The Gateway from Ankara to Anatolia

The Gateway from Ankara to Anatolia

Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, lies at the very heart of Anatolia a place where journeys into the essence of the land begin. More than an administrative center, Ankara holds a special place in the story of the Early Republic, where the foundations of modern Türkiye were laid. Its central position has long made it a meeting point of cultures amind ideas, reflecting both continuity and transformation. Visiting Ankara is, in many ways, a journey to the heart of Anatolia where the spirit of the Republic continues to inspire the nation.

The history of Ankara carries a multi-layered heritage shaped by civilizations ranging from the Hittites and Phrygians to the Galatians, Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Located along the strategic trade routes of Central Anatolia, the city has served as both a crossroads and a center of power for centuries. With its designation as the capital of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923, Ankara continues to embody and preserve this rich civilizational legacy in a modern national context.

Here are the cultural journeys that begin from Ankara each inviting you to explore the stories, creativity, and spirit that radiate from the heart of Anatolia.

Ankara

Ankara is a unique capital that blends thousands of years of Anatolian heritage with the dynamism of modern Türkiye. The traces of ancient civilizations such as the Hittites and Phrygians remain vivid at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gordion and the Midas Tumulus, while landmarks in the city center — including Ankara Castle, Aslanhane Mosque, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque, and the Temple of Augustus — create a strong and seamless bridge between the past and the present.

As a national symbol, Anıtkabir stands as one of the most meaningful sites of collective memory, deeply resonating with all visitors. The Presidential Nation’s Library, one of the world’s largest and most advanced libraries with millions of works, represents Ankara’s cultural vision for the future.

Eymir and Mogan lakes, Atatürk Forest Farm, and Nallıhan Bird Paradise offer peaceful escapes into nature, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the city’s wide network of museums, universities, and a vibrant cultural and artistic scene transform Ankara into a lively cultural capital that opens a window to both history and the future.

Cappadocia

Located just a few hours’ drive from Ankara, Cappadocia offers an extraordinary cultural journey into early Christian history. This UNESCO World Heritage site enchants visitors with its amazing fairy chimneys, unique rock formations, and scenic vineyards that stretch across the valleys. Here, early believers carved churches, monastic dwellings, and underground cities to practice their faith in secret. As you wander through the fresco‑adorned caves of the Göreme Open-Air Museum and explore hidden chambers once used as refuges, you’ll experience the deep historical and spiritual resonance of the region, a true testament to Anatolia’s rich cultural heritage.

Mount Erciyes, the source and symbol of the volcanic legacy that shaped Cappadocia’s enchanting landscape, stands as both the guardian and the emblem of the region. Whether watching the sunrise over the valleys or exploring ancient underground cities, the majestic silhouette of Erciyes provides a stunning natural backdrop to the Cappadocia experience. The region’s geological and cultural richness intertwined with the presence of Erciyes makes Cappadocia one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

The Hittite Way

The Hittite Way offers a unique cultural journey starting from Ankara, where visitors can connect with Anatolia’s rich past through the world-class collections of the Anatolian Civilizations Museum. From Ankara, travelers can venture into the heart of Central Anatolia to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hattusha and Alacahöyük, in Çorum, witnessing the grandeur of the Hittite civilization. This journey allows visitors to walk through ancient city gates, temples, and palaces, experience exquisite reliefs and inscriptions, and understand the daily life and beliefs of one of the region’s most influential civilizations. The route not only brings history alive but also celebrates Ankara as the gateway to Anatolia’s remarkable cultural heritage.

The Phrygian Way

The Phrygian Way invites travelers on a fascinating cultural journey from Ankara, where the Anatolian Civilizations Museum offers a unique introduction to the region’s ancient heritage. The trail passes through the provinces of Ankara, Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, and Eskişehir, offering a rich diversity of landscapes and historical sites. A highlight along the route in Ankara is Gordion, the ancient Phrygian capital, whose monumental tumuli and archaeological treasures reveal the grandeur of King Midas’ realm. Beyond Ankara, the route leads into the Phrygian Highlands, traversing volcanic valleys, rock-cut dwellings, and sacred sites that reflect the life, art, and beliefs of the Phrygians, a civilization that flourished over 3,000 years ago. Highlighting the Mountainous Phrygia area, recognized on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, visitors can discover monumental tombs, ceremonial structures, and inscriptions that reveal the Phrygians’ spiritual and societal practices. Along this trail, every step uncovers a new layer of history and culture, offering travelers an immersive experience deep in the heart of Anatolia.

Located along the Phrygian Way route, the city center of Eskişehir is a must-visit stop that blends modern urban life with rich historical character. Its dynamic museums, the lively atmosphere along the Porsuk River, and the distinctive architecture of Odunpazarı add cultural and aesthetic depth to the Phrygian Way experience.

The Sufi Path of Love

Just a few hours away from Ankara, another cultural marvel awaits in Konya the spiritual heart of Anatolia. Known as the city of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, Konya invites travelers to follow The Sufi Path of Love, a journey into the essence of divine love and unity. Once the capital of the Seljuks, the city is adorned with elegant architecture, timeless poetry, and the mesmerising ritual of the Whirling Dervishes inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. At the Mevlana Museum, visitors can sense the tranquillity and devotion that shaped centuries of Sufi philosophy, where every verse whispers the same message: “Come, come, whoever you are.” Konya offers not only a spiritual encounter but also a deep connection to Türkiye’s soul where love becomes the universal language of humanity. And while in Konya, don’t miss the chance to visit Çatalhöyük a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s first known urban settlement where humanity’s earliest traces of community and creativity still echo through the layers of time.

Konya is an open-air museum that reflects the elegance of the Seljuk civilization through masterpieces such as the İnce Minareli Madrasa, Alaeddin Mosque, and numerous other historical structures. The Tropical Butterfly Garden, located in the heart of the city, adds an unexpected and captivating natural wonder to the Konya experience with thousands of vibrant butterflies fluttering in a magical setting.

As a ‘Smart Tourism City,’ Konya integrates digital solutions, smart mobility systems, inclusive services, and a sustainability-oriented urban vision to offer visitors a unique journey where history and the future come together seamlessly.

Anatolia’s Quiet Escape: The West Black Sea

Just a few hours from Ankara, a serene journey unfolds through the heart of Anatolia from Bolu to Safranbolu, Kastamonu, and Bartın. This route weaves together nature, heritage, and timeless traditions, offering travelers a peaceful escape into the soul of Türkiye. Begin in Bolu’s Yedigöller National Park, where seven crystal-clear lakes rest in the embrace of lush forests. Each season paints a new masterpiece — a golden autumn palette, or a quiet winter wonderland. Continue to Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage gem and a proud Cittaslow town. Its cobblestone streets, well-preserved Ottoman mansions, and the fragrance of precious saffron carry you through centuries of refined craftsmanship and beauty, inviting you to slow down and savour every moment. The journey then leads to Kastamonu, where tranquil nature meets deep-rooted culture. Its elegant wooden houses reminiscent of Amasya, the historic castle, and green highlands offer a slow, soulful connection to the land. Finally, reach Bartın’s Amasra, a charming coastal town where golden beaches meet turquoise waters. Wander along the seaside, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, and soak up the sun and serene beauty of the Black Sea coast. This route is for those who seek the quiet elegance of Anatolia — a path where nature, history, coastal charm, and heartfelt simplicity come together in perfect harmony.