Inhabited since ancient times, Ankara came to prominence when it was made the capital of Turkey in 1923. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, about 125 miles (200 kilometers) south of the Black Sea coast.

Cityscape

The architecture of Ankara reflects its varied history. The city is divided into old and new sections. In the old quarter are remains from the eras of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. The new city developed after Ankara was named the capital. It has broad avenues, hotels, theaters, restaurants, apartment buildings, government offices, and impressive foreign embassies.

Places of Interest

The city has many cultural and educational institutions, including the University of Ankara and the Middle East Technical University. The state theater and the Presidential Philharmonic Orchestra are based in Ankara. The National Library is also located there, as are several museums.

Economy

Ankara is Turkey's second most important industrial city after Istanbul. Its factories produce wine and beer, processed foods, terrazzo (mosaic flooring), construction materials, and tractors. Tourism and service industries have expanded rapidly. The city has an international airport.

History

Ankara is an ancient city. According to archaeologists, it has been inhabited at least since the Stone Age.

The city survived under various rulers. In 334 BC Alexander the Great conquered Ankara, and in 25 BC the emperor Augustus incorporated it into the Roman Empire. As part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium), Ankara was repeatedly attacked by the Persians and the Arabs. By the 11th century the Turks threatened the city. In 1403 it fell under Ottoman (Turkish) rule.

The Ottoman Empire remained in power for more than 500 years. After World War I, the Turkish nationalist leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk set up a rival government in Ankara. In 1923 Turkey was declared a republic, and Ankara became its capital. Population (1985 census), 2,235,000.