Ankara
Why are centres like Ankara so
important?
Most visitors coming to Turkey use the
international airports of Istanbul,
Ankara or Izmir. During the last few
years, Antalya has also become more
important. The reason for this goes back
in history. Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir
have their own special connections to
history and because of that have been
important in trade and business for
centuries.
With the ending of World War I and the
foundation of the Turkish Republic,
these cities developed into centres of
social, cultural and economic growth.
Apart from them being industrial and
commercial centres, they have a long
tradition in education with superb
universities, theatres, conservatories
and schools.
Lot of ethnic and religious minorities
live in towns like this, holding
important jobs in the government or in
the private economy. They are part of a
mosaic of people from different
backgrounds which is so typical of Asia
Minor. Celebrities, actors, journalists,
poets and writers meet in their bars.
Young people meet in coffee bars
discussing the future of their land or
commenting on what is happening now.
Intellectuals have given up their
revolutionary ideas of the sixties and
reduced them to the classical question:
?What will be and when?? which is now
discussed over beer and wine.
Turkish intellectuals, both men and
women, have many characteristics which
are common everywhere in the world. They
are open, talented, well-travelled,
speak different languages and are always
happy to discuss their opinions. They
can be helpful and happy partners for
you on your travels.
What you should bear in mind is that,
deep in their hearts, they share common
beliefs with other Turkish people,
whether you are discussing loyalty to
the country and the society, family
unity, or fairness and respect for
traditions. Remember this and you will
find they will become close friends.