Uncover Ankara (Turkey) ‘s Hidden landmarks and archaeological sites 25 Must-Visit Places
Welcome to Ankara (Turkey) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 25 must-see landmarks and archaeological sites that will inspire your sense of adventure. If you’re looking to experience Ankara (Turkey) like a local, we’ve got you covered with 25 hidden landmarks and archaeological sites gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 25 thrilling landmarks and archaeological sites that will get your heart racing.
Information about Ankara (Turkey)
The city of Ankara, the current capital of Turkey, is the city of civilization and heritage, and the city of culture and ancient castles. Ankara is the second largest city in Turkey in terms of population and area after Istanbul, and the second largest city in terms of the number of tourists after Istanbul. Tourism in Ankara is distinguished by the fact that its most famous tourist attractions are close to each other, so you only have to arrive from Ankara Airport to the city center to be near most of Ankara’s tourist attractions. The city of Ankara has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country because it contains all the factors that may make any place attractive to tourists, including the presence of many places of entertainment such as hotels, resorts and nightclubs, as well as the presence of many amazing historical monuments left by the civilizations that passed through the city through the ages. , including Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, modern European civilization and many others.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Ankara
Looking for the best landmarks and archaeological sites spots in Ankara (Turkey) ? Our curated list features the most exceptional destinations, meticulously selected by our team, and based on the experiences of fellow travelers. Start planning your next adventure with us.
1- Ahi Elvan Mosque
Ahi Elvan Mosque – The Ahi Elvan Mosque dates back to the late fourteenth century and is located in the middle of the historic Ulus district, right next to the castle. The main attraction of the mosque lies in its unusual pulpit, which was specially designed to be a masterpiece in the world of mosques. The most used material in the mosque is wood. There are twelve wooden columns supporting the roof. The mosque is characterized by Islamic architecture and simplicity that reflects the mosque’s antiquity and nobility.
Place address: Necatibey Mh., Ahielvan Cami, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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2- Sultan Alaaddin Mosque
Sultan Alaaddin Mosque – The Sultan Alaeddin Mosque is one of the works of the Seljuk era, and it is among the valuable works in which you will be able to see the Seljuk architecture closely with its simple and calm climate. This place also has the distinction of being the first to be built by the Seljuk Turks in Ankara. According to the pulpit inscription, the history of the Sultan Alaeddin Mosque today dates back to 1178 AD. However, many renovation works that have been carried out over the years, especially in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, have also affected the historical structure of this simple-looking mosque.
Place address: Kale, Alitaş Sk., 06250 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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3- Tacettin Sultan Mosque
Tacettin Sultan Mosque – Although the Tajuddin Sultan Mosque is small compared to the rest of the city’s mosques, it is among the historical places to visit in Ankara with its history of more than a century. Since it is a mosque built by Sultan Abd al-Hamid, it still enjoys great fame and distinctive sanctity among locals and visitors, as the date of building the mosque is known as (1901-1902 AD), and a historical shrine is located in the courtyard of the mosque in the west, and it has a stone minaret.
Place address: Hacettepe, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Sk. No:5, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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4- Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque
Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque – The Ahmed Hamdi Al-Aqsky Mosque is a unique and distinctive imprint added to the art of Islamic architecture, as the mosque was designed in the neoclassical style, and contains a dome with a diameter of 33 meters, and four minarets with a height of 66 meters, and the Seljuk star pattern is used, one of the most important symbols of the Anatolian Seljuk state (1075- 1308 AD in various places in architecture. The design approach to lighting the main façade of the building was to create a symbol of the city of Ankara. The moonlight effect on the dome was created by directed lights from the minarets. Narrow beam fixtures were used to accentuate the star-shaped section of the minarets to create a smooth light effect along the length of the building and to accentuate the balconies.
Place address: Üniversiteler, 06800 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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5- Beştepe Millet Mosque
Beştepe Millet Mosque – It was said in the past that mosques are one of the most important material elements of Islamic civilization, and Turkey has followed this saying, to become today one of the countries that includes the most beautiful and finest mosques in the world. One of these mosques, the Bashtebi Mellit Mosque, which is located in the capital, Ankara, was opened in 1987 AD, to become one of the most sacred mosques in the city. The mosque is characterized by an innovative architectural design that combines Ottoman and Seljuk architecture with modernity in design. The exterior structure consists of two ornate domes, four huge minarets, and spacious interior courtyards lit by the most beautiful chandeliers. The ceilings are engraved with Islamic motifs and arches.
Place address: Beştepe, Papatya Sokak No:51, 06560 Yenimahalle/Ankara, Turkey
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6- Çiçekçioğlu Mosque
Çiçekçioğlu Mosque – The Cicekoglu Mosque, which is estimated to have been built at the end of the 17th century, draws attention with its mud-brick walls, with its wooden texture. The well-preserved mosque, despite its considerable history, is one of the quiet little religious places of worship in Ankara. The mosque is known locally as Ya’qub Hadadi Mosque.
Place address: Sakarya, Gebze Sk. No:18, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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7- Karacabey Mosque
Karacabey Mosque – Among the special religious buildings that must be visited in Ankara, the Karacabe Mosque is one of the mosques of distinctive design, as it was designed as a complex that includes a mausoleum, a fountain, and a bath. It is estimated that the mosque was built in the first quarter of the fifteenth century. The arts of Islamic architecture appear clearly in this architectural masterpiece, with five domes, a polygonal body, and a brick minaret, decorated with Islamic phrases and inscriptions.
Place address: Hacettepe, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Sk. No:37, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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8- Kocatepe Mosque
Kocatepe Mosque – The Khoja Tappeh Mosque is the largest mosque in the city of Ankara, and it is one of the largest mosques in the world, as its construction began in 1967 AD and was completed in 1987 AD, and it has an Ottoman and neoclassical architectural character, and it is a very large mosque where you can see it from anywhere in the city almost! The height of its minarets is 88 meters and the diameter of its golden dome is 25 meters. It contains a very large spherical chandelier, and it is completely furnished from the inside with carpets.
Place address: Kültür, Kocatepe Mosque, Dr. Mediha Eldem Sk. No:67, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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9- Yörük Dede Tomb
Yörük Dede Tomb – The tomb of Yoruk Dede is one of the most typical structures you can see in Ankara regarding the tomb in Seljuk architecture. From an architectural point of view, we are in a building whose year of construction coincides with the fourteenth century, and this place displays the typical features of Seljuk tombs. The upper rows in the dome, and the same number of stones were used in each row.
Place address: Sakarya, Öksüzler Sk. No:47, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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10- Tomb of the Red Midwife
Tomb of the Red Midwife – The tomb of the Red Midwife provides a different perspective of Anatolia’s past from the religious side, and it is home to the tomb of one of the most important religious women in Turkish-Islamic history, known as the Red Midwife, who had a major role in transforming Anatolia into a Turkish Islamic state, as she helped war soldiers and healed their wounds, And they were given ayran to be given to them, which had a great effect in aiding their recovery. In her honor, a mosque was built and named after her, to keep her in mind.
Place address: Taşlıca, 06890 Kızılcahamam/Ankara, Turkey
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11- Beytepe Kampusu Mosque
Beytepe Kampusu Mosque – In the Haram Betibi Mosque, the details of Islamic motifs and geometric inscriptions will take you on a journey through the history of mosques, as the mosque is characterized by a design similar to the mosques of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and it consists of two floors that include a lower chapel for men and an upper one for women, and it is characterized by a towering minaret decorated with ornaments and inscriptions covering the external facades. The mosque is filled with worshipers on Fridays, holidays and religious occasions such as the Prophet’s birthday and Ashura.
Place address: Hacettepe Üniversitesi Beytepe Kampüsü, Üniversiteler, 06640 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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12- Column of Julianus
Column of Julianus – The Julianus Column is located in the Ulus region of the Altındağ region. It is also called the Bilqis Minaret. It was built in its current location in honor of the Roman Emperor’s visit to Ankara. It is estimated that it was built in 362 AD. There are no inscriptions on this 15-meter-high building. In 2001 AD, the office of the Governor of Ankara restored and protected this work to keep it fresh in the minds.
Place address: Hacı Bayram Mh, 06030 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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13- Alaeddin Mosque
Alaeddin Mosque – Alaeddin Mosque represents one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 12th century. Where the ancient writing confirms the age of the actual mosque. The mosque is found inside the castle, but unfortunately, it is not in its original form since it was restored by the Sultans in the 14th and 15th centuries. The mosque is distinguished by its large size and historical origins.
Place address: Şemsitebrizi, Alaeddin Mosque, Ariftopçuoğlu Sk. 10a, 42030 Karatay/Selçuklu/Konya, Turkey
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14- Abidinpasa Palace Mosque
Abidinpasa Palace Mosque – In view of the importance of Abdeen Pasha Palace on the historical and tourist levels, and because of the crowding of visitors and tourists in this place, the municipal government of Çankaya decided to establish a private mosque belonging to this palace. The Qasr Abdeen Pasha Mosque is one of the most important mosques in the city, with an elegant and modern design that includes a huge dome and a towering minaret. It also features vast interior spaces that can accommodate hundreds of worshipers.
Place address: Ertuğrulgazi, Aydınlar Sk. 24-1, 06590 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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15- Pink Mansion
Pink Mansion – The Pink Palace, one of the oldest houses in Ankara, witnessed many “firsts” in social and cultural life after Ankara became the capital. Here, meetings headed by Atatürk and revolutionary work were held, and the first ball for Ankara, the first concerts, exhibitions, scientific meetings, horseback riding tours and jumping competitions were held in this The house, and in its garden, for the first time in the city, experiments were carried out to grow flowers, trees and pine trees suitable for the climate of Ankara. When you visit this palace, you will go through a journey through the history of Turkey, and you will see old clothes, weapons, furniture, Atatürk’s library, and many items that will take you back to its great history.
Place address: Çankaya, Şht. Ersan Cd. No: 14, 06690 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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16- Virgin Mary Catholic Church
Virgin Mary Catholic Church – The Latin Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary dates back to a long time, as it is one of the historical evidence of the ancient city of Ankara. This church was built over an old house believed to have been for a nun in the city. Today, the church is a distinguished tourist attraction for tourists and pilgrims, where prayers, religious ceremonies, marriage ceremonies and baptisms are held.
Place address: Birlik, 06550 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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17- Zincirli Mosque
Zincirli Mosque – One of the many historical monuments that you can visit and see in the Ulus district of Ankara, the Zengerli Mosque, whose construction dates back to the mid-17th century, can be considered as the mosque built by Shah of Islam Mehmet Emin (Şeyhülislam Mehmet Emin). The mosque is characterized by its distinctive architectural design, in which Ankara stone was used. There is a two-storey school in the courtyard of the mosque, to provide religious teachings and centers for memorizing the Holy Quran.
Place address: Hacı Bayram, 06030 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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18- Karyagdi Tomb
Karyagdi Tomb – The legend tells the story of a very beautiful girl who lived in Ankara and spent her love there, and this tomb was designed so that the world would remember her with her breathtaking beauty. The design of the tomb is an octagonal dome covered with lead, and the walls are built of cut stone and brick, with windows blocked with iron bars. Although previously renovated, lead was partially poured to preserve the dome. Inside the tomb, there is a box for visitors to make vows, and the visitors, mostly girls, leave something in this box to dedicate a great fortune to themselves.
Place address: Anafartalar, Doğan Sk. No:3, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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19- Church of St. Tereza
Church of St. Tereza – Saint Teresa Church is a Catholic church located in the city of Ankara, and it is one of the distinctive churches with a simple historical architectural design. After the great fire in Ankara in 1917 AD, it was used as a French embassy until moving to the new service building from 1928 AD until 1980 AD. Religious rites and rituals are still held there today, such as marriage ceremonies, baptisms, and various holidays.
Place address: Kale, kardeşler Sok., Ulus No:15, 06250 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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20- Gavur Castle
Gavur Castle – Jafur Castle is one of the important ancient archaeological sites in Ankara, which is believed to have been used as a settlement by the Hittites and Phrygians in the past. It is estimated that settlement in the area dates back to between the sixth and eleventh centuries. Jafur Fort draws attention to the area believed to have been used as a royal burial ground on which there are rock carvings. Two life-size men are depicted on these rock carvings, which makes one think that the area is the tomb of a king. Today, nothing remains of this castle except for some huge monuments and stones, which indicate the greatness and ancientness of history.
Place address: Dereköy, 06860 Haymana/Ankara, Turkey
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21- Roman Baths
Roman Baths – Another great archaeological value among the historical places in Ankara is the Roman baths. This place was officially revealed during the excavations conducted over the years, and today it is spread over an area of 65 thousand square meters. Stone and brick were used in the construction of the archaeological area. This Roman edifice was built during the period of Emperor Caracalla, with a complex design consisting of three different areas, the cold and hot room, and the relaxation room.
Place address: Anafartalar, Roman Baths, Çankırı Cd. No:43, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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22- Kalecik Castle
Kalecik Castle – Kalıçık Castle, known locally as Kalıçık Kaleici, is located on the edge of a plateau in the Kura River valley, south of the village of the same name, in the Ardahan Province of Turkey, and due to its resemblance to other castles in the region and its location, it is believed that it may date back to the Urartian period (860-590). BC), with a distinctive architectural design, including fortified walls and towering ceilings. Nowadays, the ruins of Kalıçık Castle consist mostly of a long wall, a gate, and the remains of towers that cut through the corner of the hill on which it lies.
Place address: Çanşa Kale, Çankırı Cd. 78. Km, 06870 Kalecik/Ankara, Turkey
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23- Anitkabir
Anitkabir – One of the dazzling historical places that a large number of locals and tourists visit due to its historical and tourist importance in the city of Ankara. This place is considered the mausoleum of former President Kemal Ataturk, who founded the modern Turkish Republic and is one of the most important political figures in the world. This mausoleum was designed by the architect Ayman Onat” in 1944 AD, and this large marble mausoleum includes a distinguished museum in which there are many holdings and special things about Kemal Ataturk, including his military purposes, his personal car, his office, many drawings, and amazing historical information about Kemal Ataturk and his importance as a prominent political figure.
Place address: Yücetepe, Anıtkabir, Akdeniz Cd. No:31, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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24- Antique Rome Theatre
Antique Rome Theatre – In Ankara, where the Roman civilization resides, the ancient Roman theater is one of the places to go to examine Roman architecture closely, and it was discovered in 1982 AD, after excavations and research were conducted in the area by the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This structure, which falls on the second century AD when studying the history of its construction, can be a stop for lovers of antiquities, and here you can notice various sections such as audience seats and remains of sculpture.
Place address: Merkez, Altındağ Merkez, Altındağ, Ankara, Kale, 06250 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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25- Direkli Mosque
Direkli Mosque – If you come to Ulucanlar Street on your trip to Ankara; You can visit the simple architecture of the Dirkli Mosque, which was first built in the 15th century. Since the mosque does not have an inscription, the date of its construction is not clear, but it is known that this place was renovated in the eighteenth century. The mosque is distinguished by its wooden mihrab with distinctive inscriptions and decorations.
Place address: Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
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Conclusion
As you embark on your journey to explore Ankara (Turkey) , we hope you discover new perspectives, make unforgettable memories, and form deep connections with the people and places around you. Our guide is just the beginning of your adventure, so be sure to keep an open mind and heart as you explore this wonderful region. Remember to take in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Ankara (Turkey) so unique, and don’t be afraid to step off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems that await. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or family, or on a romantic getaway, Ankara (Turkey) promises to be a destination that will leave you enchanted and inspired. Thank you for choosing to explore Ankara (Turkey) with us, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and happy exploring!