These Instagrammers Have Captured Ankara's Spirit Perfectly

Kuğulu Park in Tunalı is one of the best places to read a book and look out over the small man-made lake.

https://instagram.com/p/BSGwfNjFcfe/

When the weather is rainy and gray, the colors of Ankara’s houses, as well as the mosque minarets, contrast beautifully.

https://instagram.com/p/BRiicoWlNyE/

Ankara’s simit sellers are famous for carrying the sesame covered pastries on their heads for hours.

https://instagram.com/p/BJxH8nAhAbB/

In the spring the city’s parks are full of blooming flowers that sometimes obstruct the view (of Atakule).

https://instagram.com/p/BPAkuwWgES7/

The Ankara Castle looks out over Ankara’s old city, where renovated Ottoman style houses speak of the past.

https://instagram.com/p/BPVfxQFhTRX/

Just like Istanbul, Ankara’s adorable cats can be found all over the city, looking like they own the place!

https://instagram.com/p/BOPtyyPB9UI/

The stunning Victory Monument in Ulus Square was designed by Austrian sculptor Heinrich Krippel in 1927.

https://instagram.com/p/BQdNWUalhAu/

The beautiful Güven Anıtı in Güvenpark was created by Austrian sculptors Anton Hanak and Joseph Thorak in 1935.

https://instagram.com/p/BF3ntsnLt7f/

Looking out over the snow covered trees, Anıtkabir (the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk) is even more striking.

https://instagram.com/p/BBhboeYLau2/

The Kızılay neighborhood is always lively, especially when there’s a celebration on the streets.

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When the New Year rolls around the whole city is decorated with lights that stand out in the snow.

https://instagram.com/p/BOr3PZfABuw/

Ankara’s Gençlik Parkı (Youth Park) has been around since 1943, it’s a nostalgic place for many locals.

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In the winter, the city’s many trees turn completely white as they carry the weight of the season’s heavy snowfalls.

https://instagram.com/p/BO4HQoWgyU5/

Ankara is full of romance when there’s a beautiful sunset over the city.

https://instagram.com/p/BNRO4uzgQhA/

One of the city’s many striking architectural features, the İş Bankası building in Ulus was built in 1929 by Giulio Mongeri.

https://instagram.com/p/BLOg_OcA45z/