The city lies in the centre of Anatolia on the eastern range of the high Anatolian plateau, at an altitude of 850 meters. The history of Ankara and its surroundings goes back to the Bronze Age, Hattie civilisation. In the years of 2000 BC, the Hittites were the dominants; then the Phyrgians, Lydians and Persians were in power. The hands held power in Ankara differed for longer periods; the Romans, Byzantines, Selcuks… became dominants.

Ottomans gained control of the city in 1402 A.D. Since then, the town had been under the rule of Ottomans until the World War I. Though the city had lost its importance with the passage of time, it regained the importance during the Turkish National War. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk chose Ankara for the base of the National War due to its locality and history. Consequently, Ankara gained its importance under the leadership of Ataturk during the national War. When the War had been successfully over, the city was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic in 1923.
 

The province of Ankara is an area surrounded by several cities and is covered with the plains that have been formed by the Kizilirmak and Sakarya rivers.
 
Flora is limited and weak to that normally found in the steppes, and trees are practically non-existent. Special steppe plants are the most commonly seen in Ankara.
The climate differs within the parts of this province. The southern part of the province has a climate special to the steppe whereas the northern parts’ temperate looks like the Black Sea region. In and around of Ankara, winters are cold and summers are hot, the hottest months are July and August and the coldest month is January.

Altinpark:  The Park is located in Aydinlikevler and is 640,000 square metres. The park consists of a wide range of facilities all open to the public. There are sports centres, cultural centres, restaurants, as well as gardens and lakes.
Phone: (+90 312) 317 96 70 / 317 96 96
Fax: (+90 312) 317 6852

Ataturk Forest Park: This Park is one of the most important recreational areas in Ankara and established by Ataturk. There are teahouses, picnic areas and a zoo. Transportation is easy, city buses, minibuses and community trains can be used.
The Ataturk Farm and Zoo is a vast recreational farming spot, which is also great for picnics, hiking and biking activities.

Genclik Parki: Genclik Park is a very popular entertainment centre located between the train station and Opera buildings. There are an amusement park, tea-gardens, food shops and summer theatrical productions, a large pool with paddle boats and canoes and restaurants. All the facilities in the park are open between May and October.

Bayindir Dam: The Dam is located on the Samsun Highway, which is 12 km from Ankara. This recreational area and natural beauty is popular for the visitors. The dam consists of teahouse, camping area and swimming pool. Transportation is provided by local means of transportation.

Cubuk Dam: Here is 12 km from Ankara. The dam has picnic areas, small restaurants, teahouses and wonderful hiking trails. It is an excellent place to tour by car, however local transportation is also easy.

The Cankaya Ridge: It is located near the Presidential Mansion and the Ataturk Museum.  Charming view of the whole city should be experienced from the Ridge. Park is relatively cool even on summer days. A great place for walking.

Golbasi: It is located on the shores of Lake Mogan, 25 km southwest of Ankara on the Konya Highway. It has restaurants and coffee and tea houses as well as a beach. Golbasi is relatively cool and a great place to visit on hot summer days. Here is also an excellent place for canoeing and paragliding. Transportation is easy and transport service is provided by city buses.

Kugulu Park: The park is located in central Ankara. Beautiful swans surrounded by peaceful environment are a treat to one’s life.

Karagol Lake: Here is offered a spectacular view, particularly in winter. Trekking is the best to do here in this natural beauty.

Other Recreational Areas Include: MTA Rose Garden, Kurtbogazi Dam, Sariyar Dam, Beynam Recreational Forest, Camkoru Recreational Forest, Guven - Karagol Recreational Forest, Hosebe Recreational Forest, Karagol Recreational Forest , Sorgun Recreational Forest, Sogutozu Recreational Forest, Tekkedagi Recreational Forest and Uluhan Recreational Forest.

Thermal Springs: The main thermal springs in Ankara are: Kizilcahamam-Sey, Ayas, Ayas Karakaya, Beypazari-Dutlu-Tahtali, Kapullu, Cubuk Meliksah, and Haymana.

Bird Watching: Col Golu, Mogan Golu, Kizilcahamam Ormanlari, Kavakli Dagi, Inozu Vadisi and Sariyar Baraji, Beynam Ormani and Tuz Golu are some of the best places in the area for bird-watching.

Skiing: The Elmadag Ski Centre Located 20 km from Ankara, with an altitude between 1500 and 1850m, has a 10-room hotel, chalets, a ski lift, a restaurant and a bar. The ski seasons starts in January and finishes in March. There also are two ice-skating rinks; at Bahcelievler in Sondurak, and in Kurtulus Park.

Hunting: Hunting activities have to be organised by Turkish travel agencies which have been authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. These agencies provide all information concerning hunting in Turkey. A list of agencies can be obtained from the Union of Travel Agencies TURSAB.
Hunting in Ankara has a wide variety of choices, such as partridge, hazel grouse, rabbit, ducks and geese. In the forests of Nallihan, Beypazari, Kizilcahamam, Camlidere, Cubuk and Gudul, there are bears, lynx, wild hogs and deer.
For more information, contact: - Forest Ministry, National Parks and Wildlife General Directorate, Gazi Tesisleri No 11, Gazi, Ankara.
Tel: (312) 221 1769/212 6300. Fax: 222 5140.

Youth and Sport General Directorate, Hunting and Marksman Federation
Ulus Ishani A Blok 4 Kat No 404, Ulus, Ankara.
Tel: (312) 310 6160/310 3960. Fax: 310 6160.

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Ankara is one of the biggest cities of Turkey; therefore, it is not difficult to find shops suitable for each pocket. Almost all big shops are concentrated in Ulus, Kızılay and Kavaklıdere.
Modern shopping malls are located in Kızılay, Tunalı Hilmi Street and Çankaya.
 
Cikrikcilar Yokusu & Ulus & Samanpazari: is located in Ulus. One can buy traditional fabrics, carpets, handicrafts, souvenirs and leather products and can also bargain prices at shops situated here.

Bakircilar Çarsisi: If you are interested in copper items, jewellery, carpets, costumes and antiques, you should direct yourself towards this spot.

Atakule: Atakule is 125m high and have a spectacular view. There are several elite shops next to classified restaurants and cafes.

The Castle: has several shops which sells spices, dried fruits and nuts.