Though not as prominent or picturesque as Istanbul, Turkey’s capital city offers plenty of sights and attractions to its visitors. For the best views in Ankara, head straight to the ancient Ankara Citadel, situated in the Ulus Bentderesi District of Old Ankara.
As an extremely old city, Ankara has many fascinating archaeological sites; however only a few historical structures surrounding the old citadel have survived its appetite for development and modernization.
Often referred to as Ankara Castle, the citadel is free to enter and explore. But be forewarned, there are no barriers or handrails to protect clumsy walkers or those with a paralyzing fear of heights.
Click on the HD video below for panoramic views from Ankara Citadel.
[youtube]8UPGkYpBR5I[/youtube]
Having trouble viewing the video? Click here: Views of Ankarar Citadel
As you can see in the video, the walkway on the top of the citadel is narrow and open, with a long, steep drop at its edge. There is nothing protecting you from a nasty fall.
As someone that is not a big fan of heights, it was quite an accomplishment to climb the slippery, aged stone stairs to record the panoramic views. There was so much wind that I actually had to completely cut out the audio because the wind rustling sound was too loud. Needless to say, I got my footage and quickly retreated!
Photo Slideshow from Ankara Citadel
Having difficulty viewing the photos? Click here – Ankara Citadel Photos
Take a virtual walk through the cobblestone streets of Ankara’s old fortified city and historical citadel by viewing the above slideshow. It may take a second to flip through each picture so be patient.
There is one photo that’s worth pointing out. You’ll notice a picture that has two young girls carrying the head of a recently butchered cow (or sheep?). Yes, you heard correct. As we wandered down the narrow streets we came across two very excited girls that were delivering the severed head of a cow to family members.
This seemingly random encounter was due to the fact that we were in Ankara during the Turkish holiday of Kurban Byram, which is the Festival of Sacrifice. During this holiday it is tradition for Turkish families to donate a sacrificed animal to the less fortunate. We had arrived just after the sacrificed cow was being divided up amongst families that reside inside the old fortified city.
It was one of those weird and random moments that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
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I love those red tiled-roofs on the houses! Thanks for sharing! I’m curious — if you get the head of a sacrificed cow, is that considered an honor? Can’t imagine there’s much meat on it, huh? Of maybe there’s no significance at all about which body parts of the animal you end up getting…
Great question. I have no idea. The girls seemed super excited to have it though, so I’d assume it was a big deal.
Nice to see that some one who visits Turkey goes beyond the obvious. Loved the video.
thanks Inka! Glad you liked it 😉
Great to see something on Turkey that isn’t focussed exclusivly on Istanbul or coastal resorts.
Turkey has so much to offer that Akara often gets overlooked. It’s not the prettiest city but it does have charm and gives a different cultural perspective.
Ankara seems like it is a bit more authentic than Istanbul and has more of an Asian feel to Turkey than a European one. Great photos!
It’s true. Tourism hasn’t really caught on in Ankara, its more of a government city. It was nice to not have people haggling me every 2 minutes like in Istanbul.
I love the architecture. Interesting that safety doesn’t appear to be a concern in the Citadel which I’m assuming is a popular place. I haven’t been to Turkey but it sounds like a fascinating place!
No kidding! It freaked me out walking up there. Seriously, you trip on your feet and its curtains for you!
Hi there, This is a great post! I am really intrigued by Turkey and I’m planing a trip to Istambul this year..unfortunately I wouldn’t be able to go to Ankera, but you post got me thinking about rearrenging my travel 🙂
I love the picture with the girls and the head, it shows so much more then a just two girls..that must have been a very special day for them.
DId you mange to see any other interesting traditions related to Kurban Byram?
Hi Steffy – you will love Istanbul, and the rest of Turkey for that matter. Its a great country with so much history and beauty. We did see a lot of traditional things during the holiday… but that’s probably another post on its own! 😉
Hi Nicole and Cam,
I was surprised that the little houses on the hill look quite rural. I love narrow cobblestone streets too. Is this outside Ankara city because there are no apparent signs of 20th century construction!
It’s the old part of the city. There are huges amounts of development all over the city, it’s become an urban sprawl with several districts. This area is quite poor and well aged, and it is on a hill so it is separated from the hustle and bustle
Love the building conglomeration in the Ankara Citadel. It’s a different perspective from what I’ve seen before about Turkey. I was sure I’m going to be visiting Istanbul on my RTW, but now Ankara has also made its way into the preliminary itinerary. 🙂 Great shots guys!
Thanks Norbert. It’s a great place to visit while traveling to Cappadocia – which is a must! Although one could argue that the Aegean/Mediterranean coast is the way to go… there’s just so much to see and do! 😉
Slapped wrists for us as we still haven’t made it to Ankara – it’s been on the ‘to visit’ list for 7 years! Anything that goes on one of our to do lists is doomed from the start, I think. One day…
I think I’d be a bit bothered by those heights too. I’m pretty convinced safety barriers don’t exist in Turkey! 🙂
Great shots. You have to love “unusual” encounters when you’re traveling!
It’s so true. I always find myself ‘needing’ to capture the best shots of a place, only to find out that the most interesting photos are the ones that just kind of happen in front of you.
I don’t hear much on Ankara. Interesting post 🙂