Ankara Castle — Attraction in Altındağ

Glimpse into History and Culture: Ankara Castle's Charms Unveiled

Historical Time Capsule

Stepping into Ankara Castle is like stepping back in time. This ancient fortress, with its massive stone walls and imposing towers, is a testament to centuries of history. The castle dates back to Roman times and has seen the rise and fall of numerous empires. As I explored its labyrinthine streets and pathways, I felt a deep connection to Turkey's rich past.

The panoramic views from the castle walls are simply breathtaking. From this elevated vantage point, I could see the modern city of Ankara juxtaposed with the historical beauty of the castle. It's a stunning reminder of how tradition and progress coexist in this vibrant city.

A Shopper's Paradise

Ankara Castle is not just about history; it's also a bustling marketplace filled with shops that offer an array of authentic handmade products. Whether you're an avid shopper or simply looking for unique souvenirs, you'll find a treasure trove of options here.

The marketplace is a kaleidoscope of colors and craftsmanship. Artisans showcase their talents through intricately woven rugs, hand-painted ceramics, exquisite jewelry, and a myriad of other handmade items. The authenticity of these products is apparent, and haggling with friendly shopkeepers adds to the overall charm of the experience.

One of my favorite finds was a beautifully woven Turkish carpet. The patterns, the quality of the wool, and the artistry behind it left me in awe. It's now a cherished piece in my home, serving as a tangible reminder of my time in Ankara Castle.

Cafes with Character

The cafes within Ankara Castle offer more than just refreshment. They provide a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. I enjoyed sipping traditional Turkish tea while admiring the castle's ancient stone walls. The cafes are often adorned with colorful cushions and cozy corners, making them inviting places to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

One of the unique aspects of these cafes is their ability to seamlessly blend into the historical surroundings. It's not uncommon to find a cafe nestled within the castle's nooks and crannies, offering patrons the chance to enjoy their coffee while surrounded by centuries-old stone walls.

Friendly Faces Everywhere

One of the most remarkable aspects of my visit to Ankara Castle was the warmth of its people. The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready to strike up a conversation or offer assistance. Their pride in their city and its history is evident, and they are more than willing to share their knowledge and stories.

As a traveler, this hospitality is truly heartwarming. I had the opportunity to engage in conversations with locals, learn about their traditions, and even sample some homemade treats that left my taste buds delighted.

In conclusion, Ankara Castle is a unique destination that seamlessly weaves history, culture, and commerce into one enchanting tapestry. The fortress stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Turkey's capital, while its bustling marketplace, inviting cafes, and friendly locals make it a vibrant and engaging place to explore. My visit was a journey through time and a window into the heart of Ankara, and I left with a deeper appreciation for both its history and its people. I can't wait to return to this remarkable site and uncover even more of its...

By Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

24 March 2017

The Ankara Castle is one of the Turkish capital’s oldest sights, dating back to the Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires. Overlooking the city from its perch, here is a look at the history of the structure, which has become a very popular destination for visitors as well as locals.

Even though the exact date of its initial construction is unknown, some people believe the Hittites (an ancient empire that ruled over north-central Anatolia in 1600 BC), who had a military garrison in Ankara, built the Ankara Castle. However, due to the lack of archeological artifacts to substantiate this fact, the castle is more often associated with the Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk eras, during which time the structure underwent several renovations.

The castle takes up the entirety of the peak, which overlooks the city and the red-tiled roofs of old Ankara’s historic houses. There is also an exterior wall outfitted with 20 towers, located on the periphery of the old city and built as a protective layer. The fort takes up around 43 square kilometers (16.7 square miles), with a wall that rises to 14-16 meters (50-52.5 feet) and includes 42 towers. The castle’s highest point, called Akkale or Alitaşı, stands tall in the southeastern corner. One of the two castle entrances also has an epitaph that belongs to the Ilkhanate Empire (the southwestern sector of the Mongol Empire), while the structure’s northwestern section displays writing belonging to the Seljuk Empire.

Even though the outer wall experienced damage over time, the castle itself was able to survive intact. During invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries, the remains of Roman structures in the city became renovation material, with marble blocks and pillar heads still seen in the castle’s south-facing sections.

Indeed, the castle witnessed many invasions, undergoing many repairs and renovations beginning with the invasion of Galata (a domain in Ankara) in the 2nd century BC. In 217 AD, Roman Emperor Caracalla had the walls repaired, and after the Persians had defeated Emperor Severus Alexander between 222 and 260, the castle was almost entirely destroyed. In the 7th century, the Romans renovated the structure once more, and by 688, Constantine the Great built a new outer wall to accommodate the city’s new borders. In 1073, the castle was taken over by the Seljuk Empire, and during the Ottoman era, in 1832, the son of Maktul Ibrahim Pasha repaired the castle.

Nowadays, the castle is a visual amalgam of different historical eras that all left their own mark in one way or another. The old Ankara houses that are within the castle’s outer wall are also very beautiful and are composed of wood, mud brick, and tile. From the castle, the juxtaposition between the old and new Ankara is truly striking and is a great place to watch as the sun sets over the great...

The castle has an amazing historical foundation. It is said to be built by the Hittites and each succeeding empire and civilization from the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Seljuks, Byzantines and Ortomans have left their mark on it. Working your way through the old neighborhood with charming Ottoman homes and shops makes for a fun afternoon. Climbing all the way to the top of the castle is an enjoyable experience also. Once at the top there isn’t a more unique panoramic view to be seen in all of Ankara. The entire city can be seen from the very top and it makes a great photo opportunity. The neighborhood and houses around the castle is basically all there was to Ankara 100 years ago. Sadly so many of the houses seem fallen into disrepair, unused or uninhabited. The city municipality for the neighborhood close by is taking measures to restore the area and it does seem to promise a better future.

Too many of the homes (or former homes) skirting the castle walls are simply an eyesore. Other former homes, roofs caved in, have been built right up to the ancient castle walls and now simply serve as a trash heap for poorly raised people to toss their empty water bottles into a pile on top of the former homes. In the top parapets of the castle the smell of urine greets you before entry and broken beer bottles greet your feet as you enter. It’s inconceivable that such an ancient monument is treated so poorly as to be used as a toilet and...