Kizilay Square

Ankara, Turkey

Kızılay National Will Square, originally Kızılay Square, is one of the most important centers and intersections of Ankara, Turkey. After the coup d'état on May 27, 1960, it was officially renamed Freedom Square but the use of the name Kızılay Square continues to be popular to this day.

This large square in the heart of Ankara is a vibrant political and cultural center, surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.

Kizilay Square is the political center of the city, where you will witness many events, rallies and demonstrations. Around the square are many charming alleys with many cafes and restaurants. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow pedestrian streets walking among hawkers and fisheries for a real feel for Turkish culture.

Kizilay Meydani's Turkish name literally translates to Red Crescent Square, in reference to the humanitarian organization known as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The group originally had its headquarters on the square before an acquisition by a mall.

Kizilay is a popular area to stay as it is close to many attractions and has excellent transport connections in the heart of Ankara. Many hotels and restaurants in the vicinity meet the needs of visitors. The square is also a regular place for events such as concerts or political rallies. A stage is usually erected on one side of the square for musical groups.

The square, which has two fountains on either side of the central statue, is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere under the trees and water jets on a sunny day. Sitting on a lawn with a picnic meal made with local ingredients is also enjoyable. The square, adjacent to the beautiful grounds of the Güvenpark, is a great place to relax with family and friends in the afternoon.

Surrounding the square are several large shopping centers full of shops and eateries, from high-end restaurants in the mall to street food near the square, where locals and tourists experience the party atmosphere after sunset.

It is not difficult to get to Kizilay Square. You can take the metro to Kizilay in central Ankara or you can also take a bus from anywhere in the city to one of the many stops around the area.

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Nearby attractions

Ankara Castle (Kalesi)

Unlike the fairy-tale castles you see in story books, Ankara castle is of a large type and was used as a distinct military fortress. Built in Ottoman times, the castle has magnificent tall towers atop four colossal walls, with 42 pentagonal towers built at different stages along its length. Hiking up to the castle can be a workout, but it's the stunning views from the top that are worth it. The castle also has a busy market with dozens of small stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs.

Lăng Anitkabir

Anıtkabir (Tomb and Monument), located on a prominent hill in central Ankara, about 2km west of Kızılay along Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı, is the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president. of the Republic of Turkey. This is one of the places worth visiting in Ankara.

Kizilay Square

Ancient capital Gordion

Ankara is the best place for a day trip to the Phrygian capital Gordion during the Iron Age. This is the site that was once home to the legendary King Midas and where Alexander the Great cut the Gordion knot. Today, the ruins of this Phrygian city lie among the fields of the peaceful agricultural village of Yassihöyük (96 km southwest of Ankara).