographic location
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. sh. and 32°52'00″ E. e.
The area is a mid-mountain dry-steppe landscape. The climate is temperate continental and moderately arid. Summer, as a rule, is hot and rather long, with large diurnal temperature amplitudes. Winter is moderate and quite snowy. Autumn is much warmer than spring. Most of the precipitation falls during the transitional seasons. Summer is the driest season. In winter, precipitation often falls in the form of snow. The driest month is August.
Snow lies around45 days (from 15 to 75). In January, the average temperature is around 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 above 35 ° C occurs infrequently and not for long. Also rare are cold snaps below minus 15 °С.
The climate of Ankara is similar in character to the climate of Stavropol, Odessa and the steppe part of the Crimean peninsula. The record low temperature is -32.2°С, and the highest recorded temperature is +41.2°C.
Administrative divisions
The governing body in Ankara is the City Council and the mayor. The city consists of 17 municipalities, 422 neighborhoods and 82 towns.
Economy
Ankara is the second most important city in Turkey (after Istanbul). Enterprises here are concentrated in the so-called industrial zones. Throughout the city, there are approximately 53,000 different industrial facilities that are the place of work for 380,000 people. There are about 45,000 unemployed people on the labor exchange.
A large number of people are involved in the automotive and auto repair industries, a little less in the field of electrical engineering and about 10% in the manufacture of food products. Turkey has traditionally developed livestock grazing on natural pastures.
The production of metal products and equipment is essential. The bulk of enterprises are small and medium-sized facilities.
Transportation
Ankara is a major railway junction of the country. Direct rail service operates to Istanbul, Izmir and many other cities located in different parts of the country. It is also a highway crossing point. Bus routes depart from here in all directions, in the amount of 161 buses. The main bus station is located a little to the west - in the city of Kyzylay. The international airport is located 30 km north of Ankara.
Almost 2,000 buses run in the city itself, as well as commuter trains and even trams. The network of subway lines is gradually expanding. Metro construction began in 1996-1997.
Population
The number of city residents is increasing year by year. This growth is very fast. So, in 1927, only 74,553 people lived here, but by 2008 the population of Ankara had reached four million, and in 2011 approached five million. In 2015, it amounted to 5 million 270 thousand 575 people. The most numerous generation is now 25-29 years old.
Ankara's population density is 3451 people/km2
However, it is not the same in different areas. In general, Ankara is a city of contrasts. The main streets are lined with luxurious high-rise 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.
Sights of Ankara
In Ankarathere are a large number of mosques. The ancient Hadjibayram Mosque, built in the 15th century, is especially attractive to tourists. Also, tourists are attracted by the mausoleum of Ataturk. 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, and the ruins of Roman baths can also be found in the city. 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 of Ankara
There are a large number of various museums in Ankara. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is of the greatest interest to tourists, the expositions of which are located 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 Steam Locomotives.
Foods to eat in Ankara
There is no shortage of restaurants in the city. There are a huge number of them, and everyone can find something to their liking. First of all, tourists are interested, of course, in local Turkish cuisine. It is an unusual combination of ingredients and spices. The most common dish is the Turkish kebab. In addition, in any Turkish restaurant or snack bar you can order "pilyav", which is a pilaf based on meat and wheat grains. Among the dishes are also "dolma" (similar to cabbage rolls, but with grape leaves), manti, lamb meatballs.
As a side dish canoffer dishes based on lentils, stewed beans, vegetable stew, eggplant caviar, eggplant puree and rice with spices. Soups are different too. They can be based on beans, lentils, rice, meat, beets. Seafood is also used.
Bread is an obligatory attribute of Turkish cuisine. They prefer to eat it only fresh. Desserts are reminiscent of Central Asian ones: halva, candied fruits, Turkish delight, as well as common ones: marmalade, puddings, etc.
Juices, coffee, mineral water, cold herbal teas are used as drinks. Alcohol is also available: local wine, vodka, beer. Nevertheless, the mass drinking of alcoholic beverages in the wrong place is not welcome here and is even prohibited by law.
Residence conditions
There are hotels of different quality in Ankara. In almost 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. Many sports facilities have been built around the city. The most famous tennis club. There is also an equestrian club, a fitness club, a riding school, a restaurant and a sauna.
And for lovers of night fun there are nightclubs. The most exotic Bull Bar, which is made in the style of the primitive world.
Festivals and holidays are often held. Particularly interesting is the festival of souvenirs, which turns the city into ahuge fair.
Shopping malls
Ankara is famous for its large shopping centers. There are several dozen of them, and each of them is famous abroad. One of them even won the title of the best shopping center in Europe in 2003. An interesting center is the "Castle of Ankara", where the outlets of local family firms 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 dance outfits, hookahs, chess, vases, skullcaps, shoes, carpets, copper items.
Connection quality
Turkey is known for its well-developed mobile and landline communications. Telephone booths are installed throughout the city. There are telephones in all post offices. Mobile communication is available anywhere in the country and has excellent reception quality. Roaming in Turkey is quite expensive, but if you buy a local SIM card, the prices will be quite reasonable. Internet access is also well established. You can go online from numerous Internet cafes and most restaurants and hotels.
Conclusion
Thus, Ankara is a modern city with ancient traditions. It is open to tourists. For a good rest there is all the necessary infrastructure. The only thing missing is the beaches. The most developed segment in Ankara is trade. There are numerous European-level shopping centers and traditional shops here. There is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
Ankara's population is growing rapidly. The city is a major transport and industrial center, which, apparently, contributes to the resettlement of local residents here. The subway is growing fast. Ankara is distinguished by a large number of mosques and museums. The city has many good hotels, a stable mobile connection and a large number of places with Internet access.
We hope that the description of Ankara given in this article will allow the reader to better understand the features of this city.
