Located in the central part of Anatolia, Ankara is Turkey's cosmopolitan capital. It is home to the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, the State Opera and Ballet, and several national theater companies.
Hamams
Visiting a hammam is a cultural must-do in Turkey. These bathhouses date back to the 1500s and feature marble interiors, regal columns and domed ceilings. They have small alcoves with basins around the perimeter of the room.
Some hammams are designed with the same intention, but are divided by gender. For example, one hamam in Istanbul was specifically designed for women and reportedly gave them free black panties.
If you're looking for a full blown experience, the Sengul Hammam is the place to go. It offers an array of services including a steam room, sauna and a massage. You can also pay to have an attendant scrub you down for an extra charge.
Kocatepe Mosque
Located in Ankara, Turkey, the Kocatepe Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is one of the most important landmarks in Ankara.
The mosque was designed by Husrev Tayla and Fatin Uluengin. The architectural design of the mosque is a unique combination of Ottoman aesthetics and modern technology. The design of the mosque is a clear statement of the tension between East and West.
The mosque is made up of four minarets, which reach a height of 289 feet. These minarets have been built in neo-classical Ottoman style. The interiors of the mosque are marble and feature lavish decorations. The chandeliers in the main hall are 5.5 meters in diameter.
Ottoman mosques
During the Ottoman Empire, many mosques were built across Turkey, and the country left behind some of the most spectacular. In Ankara, there are several mosques that are still in use.
Among the most important are Maltepe Mosque and Masjid Kocatepe. Both are located in the heart of Ankara. The latter is the largest of the two and is the city's most famous landmark.
The mosque is illuminated at night with white light and a red carpet is laid in the courtyard. Decorative tiles, marble reliefs, and geometric patterns are also used in the interior. The main dome is crowned with a golden spire. The belfry has moldings and a passage beneath it contains a number of fragments with armorial bearings.
Turkish Council of State
Located in Ankara, the Turkish Council of State is the highest administrative court in the country. Its tasks are prescribed by the Constitution. Its tasks include reviewing decisions and judgements. It is the last court of appeal in Turkey.
The Council of State has fifteen divisions. Each division has at least five members. The first two divisions are judicial. The other divisions are consultative and administrative.
The Turkic Council of State emerged on the basis of common culture and a prospect of a common future. It was designed to record the cultural accumulations of the Turkic world, provide sound structures for human relations, and accelerate economic cooperation opportunities.
Hamamonu area
Located in the heart of the old city of Ankara, Hamamonu is a quaint and quiet neighborhood. It is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. It is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and patisseries. It is also the ideal place to browse for local handicrafts.
The area is home to one of the most famous mosques in Ankara, the Aslanhane Cami. It features an ornate ceramic tile mihrab. A traditional clock tower, Saat Kulesi, is nearby. The surrounding streets are lined with narrow cobblestone alleys surrounded by historic Ottoman-era houses.
In recent years, some of the Ottoman-era houses have been restored. Visitors can also buy traditional Turkish fabrics and carpets at bargain prices.
Shopping malls
Almost 30 shopping malls are located in Ankara, Turkey. They represent the diverse consumer culture of the city. They have been shaped to accommodate the demands of global capitalism. They reproduce power relations and surveillance systems. They also play a significant role in the development of the Turkish urban lifestyle.
Ankamal Shopping Center is one of the biggest and most famous malls in Ankara. It offers a range of world-class brands and elite Turkish brands. The shopping mall is situated on 120,000 square meters of rentable area. It has cafes, restaurants and playgrounds for children.
Kent Park Shopping Mall is another popular Ankara shopping mall. It features cinemas and other entertainment facilities. It offers a variety of products from clothing to home appliances. It also has a fitness center and a children's playground.