Why is Ankara the Capital of Turkey and not Istanbul?

Istanbul is Turkey’s most unique city due to its transcontinental nature. It is also the country's economic powerhouse and boasts a rich historical heritage extending across centuries and three empires. 

To add to this, Istanbul is also the tourism hub of Turkey, with millions visiting this ancient city every year. Over 10 million tourists have visited Istanbul in the first 7 months of 2024 alone. These are all the reasons why many seem to think Istanbul is the capital of Turkey. 

But what may come as a surprise to many is that the capital city of Turkey is actually Ankara. 

If you are wondering “Why Ankara is the capital of Turkey and not Istanbul?” we have the answer in this blog. 

Why is Ankara the capital city?

Istanbul was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. However, after the abolishment of the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Turkey was established. Ankara became the new capital instead of Istanbul. The name of Ankara comes from “Ancyra” which is a Celtic word that means “Anchor”. So, here are some reasons why Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey.

The Birth of  a Modern Republic

Ankara also has an extensive history as the city has existed since the Bronze Age. Additionally, Ankara was the center of arts and culture during the Roman Empire. 

This scenic city, blanketed by mountains, was selected by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as the main base for the War of Independence and was later made the capital in 1923, symbolizing the birth of a new modern and secular republic. 

Since then, Ankara has progressed and developed drastically and its population has also grown significantly which is why it has emerged as one of the major cities in Turkey. 

Ankara’s Strategic Location

Historically, the location of Anakara has always had a massive significance due to its position in Central Anatolia which has resulted in it being considered as a hub for trade and commerce. 

While Istanbul’s status as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires was largely due to how close it was to Europe and its location near the Bosphorus Strait, Ankara had a much elevated position which made this city a strategic barrier against foreign invaders. 

Ankara was made the capital city because this city isn’t as vulnerable to foreign attacks since it is far from the borders and therefore offers more protection for the capital city. 

A Symbol of Rebirth and Progress

Once Istanbul was replaced with Ankara as the capital city, Ataturk laid the foundation of a progressive nation founded on the principles of secularism and democracy. This marked the end of the Ottoman Empire and its imperial legacy. 

Encouraging Development

Making Ankara the capital meant the improvement and development of the core areas of the country, leading to the growth and prosperity of the rest of the country. 

Map of Turkey

From Ankara to Istanbul, Turkey is a majestic country with all four seasons and diverse terrains. Looking at the map of Turkey, one realizes that this country is one of the very few in the world that has extreme geographical diversity and such stark variety in culture. 

Turkey consists of seven different regions. These include the Black Sea, Marmara, Aegean, the Mediterranean region, as well as Eastern, Central, and Southeastern Anatolia. 

In the Marmara region, the famous city of Istanbul sits, straddling across two continents. 

In the west of Turkey, the Aegean region has the historical sights of Ephesus and Pamukkale as well as popular holiday destinations such as Bodrum and Marmaris. 

The Mediterranean region boasts the stunning Turkish Riviera and Antalya famous for its sparkling beaches. 

Central Anatolia is home to the dreamy Capadoccia with its fairy chimneys and hot air balloons. On the other hand, the Black Sea region is where the picturesque cities of Trabzon, Rize, and Samsun are. 

Eastern Anatolia is well-known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty. It includes provinces such as Van, Maltaya, Erzurum, Elazığ, Bingöl, etc. With an approximate area of 164,330 km2, Eastern Anatolia has the largest geographical area in Turkey. This region is a treasure trove of natural wonders like lakes, rivers, mountain ranges, plains, and plateaus. 

The region is an adventurer's paradise. It boasts historical remnants of the Seljuk dynasty and Ottoman Empire. Its rich history and tradition are reflected in the tourist attractions in the region including the Van Castle, Ani ruins, Ishaq Pasha Palace, Harput Waterfall, and Mount Ararat, to name a few.

Southeastern Anatolia constitutes cities like Şanlıurfa, Batman, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Mardin, and Adiyaman. It is a mix of several types of terrain including lush grasslands, forests, woodlands, etc. It is also the second smallest region of Turkey geographically. Tourists flock to the area to visit stunning historical and cultural sites and architecture. This region of Anatolia offers an exquisite amalgamation of Kurdish, Arab, and Turkish influences and heritage.

When did Ankara become the capital of Turkey?

Ankara is the second-largest city, following Istanbul, and became the capital of Turkey in 1923, after the Turkish War of Independence. 

Why is Istanbul more popular than Ankara?

• Population-wise, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with a population of 15 million as of 2023. 
• Compared to Ankara, Istanbul is much more famous globally, largely due to its history of being the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and its rich historical and cultural heritage. 
• It also has the unique features of spanning two continents: Europe and Asia. 
• Istanbul's transcontinental position has made it the headquarters for many major trade and commerce companies. 
• Istanbul is also a hotspot for prestigious universities that receive thousands of foreign students every year. The most renowned universities in Istanbul include Istanbul University, Koc University, Sabanci University, etc. 
• Istanbul is also considered a major hub for maritime trade due to its position on the Bosphorus Strait.
• The architecture of Istanbul is a large reason why the city is one of the most popular among foreigners. Its vibrant and extensive history is displayed through its stunning ancient architecture. Historical sites such as the 16th-century Blue Mosque as well as the ancient Basilica Cistern are great examples of the fascinating history of Istanbul.
• As a city that dominates the local tourism sector, Istanbul is frequented by people from all over the world due to its historical sites, shopping malls, and parks. 
• While Ankara's importance lies in its being the base of the parliament, and the center of all government activity, Istanbul’s popularity remains in its charm as an eye-catching city where history meets modernity as exhibited by the many ancient monuments, and contemporary skyscrapers. 
• Istanbul also has one of the largest airports in Europe; The Istanbul Airport. It was formally opened in 2018 and has connectivity with hundreds of destinations. 
• Istanbul is also a paradise for shopping lovers as the city boasts some of the most upscale shopping malls in the country. Zorlu Shopping Centre, Venezia Mall, and Kanyon Shopping Centre stand out for their wide selection of international stores and luxury stores. 

Interesting Facts About Ankara

Here are some interesting facts about Ankara that you probably didn’t know:

• While Ankara is a fairly modern city, it has certain landmarks that reflect its magnificent history and its modern identity. The Mausoleum of Ataturk located in Anitkabir is the perfect example as it features an architectural style that is inspired by the city’s vast history. 
• As the capital city, Ankara has embassies of different countries and is home to various ministries of the government.
• The “Turkish Angora” which is an ancient breed of natural cats is also said to have originated in present-day Ankara. 
• Ankara is quite a massive city, having a land area of 25,632 km2. 
• Ankara enjoys an optimal position in the country as the city acts as an entry point to different parts of Turkey. 
• Ankara is also a hub for technology and hosts many startups and even research centers. 
• Istanbul isn’t the only city with top-of-the-line medical facilities. Ankara also has a highly developed medical sector with modern hospitals such as the Ankara City Hospital.
• This city has its own film festival, the Ankara International Film Festival where filmmakers from around the globe participate.
• Adding to this, Ankara in general has a vibrant festival scene which includes the International Ankara Jazz Festival, the International Ankara Music Festival, the International Ankara Theatre Festival, etc. 
• The city also has an old town called Ulus that features historic monuments that represent the unique Ottoman architecture.
• The largest mosque in Ankara is the Kocatepe Mosque which is one of its most iconic structures as its construction took about 20 years to complete and it can accommodate 24000 worshipers. 
• Another lesser-known fact is that Ankara also houses a cave city called Gavurkale, the origins of which are linked back to the Hittite and Phrygian periods. This place is a delight for all history lovers as it is a remarkably well-preserved ancient site offering a peak into the past. 

Conclusion

All-in-all, Turkey is an incredible destination to explore and an even better place to start a brand new life for foreigners who want to live in a country abundant in natural scenery, a pleasant climate, and stunning attractions. 

Thinking of moving to Turkey and buying a home? Get all the help you need from our team at Prime Property Turkey so we can help you jumpstart your property hunt to enable you to buy an exquisite home that is perfect both investment-wise and for your lifestyle. 

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