Kizilay Pedestrian Street

Similar to Taksim in Istanbul, Kizilay in Ankara is the center of the city, which is never without the busy daily flow of people. This is the top attraction for locals and tourists in the Turkish capital.

With its name derived from the corporate office of Türk Kizilayi (Turkish Red Crescent, the country's largest humanitarian organization) Kizilay is a busy city center with public transport links ( including airport bus) goes to every point in Ankara. But Kizilay is also a popular destination with several major attractions and lots of shopping and entertainment.

One of the first places visitors should visit is Güven Park, home to the famous Güven (Faith) Monument. The monument, completed in 1935 by Austrian architects and sculptors, is dedicated to the Turkish security forces. A quote at the bottom of the statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of Turkey, reads “Türk, Öğün, Çalış, Güven!” (“Turkey, Pride, Labor, Trust!”)

Spending time or shopping at the many bookstores and shops spread throughout the neighborhood is also quite enjoyable. Due to the lack of transportation, the Karanfil and Yüksel streets are great places to stroll and get a taste of local life, and admire the sculpture Hittite Sun Course Monument on Sihhiye Square, which is an icon. prominent statue of the city's ancient roots. Built by Turkish sculptor Nusret Suman, the monument is a replica of the Hittite symbol found in the tombs of the kings of the Hittite empire. The original icons can be found at Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Kizilay has many affordable chain restaurants and cafes around the vicinity, but only a few are popular with the locals. One of these places is Urfali Hayrag'nin Yeri, a casual restaurant with more than 20 types of barbecue - from classic Adana and Urfa kebabs to unique Abuhannus kebabs with söğürtme (a Hatay dish with grilled eggplants. , tomato, onion, and garlic) topped with the kebab.

Address:Urfali Hayrag'nin Yeri, Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Bayindir-1 Sk, No 9, Ankara, Turkey

Phone: +90 312 432 08 28

Another great place to dine is Göksu Lokantasi, which has been a favorite of businessmen, government officials and celebrities for years. The restaurant is very popular but is decorated quite simply, perhaps because the real highlight is its excellent Turkish food, which includes everything from the long list of hearty kebabs to the artisanal meat or vegetable dishes of the day, such as kurufasulye pilav (Turkish-style beans stew with rice).

Address: Göksu Lokantasi, 100 Yıl Mahallesi, Küçükesat Mahallesi, Nenehatun Cd, No 5, Ankara, Turkey

Phone: +90 312 437 52 52