VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Ankara has been the capital of the Republic of Turkey since October 13, 1923. The city is the country's political and administrative centre and second most populated city after Istanbul. Ankara is located on a plateau in the central part of the Anatolian Peninsula 900 to 950 metres above the sea level.
Although Ankara was first mentioned in documents dated 3rd century B.C., archeologists say the settlement existed during the Hittite-Phrygian era around2000 B.C. The name of the city, which was pronounced Anchira in ancient times, is most probably of Celtic (Galatian) origin.
In the late 11th century, the city, then belonging to the Byzantine Empire, was captured by the Seljuk Turks who came from the East, and later became part of the Ottoman Empire.
Before Ankara was declared the capital, it had been a provincial town with a population as small as 20,000 people. Currently, the city‘s population is over 4 million, second after Istanbul.
The main landmarks of Ankara include the Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Museum, Anatolian Civilizations Museum, Ethnography Museum, Ancient Rome-era ruins, Ankara Fortress, Grand National Assembly of Turkey Museum, the Alaeddin Mosque, Maltepe, Kocatepe, Khaji Bairam and Kurşunlu mosques. The Ankara Province includes the ruins of the city of Gordion (Gordium), which once was the capital of the ancient Phrygian state. The modern-day icon of Ankara is the 125 metre-high Atakule Tower built in the early 1990's in the southern part of the city, which features a restaurant and an observation deck.
The city is the location of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, ÇankayaPresidential Residence and the Prime Minister's residence, as well of the government Ministries and the military headquarters.
The city is a major educational and cultural centre, and is home to Ankara University, Middle East Technical University, Hacettepe University, Gazi University and the country's first privately-owned university, Bilkent.
Ankara hosts the State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Presidential Symphony Orchestra, a conservatory, at least 10 public and privately-owned drama theatres, several major and many small art galleries. The Ankara International Music Festival and International Children's Festival are held each spring.
The Ankara Province accounts for 20% of Turkey's total industrial manufacturing base. The city's main sources of employment are public and municipal office, industry, trade, agriculture, construction and consumer services. Transport links with the rest of the country is via motorway, air routes and railways. Ankara hosts the country's main private business association, the Union of Trade and Industry Chambers and Commodity Exchanges.
The diplomatic service includes about 100 embassies, missions and international organization offices.
