Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and the seat of its government, located centrally in the country. With nearly 5 million inhabitants, it is the second most populated city in Turkey after Istanbul. Much of Ankara is new and fashionable, while the old section of the city, Ulus, has an impressive, dignified ambiance, complete with crumbling structures from antiquity.

The region's history dates back to the Bronze Age; Hatti Civilization, which was succeeded in the 2nd millennium BC by theHittites, then the Phrygians (10th century BC); Lydians and Persians followed. After these came the Galatians, a Celtic race who were the first to make Ankara their capital (3rd century BC). It was then known as Ancyra, meaning anchor. The town subsequently fell to the Romans,Byzantines, and Seljuks under ruler Malik-Shah in 1073, and finally to the Ottomans first in 1356 and then in 1403 since they lost it against Tamerlane in 1402. Ankara remained under the Ottoman control until the First World War.

Esenboga International Airport is the major international airport in Ankara, receiving flights from many countries; you will need to transfer from one of these cities to get to Ankara. If you want to rent a car in Ankara, resist the temptation. Signs are incomprehensible, and traffic is often unnavigable. Use the public transit system for a much less chaotic transportation experience. Buses and trams go to every part of town. The underground train system is also a good way to get around. There are two lines, the Ankaray and the Metro, going west to east and northwest to south, respectively.

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