Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: June 18, 2026
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, located in the Central Anatolia region of the country. Situated at approximately 39.9334° N latitude and 32.8597° E longitude, the city covers about 24,521 sq km (9,468 sq mi) and has an estimated population of around 5.8 million people.
Location Map of Turkey
About Map: Map showing location of Ankara in the central north part of Turkey.
Ankara is the capital of Turkey, located n the northwestern part of the country. The uniqueness of the city is that its name is kept on changing throughout the history. For example for some times it has been identified as Hittite cult center Ankuwas, during the medieval period, it was known as Ankyra; later on people started to calling it Angora. Likewise, the final name i.e. Ankara has been given in the year 1930.
Along with the political importance, Ankara has also the economic and cultural importance. In fact, by virtue of its location on the cross-road i.e. on Turkey's highway and railway networks, it is an important trade center of Turkey. From the old time, the city was legendary for its long-haired Angora goat and its prized wool (mohair). It has also a unique breed of cat (Angora cat) along with white rabbits and their prized wool (Angora wool), pears, and honey.
Ankara, Ankara Province Quick Facts
Fact
Details
City
Ankara
Province
Ankara Province
Country
Turkey
National Capital
Ankara
Region
Central Anatolia
Latitude
39.9334° N
Longitude
32.8597° E
Elevation
3,077 ft (938 m)
Land Area
968 sq mi
Water Area
Includes reservoirs, lakes and rivers
Total Area
968 sq mi
Population (Latest Estimate)
Approximately 5.8 million
Population Density
Approximately 5,990 per sq mi
Postal Codes
06000-06999
Area Code
+90 312
Time Zone Standard
Turkey Time (UTC+3)
Time Zone Daylight
No daylight saving time observed
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Administrative Code
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality
National Representation
Grand National Assembly Constituencies
Nearby Cities to Ankara, Turkey
Sincan, Turkey - 15 mi West
Etimesgut, Turkey - 10 mi West
Gölbaşı, Turkey - 13 mi South
Pursaklar, Turkey - 10 mi North
Kazan, Turkey - 22 mi Northwest
Kırıkkale, Turkey - 47 mi East
Beypazarı, Turkey - 62 mi West
Çankırı, Turkey - 81 mi Northeast
Eskişehir, Turkey - 145 mi West
Konya, Turkey - 162 mi South
Ankara, Turkey Climate and Weather Overview
Month
Avg High (°F)
Avg Low (°F)
Avg Rainfall (in)
January
41
27
1.7
April
64
41
1.8
July
87
60
0.5
October
67
46
1.2
Annual
65
45
15.5
Climate Attribute
Details
Climate Classification (Köppen)
BSk - Cold Semi-Arid
Annual Rainfall
Approximately 15.5 inches
Annual Sunshine Days
Approximately 2,500 sunshine hours
Hurricane/Tornado Risk
Very Low
Snowfall
Moderate Winter Snowfall
Driving Distances from Ankara, Turkey
City
Province
Distance (mi)
Approx. Drive Time
Etimesgut
Ankara
10
20 min
Pursaklar
Ankara
10
20 min
Gölbaşı
Ankara
13
25 min
Sincan
Ankara
15
25 min
Kazan
Ankara
22
30 min
Kırıkkale
Kırıkkale
47
45 min
Beypazarı
Ankara
62
1 hr
Çankırı
Çankırı
81
1 hr 20 min
Eskişehir
Eskişehir
145
2 hr 15 min
Konya
Konya
162
2 hr 40 min
Transportation and Connectivity in Ankara, Turkey
Airport Name
Esenboğa Airport
IATA Code
ESB
Port
No Seaport
Major Highways
O-4 Motorway, D200 Highway, D750 Highway
Train Service
Turkish State Railways and High-Speed Rail (YHT)
Local Transit Service
Ankara Metro, Ankaray, Buses and Taxis
O-4 Motorway - Connects Ankara with Istanbul and northwestern Turkey.
D200 Highway - Major east-west route across central Anatolia.
D750 Highway - Links Ankara with southern Turkey and Mediterranean regions.
Ankara High-Speed Rail - Provides rapid connections to Istanbul, Konya and Eskişehir.
Ankara Metro - Main urban transit network serving key districts.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Ankara, Turkey
Landmark Name
Type
Anıtkabir
Mausoleum
Ankara Castle
Historic Fortress
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Museum
Kocatepe Mosque
Religious Site
Atatürk Forest Farm
Recreation Area
Gençlik Park
Urban Park
Hamamönü
Historic District
State Art and Sculpture Museum
Museum
Kuğulu Park
City Park
Presidential Complex
Government Landmark
Places to Visit in Ankara, Turkey
Landmark Name
Type
Anıtkabir
Mausoleum
Ankara Castle
Historic Fortress
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Museum
Kocatepe Mosque
Religious Site
Atatürk Forest Farm
Recreation Area
Gençlik Park
Urban Park
Hamamönü
Historic District
State Art and Sculpture Museum
Museum
Kuğulu Park
City Park
Presidential Complex
Government Landmark
Colleges and Universities in Ankara, Turkey
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
Middle East Technical University
Public
University
Engineering and research
Ankara University
Public
University
Turkey's first republican university
Hacettepe University
Public
University
Medicine and health sciences
Bilkent University
Private
University
Research and innovation
Gazi University
Public
University
Education and engineering
Waterbodies in Ankara, Turkey
Mogan Lake, Eymir Lake, Ankara River, Çubuk Dam Reservoir, Kesikköprü Reservoir, Kurtboğazı Reservoir, Bayındır Reservoir, Hirfanlı Reservoir, Kızılırmak River, Sarıyar Reservoir
Golf Courses in Ankara, Turkey
Ankara Golf Club, Regnum Golf Ankara, Bilkent Golf Center, Karagedik Golf Practice Area, Atılım Golf Facility, Golf Club Ankara, Oran Golf Training Center
Ankara, Turkey - Key Historical Facts
Ankara has been inhabited since ancient times and was an important settlement for the Phrygians, Romans and Byzantines.
The city became a strategic center in central Anatolia because of its location on historic trade routes.
During the Turkish War of Independence, Ankara served as the headquarters of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Ankara officially became the capital of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
The city expanded rapidly during the twentieth century as Turkey's administrative and political center.
Today, Ankara is the seat of the Turkish government and one of the country's leading educational and economic hubs.
