Çankaya, Turkey
Region: Ankara
Geographic Coordinates: 39.924400, 32.885600
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 914501
Language: Turkish
Çankaya is a district in Ankara, Turkey, Known for its affluence and prestige. It has a population of over 800, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 47 square kilometers. The district is home to numerous government buildings, Universities, Shopping centers, And residential neighborhoods. One of the most famous landmarks in Çankaya is Atakule Tower. This iconic structure stands at 125 meters tall and offers panoramic views of Ankara from its observation deck. There’s also a shopping center with many stores and restaurants.
Anıtkabir – the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – is another popular attraction in Çankaya that attracts millions of visitors each year who come to pay their respects to this revered leader. Çankaya has several parks and green spaces such as Gençlik Parkı which covers over 1 million square meters. The park features walking trails, Sports facilities including basketball courts and football fields as well as picnic areas where families can enjoy a day out together.
The district has become known for its vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, Clubs, Cafes offering live music performances or DJ sets throughout the week. There are also numerous restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine as well as international dishes from around the world. Several prestigious universities such as Bilkent University are located within Çankaya which consistently ranks among Turkey’s top universities for research output and academic excellence.
Overall Çankaya offers residents an excellent quality-of-life with access to world-class amenities such as healthcare facilities including hospitals like Baskent University Hospital or private clinics like Memorial Hospital Ankara; public transportation options that include buses or metro lines connecting them directly into other parts across Ankara; cultural events ranging from music festivals to art exhibitions; recreational activities such as hiking, Biking or skiing in nearby mountains.
Important Landmarks
- Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
- Atakule Tower: A 125-meter high tower offering panoramic views of Ankara.
- Kocatepe Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Turkey, built in Ottoman style.
- Gençlik Parkı: A large park with a lake, amusement rides, and sports facilities.
- Ethnographic Museum of Ankara: A museum showcasing Turkish culture and history.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A museum displaying artifacts from ancient civilizations that once inhabited Anatolia.
- Ankara Citadel: An ancient fortress located on a hill overlooking the city.
- Karum Shopping Center: A modern shopping center with many international brands and restaurants.
- TBMM (Turkish Grand National Assembly) Building: The parliament building of Turkey, also known as the People’s House.
- Pink Pavilion (Pembe Köşk): A historic mansion built by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, now used as a museum showcasing his personal belongings and life story.
Primary Industries
- Çankaya is a district in the capital city of Ankara, Turkey.
- The major industries and businesses in Çankaya include:
- Government offices and institutions
- Education
- Healthcare
- Tourism
- Finance & banking
- Technology & innovation
- Retail & hospitality industry
- Some of the prominent government offices and institutions located in Çankaya are:
- The Presidential Palace
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Parliament House
- The district has several universities such as:
- Bilkent University
- Middle East Technical University (METU)
- Hacettepe University
- There are numerous hospitals in Çankaya such as:
- Ankara Numune Hospital
- Hacettepe Hospital
- Due to its location near the city center and historical attractions like Atakule Tower and Anıtkabir Museum Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, tourism is also a significant industry here.
- Many national and international banks have their headquarters or branches located in Çankaya.
- Several technology parks like Bilkent Cyberpark house many IT companies that work on software development projects for various industries worldwide.
- Shopping malls like Armada Shopping Mall provide retail services while hotels like Sheraton Hotel offer hospitality services to tourists visiting this area.
Noteable History
- The Turkish Republic was established and Çankaya became the presidential palace when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared Ankara as the new capital city in 1923.
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk resided in Çankaya Palace from 1923 until his death in 1938.
- The Treaty of Ankara was signed between Turkey and Great Britain on June 20, 1926 at Çankaya Palace.
- An assassination attempt was made on İsmet İnönü’s life while he was residing at Çankaya Palace on May 16, 1939.
- Today, Çankaya Palace serves as a museum showcasing important historical artifacts and documents related to Turkish history and politics.
- Former presidents such as Turgut Özal and Süleyman Demirel also resided at the palace during their terms in office, making them notable people associated with Çankaya.
- Political rallies and demonstrations have been held frequently near or in front of Çankaya due to its significance as a symbol for Turkish democracy and national identity over the years.
Museums and Things To See
- Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir)
- Ethnographic Museum of Ankara
- CerModern Art Center
- Gençlik Parkı (Youth Park)
- Contemporary Arts Center of Çankaya Municipality
- Kocatepe Mosque
- Ankara Castle and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (located nearby in Ulus)
- Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque and Cultural Center
- War of Independence Museum
- Beypazarı Houses Museum
Cultural Events
- Ankara International Film Festival: A week-long festival showcasing international and Turkish films.
- Ankara Jazz Festival: A four-day event featuring jazz performances by local and international musicians.
- Hacı Bayram Veli Festival: Celebrated in honor of the famous Sufi saint, Hacı Bayram Veli, this festival includes traditional music, dance, and food.
- Çankaya Municipal Culture and Arts Festival: An annual event that showcases local artists and performers in various disciplines such as music, dance, theater, literature, and visual arts.
- National Sovereignty and Children’s Day: Celebrated on April 23rd every year to commemorate the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1920.
- Republic Day (October 29th): Celebrated with parades, concerts, fireworks displays across Turkey to mark the anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
- International Ankara Music Festival: A ten-day event that features classical music performances by renowned musicians from around the world.
- Traditional Handicrafts Fair: An exhibition held annually showcasing traditional crafts like ceramics, woodwork, carpets etc
- Cankaya Book Fair: an annual fair that brings together publishers from all over Turkey to showcase their latest books for book lovers.
- ANKAmall Fashion Week- a fashion show featuring local designers showcasing their latest designs for spring/summer or fall/winter collection
Cuisine
- Kebabs
- Adana Kebapçısı
- Köşebaşı
- İskender Kebap
- Lahmacun – Şanlıurfa Lahmacun Salonu
- Pide – Bursa Pidecisi
- Meze
- Meyhane Ankara
- Aspava
- Baklava and Turkish Delight – Güllüoğlu Baklavacısı
- Seafood – Balıkçı Sabahattin
- Turkish breakfast – Namli Gurme
- Turkish coffee – Mandabatmaz
- Vegan/vegetarian options – Hayal Kahvesi Café & Restaurant
- Turkish Cuisine- Hamdi Restaurant
- Gençlik Parkı (Youth Park)
- Kuğulu Park (Swan Park)
- Atatürk Orman Çiftliği (Atatürk Forest Farm)
- Anıtpark (Monument Park)
- Botanik Bahçesi (Botanical Garden)
- Güvenpark
- Kugulu Lake
- Dikmen Vadisi Mesire Alanı (Dikmen Valley Recreation Area)
- Eymir Gölü Tabiat Parkı (Eymir Lake Nature Park)
- Mogan Gölü Tabiat Parkı (Mogan Lake Nature Park)