What is the capital of Turkey today?
Ankara, previously recognized as Ancyra and Angora, serves as the capital of Turkey. The government plays a significant role as an employer, while Ankara holds strategic importance in commerce and industry, centrally positioned within Turkey's transportation networks. The city is associated with products like Angora wool, sourced from Angora rabbits, mohair from the long-haired Angora goat, and the Angora cat. Known for its agricultural produce, including pears, honey, and muscat grapes, Ankara, despite its dry surroundings, boasts ample green spaces, providing 72 m2 per inhabitant.
When did Ankara became the capital of Turkey?
After the Ottoman Empire's defeat in World War I, the Allies occupied the capital, Constantinople. Kemal Atatürk led the Turkish nationalist movement, establishing its base in Ankara in 1920. Following the victory in the War of Independence, the Turkish nationalists officially ended the Ottoman Empire on October 29, 1923. Ankara took over as the capital on October 13, 1923, preceding the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, marking the shift from Constantinople to Ankara as the new capital city.
About the capital of Turkey
Ankara boasts a rich history, showcasing remnants from diverse civilizations such as the Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. The historic center, situated on a rocky hill overlooking the Ankara Çayı, exhibits archaeological sites, including the remnants of the ancient citadel. While only a few outworks remain, the city features well-preserved examples of both Roman and Ottoman architectural marvels. Notably, the Temple of Augustus and Rome, built in 20 BC, stands out with the Monumentum Ancyranum, an inscription documenting the Res Gestae Divi Augusti.
Capital of Turkey on map
Geographically positioned between the Kızılırmak and Sakarya rivers, Ankara's western boundary aligns with the Sakarya River, forming a border with Eskişehir. The city shares its borders with Bolu and Çankırı to the north, Konya to the south, and Kırıkkale to the east.
Ankara, along with its province, lies within the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The city center is traversed by the Çubuk Brook, which, in the western suburbs, converges with the Ankara River—a tributary of the Sakarya River.
Ankara, along with its province, lies within the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The city center is traversed by the Çubuk Brook, which, in the western suburbs, converges with the Ankara River—a tributary of the Sakarya River.
Why is Ankara the capital of Turkey?
The selection of Ankara as the capital was a strategic decision, as it is centrally located, making it less vulnerable to external threats compared to the former capital, Istanbul. This choice also symbolized a new era in Turkey's history, signaling a departure from its imperial past and an aspiration towards a modern, European-inspired state.
Istanbul the capital of Turkey?
Istanbul, previously called Constantinople, is a sprawling metropolis straddling both Europe and Asia, bisected by the Bosporus. Despite being Turkey's largest city, it isn't the capital. With the highest population in Europe, it ranks as the continent's largest city, and it is the third-largest in terms of area. Until 1923, Istanbul served as the capital of the former Ottoman Empire.
Why isn't Istanbul the capital of Turkey?
The decision to move the capital from Istanbul to Ankara was made in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Ankara was chosen for its central location and perceived security advantages.
Why did Turkey change capital?
Turkey moved its capital from Istanbul to Ankara as a result of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
