What is the capital of Turkey?
Turkey's capital is Ankara, located in central Anatolia. This city of 5.7 million inhabitants has been the country's political and administrative center since 1923, replacing Istanbul in this role.
Ankara, political capital since 1923
Ankara became the capital of Turkey in 1923, under the impetus of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic. This decision aimed to shift the center of power towards the interior of the country, away from the former imperial capital Istanbul.
A metropolis of 5.7 million inhabitants
Located in central Anatolia, Ankara today has 5.7 million inhabitants in its urban area. The city is home to:
- The seat of the Turkish government and Parliament
- The main institutions: ministries, embassies, universities
- Atatürk's mausoleum (Anıtkabir), an emblematic monument
- A diversified economic sector: industry, services, technologies
Key takeaways
Many travelers still think that Istanbul is the Turkish capital, because of its economic and cultural importance. Ankara remains, however, the true political heart of the country.