Ankara
Capital of Turkey, ancient Galatian and Roman center.
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, located in the central part of Anatolia. It has a population of over 5.3 million residents in its urban center, out of 6 million residents in Ankara Province, making it Turkey's second-largest city by population after Istanbul.
- population_urban_center
- over 5.3 million
- population_province
- 6 million
- country
- Turkey
- historical_names
- Ancyra, Angora
- known_for
- Capital of Turkey, Angora wool, mohair, Angora cat
Lore & Background
Ankara was historically known as Ancyra and Angora. The city has various Hattian, Hittite, Lydian, Phrygian, Galatian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman archeological sites.
Reader's Guide
Ankara's significance lies in its role as the capital of Turkey and its deep historical roots. It was the capital of the ancient Celtic state of Galatia and later a major Roman provincial capital. The city is famous for the Monumentum Ancyranum, which contains the official record of the Acts of Augustus. Ankara is also an important commercial and industrial city at the center of Turkey's road and railway networks. It gave its name to Angora wool from Angora rabbits, mohair from Angora goats, and the Angora cat. The area is known for its pears, honey, and Muscat grapes. Despite being in one of the driest regions of Turkey, Ankara is considered a green city with 72 square meters of green area per inhabitant. It is home to numerous universities and is among the top 100 science and technology clusters in the world.
Did You Know?
- Ankara was historically known as Ancyra and Angora.
- The city gave its name to Angora wool, mohair, and the Angora cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ankara?
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, sitting squarely in the middle of the Anatolian plateau. It functions as the nation's political and administrative heart, distinct from the larger commercial hub of Istanbul.
What are Ankara's powers and role?
As the seat of Turkey's government, Ankara concentrates the country's legislative, executive, and diplomatic machinery in one place. It is also historically celebrated for its textile heritage—Angora wool and mohair—as well as being the namesake of the Angora cat breed.
What is Ankara's backstory?
The city's origins stretch back to ancient Galatian and Roman eras, when it went by the names Ancyra and Angora. Over many centuries it transitioned from a regional provincial center into the modern capital of a sovereign Turkish state.
Why is Ankara important?
With more than 5.3 million people in its urban core and roughly 6 million across the wider province, Ankara is Turkey's second-most populous city. Its capital status makes it the indispensable hub for national governance, policy-making, and international representation.
How does Ankara's story end?
Ankara has no fixed ending; it remains a living, active capital in the present day. Its ongoing arc is defined by its continued role as Turkey's political center and one of central Anatolia's major metropolitan areas.
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