"Ankara" Ankara Ili by Paulie52

Like Washington, DC, Ankara was more or less "created" to serve as a capital. In the 1920's, the modern Turkish Republic selected Ankara for it's secure, central location.

It is surrounded by low mountains. When I was there in March, there was snow on the ground. In December, the snow was on the mountains surrounding the city.

Home to around 4 million people, it is a busy place that is struggling to be modern and "European" in flavor. Overall, I have a very positive impression of the city.

Castle

People have lived in Turkey pretty much as long as there have been people. A truly deep and rich history resides in this country. Ankara itself was even a Roman provincial capital at one point.

This photo shows the main "Kale" or castle that sits on a jagged peak in the middle of the city.

OK, this is the guy that founded modern Turkey. After whooping the Allies at Gallipoli, he took charge and founded a secular state, the Latin alphabet, and many other changes. Basically, he is George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Abraham Lincoln rolled into one.

Here's a good tip: don't even make a joke about his big eyebrows. I did once and the Turks I was with didn't think it was funny. Also, it is officially against the law to make "anti-Turkish" statements, and that includes Attaturk.