The region's history goes back to the Bronze-Age Hatti Civilization, which was succeeded in the 2nd millennium B.C., followed by the Hittites, then the Phrygians (10th century B.C.), Lydians and Persians. After these came the Galatians, a Celtic race who were the first to make, Ankara their capital(3rd century B.C.). It was then known as Ancyra, meaning 'anchor', one of the oldest words in the language of the sea-loving Celts. The city subsequently fell to the Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks under Alpaslan in 1073,and then, under Yildirim Beyazit, to the Ottomans in 1402,who remained in control until the First World War. The city was an important cultural, trading, center on the caravan route to the east in Ottoman times. It  had declined in importance by the nineteenth century. It again became an important center when Kemal Ataturk chose it as the base from which to direct the War of Liberation By consequence of its role in the war and its strategic position, it was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th,1923.

Antkabir (Ataturk Mausoleum): Located on an imposing hill in the Anittepe quarter of the city stands the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Completed in 1953,it is an impressive fusion of ancient and modern architectural ideas and remains unsurpassed as an accomplishment of modern Turkish architecture. There is a museum housing a superior wax statue of Ataturk; writings, letters and items belonging to Ataturk, as well as an exhibition of photographs recording important moments in his life and in the establishment of the republic.

The museum of Anatolian Civilizations is close to the citadel entrance, an old bedesten (covered bazaar) has been beautifully restored and now houses a marvelous and unique collection of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Roman works, and showpiece Lydian treasures.

Ankara citadel: The foundations of the citadel were laid by the Galatians on a prominent lava outcrop, and completed by the Romans. The Byzantines and Seljuks made restorations and additions. The area around and inside the citadel being the oldest part of Ankara, many fine examples of traditional architecture can be seen within its walls. Many restored traditional Turkish houses in the area of the citadel have found new life as restaurants, serving local and international dishes and wine.

Source: Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Culture and Tourism