Ankara, Turkey Destination Guide

Overview of Ankara East and west fuse together perfectly in Turkey's capital of Ankara, where shades of the mystical east and ancient civilisations lie partially hidden among office buildings, shopping malls, and government offices. The city is imbued with the spirit of modernity and youth: a student town filled with language schools, universities, and colleges. It also has a vast ex-pat community (most of it diplomatic), which adds to the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Situated on a rocky hill in the dry, barren region of Anatolia, this humming city can trace its history back to the bronze age, and has been a part of historic events through several great civilisations, including those of the Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Galatians, and Ottomans. Alexander the Great was one of the conquerors who stayed in the city for a while, and today's tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to unearthing the city's historic attractions. With a population of well over four million, Ankara is a deserving capital city, aptly described as the 'anchor' of Turkey. While it is perhaps not always sought after by tourists it is certainly entertaining and hosts many business travellers and those seriously intrigued with ancient history. The old heart of the city, Ulus, is centred on an ancient citadel on a hilltop, where many historic buildings have been restored. Many of these buildings have been turned into restaurants served traditional Turkish cuisine. In this area there are several Roman archaeological sites, and narrow alleys shelter shops selling eastern delights like leather, carpets, copper, spices, and jewellery. From the old city outwards, the buildings spread across various hills in carefully planned fashion. This planning was undertaken by European urban planners when revolutionary-turned-statesman, Mustafa Ataturk, set up provisional government in a small dusty town in 1920, just after the first World War. Ataturk is buried in a grand mausoleum called Anitkabir, in a green 'peace' park which is open to visitors.

Key Facts

Language: Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas. Passport/Visa: All passports must be valid for at least the period of stay. All travellers to Turkey are required to hold return or onward tickets, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds for the period of their stay. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY), which is divided into 100 kurus. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports, and ferry ports. Note that banks have the worst rates but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks open mainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, but Turkish ATM keypads usually do not have letters of the English alphabet on their keys. Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular are Visa or MasterCard, but American Express is also accepted in some areas. Some hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars as payment. Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Ankara Climate for Ankara Because of Ankara's elevation and inland location, the city has warm and dry summers, with cold and snowy winters. The rainy season is spring, especially May. Typical temperatures in summer range between 60°F (16°C) and 86°F (30°C) in summer, while the average temperatures winter range between 25°F (-4°C) and 44°F (7°C).

Health Notes when travelling to Turkey There are no vaccination requirements for travelling to Turkey. Mosquitoes can be an irritation in mid-summer but malaria is not considered a risk in the main tourist areas of the west and south-west. Most tap water in the larger towns and cities has been chlorinated, but bottled water is still recommended for drinking. Food from street vendors should be treated with caution unless it is obviously fresh or hot. The standard of healthcare is not high in state hospitals but the private health sector is well-regarded and modern facilities exist in private hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul. Travel insurance is recommended. Safety Notes when travelling to Turkey As in many Western countries, there is a threat from terrorism in Turkey and there have been a number of incidents, including explosions in Istanbul, the capital Ankara, and in the coastal tourist resorts. The Istanbul Ataturk International Airport has been the most recent target. There are also continuing incidents of local terrorism in eastern Turkey, particularly the southeast. Visitors should avoid any public demonstrations. Street crime is relatively low although visitors should guard their valuables at all times. Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic fault line and are subject to earthquakes and tremors: several fairly recent earthquakes have shaken eastern Turkey, the southwest, and southeast. Customs in Turkey While it is difficult to make sweeping statements about a country that runs from Armenia to Greece, the Turkish people are generally welcoming and hospitable. Most visitors will stay in modern Istanbul or in one of the popular holiday resorts where locals are likely to be fairly open-minded; however, tourists should respect religious customs, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious shrines. There is a smoking ban on all forms of public transport and in outdoor venues. Duty Free in Turkey Travellers to Turkey do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 200g tobacco. Alcohol allowance includes 1 litre or 700ml bottle of wine or spirits. Other allowances include 5 bottles of perfume up to 120ml each; gifts to the value of TRY 500, tea and coffee for personal consumption, jewellery and guns for sporting purposes. Tape recorders, record players and transistor radios have to be declared on arrival. Restricted items include playing cards, which are limited to one pack. Doing Business in Turkey In Turkey, business associates are addressed by their first names. If the associate is male, then his name is followed by 'bey', and 'hanim' is used for females. A formal, conservative dress code is observed in Turkey, and women should be careful to dress particularly conservatively. Gifts are common and are usually something the associate would use in business such as a pen or other office stationary. Business hours throughout Turkey are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch. Communication in Turkey The international country dialling code for Turkey is +90. Mobile phone coverage is good with networks covering most of the country. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts, and wifi is increasingly easily available. Tipping in Turkey Tipping is a way of life in Turkey and it is customary to give some small change for most services, or a small percent of the bill. In bigger hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not added to the bill, it is customary to tip between 10 and 15 percent. For taxi fares it is enough to round up the bill. Attendants at Turkish baths expect to share between 10 to 20 percent of the total bill if service has been good.

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Passport/Visa Note All passports must be valid for at least the period of stay. All travellers to Turkey are required to hold return or onward tickets, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds for the period of their stay. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: US passport holders must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond date of entry. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Passports must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay. Canadian nationals require visas to enter Turkey.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date. British nationals need a visa to enter Turkey.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian passport holders must have a valid visa. Passports must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the expiry date of their visa.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a visa to enter Turkey. Passports must be valid for at least six months longer than the expiry date on the requested visa.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a visa to enter Turkey. Passports must be valid for at least six months longer than the expiry date on the requested visa. Visas are required for stays longer than 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African passports must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival. South African nationals require a visa to enter Turkey.

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Getting around in Ankara, Turkey Ankara has a cheap and quick underground Metro, with two lines. One runs from Batikent in the north of the city to the central Kizilay area, and the second connects the Intercity Bus Station in the west through Kizilay to Dikimevi. Electronic tickets (sold in batches of five) can be bought at stations and used on the blue and red municipal buses as well. The Metro operates from 6am to midnight. Private buses are green or blue and passengers pay in cash when boarding. The favoured form of transport for visitors is the Dolmus minibus taxi system and taxis can be flagged in the street. Fares depend on the distance covered. There are also regular metered taxis available.

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Attractions in Ankara, Turkey Fascinating archaeology abounds in Ankara, and one of the best ways to take it all in is to stroll around the old city. Here, travellers will also have the opportunity to see the hubbub of the local markets which sell expertly crafted goods like clothes, jewellery and carpets. Aside from ancient ruins, Ankara is home to many museums: for a taste of Turkey's founding history, visit the Republic Museum; or get a taste for Turkey's cultural products at the State Art and Sculpture Museum. If being indoors looking at exhibits proves too taxing, visitors should wonder around the beautiful parks that Ankara has to offer. Kugulu Park is a perfect place to start and sighseers may catch a glimpse of renowned, graceful swans; alternatively, and the Genclik Park with its rowing pond and botanical garden are equally excelent.

Anitkabir A revered monument in the city accessed by a wide avenue lined with lion statues, Anitkabir is the mausoleum of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk. It draws Turks from all over the country who come to pay their respects to their hero. It is also a fascinating attraction for visitors to Ankara, its stark but imposing colonnaded aspect giving onto a courtyard which contains a museum. The ceiling of the main hall is decorated with beautiful gold leaf mosaics, and there are plenty of reliefs and statues to be admired. Address: Mebusevleri Mh., Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Opening time: Daily from 8.30am to 4pm. The museum which charts the history of Asia Minor is housed in a lovely 15th-century restored building close to the centre of Ankara. Originally a market and caravanserai close to the centre of Ankara, it's the ideal place to visit for anyone intending to travel through Turkey and delve into the past. It is filled with fascinating collections of archaeological finds, from monolithic statues to delicate jewellery, including some from Catal Huyuk, believed to be the earliest known human social community in the world. From the Palaeolithic and Neolithic, and through all the great civilizations since, this museum is like a time machine for ancient history buffs. Address: Kale Mh., Gözcü Sk. No:2, Ulus/Alt?nda?/Ankara, Turkey. Telephone: +90 312 324 31 60 Website: www.anadolumedeniyetlerimuzesi.gov.tr Email Address: [email protected]

Temple of Augustus Opening time: Daily, 6am-11pm. The Roman Temple of Augustus was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, and contains the best-preserved copy of Emperor Augustus' last will and testament, inscribed on the vestibule walls. After the death of Augustus in 14 AD, a copy of the text of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti was inscribed in Latin on both walls inside the pronaos, with a Greek translation on an exterior wall of the cella. The inscriptions are the primary surviving source of the text, since the original inscription on bronze pillars in front of the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome has long been lost, and two other surviving inscriptions of the text are incomplete. The temple itself is in ruins and not open to the public, but together with other Roman ruins in the vicinity (including the Roman baths and the column of Julian) it is an exciting port of call for classical history addicts. Address: Hac? Bayram Mahallesi, Alt?nda?/Ankara, Turkey.

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Ethnographic Museum Opening time: Daily except Monday 8:30am-12:30pm, and 1:30pm-5:30pm When the founder of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk, died in 1938, he was buried in the courtyard of the building which now houses the Ethnographic Museum. Although he was moved to his final resting place at the imposing Mausoleum in Ankara, the museum is still well worth the visit. Guarded by an imposing bronze statue of the national hero astride his horse, inside is contained a vast collection of historical artefacts that include costumes, arts, and crafts. Address: Talat Pa?a Bulvar?,Türkoca??, Sokak, No:4 Opera, S?hhiye, Ankara. Telephone: +90 312 311 30 07 Website: www.etnografyamuzesi.gov.tr Email Address: [email protected]

Natural History Museum Opening time: Weekdays 9.30am-5.30pm. Anyone with an interest in the natural world will enjoy Ankara's Natural History Museum, which contains some fascinating exhibits and dioramas detailing the (often extinct) wildlife of Anatolia, as well as a large collection of fossils and minerals. Most interesting are the fossilized footprints of humans who walked the Anatolian steppes 25,000 years ago, and the skeleton of a Maras elephant which lived in the area 193 million years ago. Address: Eski?ehir Yolu Balgat, Ankara. Telephone: +90 312 287 3430

Mount Ararat In the far east of Turkey lies Mount Ararat, the twin peaks of this dormant volcano boast the highest summit in the country and legend has it that the remains of Noah's Ark lie on the snow-capped slopes. Many tours are available to climb or even ski Mount Ararat, with solo climbing without a guide and permit not permitted. The climb to the top is relatively easy and requires a basic level of fitness, but is suitable for non-professional climbers. For those not wishing to climb Mount Ararat, the local Kurdish villages situated on the foot of the mountain can be a great cultural experience while the nearby town of Dogubayazit provides stunning views of the mountain and is home to the second largest meteor crater in the world. Noah's Ark National Park at Mount Ararat is home to a museum dedicated to what is believed to be the fossilised remains of the ark.

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Nightlife in Ankara, Turkey

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Shopping in Ankara, Turkey

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Dining in Ankara, Turkey

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Airports in Ankara Ankara International Airport (ESB) Esenboga International Airport http://www.esenbogaairport.com/en-EN/Pages/Main.aspx Location: Ankara The airport is located northeast of Ankara, 17 miles (28km) from the city centre. Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from March to October). Contacts: Tel: +90 312 590 4000. Getting to the city: The Havas bus service operates between the airport and a central city terminal, stopping at various points en route. The fare for a one-way journey is TL9.50. Metered taxis are also available, and various private companies run shuttles. Car rental: Several car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty, Avis, and Alamo. Airport Taxis: Facilities: There are banks with exchange facilities in both arrivals and departures, three duty free shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and snack kiosks. In addition there is a hairdresser, shoe-shine kiosk, a florist, and bookstores. Wifi is freely available and the airport is accessible for the disabled. Parking: Departure Tax: None.

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Currency The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY), which is divided into 100 kurus. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports, and ferry ports. Note that banks have the worst rates but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks open mainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, but Turkish ATM keypads usually do not have letters of the English alphabet on their keys. Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular are Visa or MasterCard, but American Express is also accepted in some areas. Some hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars as payment.

Exchange rate for 1 TRY - Turkish Lira 0.34 BMD 0.30 EUR 0.34 USD 0.24 GBP 36.91 JPY 0.44 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.34 CHF 0.47 AUD 8.51 UAH 114.46 KZT 510.40 LBP 0.24 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 2.33 BOB 36.57 NPR 0.13 OMR 1.23 QAR 0.47 SGD 2.81 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 2.25 TTD 3.38 VEF 15.53 DOP 2.28 HRK 6.32 MXN 198.72 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 1.07 PGK 0.34 BSD 0.72 FJD 7.67 HNL 37.46 DZD 403.79 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 3.79 BWP 1.14 PEN 235.07 CLP 162.05 AMD 8.19 CZK 6.77 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 42.13 ISK 996.07 UZS 1.31 ILS 0.24 JOD 0.10 KWD 10.63 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 12.04 MUR 9.66 NIO 2.83 NOK 1.33 PLN 1.27 SAR 49.49 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 12.07 THB 1.24 AED 1.22 BRL 1.37 RON 2.63 HKD 199.18 XAF Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc 7,617.66 VND 4.73 ARS 0.91 XCD 2.65 GTQ 3.31 MAD 0.13 BHD Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar 0.34 PAB 0.51 AZN 1,056.76 COP 23.15 KGS 94.82 HUF 2.67 TJS Panamanian Balboa Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble 4,637.80 IDR 3.01 EGP 403.72 KRW 1,921.62 PYG 1.41 MYR 182.61 CRC Indonesian Rupiah Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón 0.50 NZD 35.50 PKR 22.64 RUB 5.29 ZAR 0.72 TND 0.68 BBD New Zealand Dollar Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar 0.59 BGN 15.80 PHP 11.06 TWD 66.60 NGN 36.32 XPF 1.33 GHS Bulgarian Lev Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 42.34 JMD 0.61 ANG 0.47 BND 37.47 RSD 2.23 CNY 6,744.48 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 2.25 DKK 1.16 TMT 22.80 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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