House Removals to Turkey – Ankara
With its comparatively low cost of living, warm climate and welcoming people, Turkey is increasingly a go-to place for people considering retirement in a foreign country. There are also plenty of opportunities for working people too. Here The Moving Partnership, who offer both commercial and domestic removals to Ankara, put the spotlight on the country’s capital.
The History and Heritage
Over the centuries, Ankara has been under the rule of many different empires. Originally the city was part of the Roman Empire, then the Byzantine, and – from the 15th century onwards - the Ottoman Empire.
After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War (it was allied to the German side) Ankara became the capital of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, a status it still enjoys today.
The city has a population of around 5 million, making it the country’s second-largest city after Istanbul (pop. 15 million). In the past, Ankara was known as Angora in many European languages. This spelling is preserved today thanks to the Angoran rabbit (famous for its wool), the Angoran goat (famous as the source of mohair), and several other animals.
If you are considering commercial removals to Ankara, the region’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and wine production (particularly the Muscat grape). In more recent years, the defence and aerospace industries have become more important, and many city residents are government employees.
Turkey lies on active fault lines and earthquakes are frequent; however, Ankara was some distance away from the centre of the February 2023 earthquake (which also affected large parts of Syria). Last month another series of tremors hit the country; while some buildings suffered minor damage, there were no reports of any serious injuries.
Getting There and Getting Around
Ankara Esenboga International Airport (ESB) is about 28 km northeast of the city and is very modern, having been completed in 2007. There aren’t that many direct international flights, so you may have to fly via Istanbul. The best way into the city from the airport is by bus, which runs every 20 minutes.
Ankara is also the centre of Turkey’s rail network, with high-speed services to Istanbul and Konya. There’s is plenty of choice when it comes to getting around the city itself too. There are two bus companies who operate in the city (one municipal, one private) and four underground lines, as well as a suburban rail service.
The Main Attractions
As you might expect, given its rich and varied historical past, there are plenty of ancient monuments to admire in Ankara. Roman baths were uncovered during an excavation in the 1930s and 40s, which are now open to the public as an open-air museum.
To find examples of Ottoman architecture, which is notable for its domes and arches, visit the Hamamönü quarter in the Alt?nda? district. The houses are all examples of Turkish civil architecture from the 19th century.
However, the Byzantine influence is less easy to spot, with the most notable survivor (the remains of St Clement Church) being overshadowed by high-rise buildings and urban sprawl.
To get an overview of the city’s history, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. The city’s most visited attraction, however, is the modern Mausoleum of Ataturk, completed in 1953 and pictured above. It is the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic.
For a spot of culture, try the Ankara State Opera House, which is also home to performances by the State Ballet and Theatre Companies. And for something more family-friendly, try visiting Gençlik Park, which has a large lake and various promenades lined by fountains and manicured gardens. The southeast corner of the park is home to Luna Park, which has amusement park rides, including a Ferris wheel, two roller coasters, and plenty of gentler rides for younger children.
Eating Out and Shopping Around
The main shopping area, Kizilay, is considered the heart of the city. If you are after books or clothes, you should find them in abundance here. For those who prefer to visit somewhere a little more upmarket, try the Karum shopping mall (between the city’s Sheraton and Hilton hotels) for designer boutiques and expensive perfume. There are also plenty of street markets, particularly in and around the Sakarya Caddesi district.
As for eating out, there are plenty of different types of kebabs to try. However, a lot of meat is slow cooked in a tandoor oven, including the signature lamb dish Kuzu Tandir, which is usually served with a garland of rice or mashed potatoes.
Removals to Ankara with The Moving Partnership
Whether your planned move is large or small, domestic or commercial, The Moving Partnership can provide you with a competitively priced package that meets all your individual needs.
For more information about our house removals to Turkey, follow this link. You can get in touch with us by filling in the contact form on the right-hand side of the page.
