How to Pronounce Ankara

Meaning and Context

Ankara, the capital city of the Republic of Turkey, stands as the nation's second-largest metropolis and its undisputed administrative and political heart. Located in the central Anatolia region, it was strategically chosen by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to serve as the capital in 1923, following the fall of the Ottoman Empire, symbolizing the new republic's modern, secular, and forward-looking identity. Beyond its governmental role, Ankara is a major cultural and educational hub, home to landmarks like the monumental Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir), the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations housing Hittite and Phrygian artifacts, and numerous universities and foreign embassies. The city seamlessly blends ancient history, from its Roman Temple of Augustus, with its contemporary status as a center for diplomacy, aerospace industries, and a bustling urban life distinct from Istanbul's coastal allure, making it an essential destination for understanding Turkey's political history and central Anatolian culture.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling "Ankara" is consistent in English and Turkish, though the city was historically known in the West as "Angora," a name derived from the Byzantine Greek "Ánkyra." This older name persists in references to specific local products, most notably the Angora cat, the Angora rabbit (source of mohair), and the Angora goat (source of luxurious angora wool). Common misspellings and typos include "Ankra" (dropping the middle 'a'), "Ankura" (adding a 'u'), and "Ankora" (confusing it with the historical 'Angora'). In Turkish, the city name is always capitalized, and the distinctive dotted 'ı' in the Turkish alphabet is not used in its Anglicized form.

Example Sentences

After the Turkish War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey made the strategic decision to designate Ankara as the new capital.

Visitors to the city often begin their exploration at the solemn and imposing Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Although Istanbul is more famous internationally, Ankara's significance lies in its concentration of government ministries, parliament, and diplomatic missions.

The renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara provides an unparalleled journey through millennia of history, from Paleolithic to Classical eras.

The contrast between the ancient Roman ruins in the Ulus district and the modern skyscrapers of the Çankaya district illustrates Ankara's unique evolution.

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