City Life
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As the capital city and as the second largest city in the country, Ankara is an ideal environment with its cultural and historical richness as well as social opportunities. It is the center of the Turkish Government, and houses all foreign embassies. It is an important crossroads of trade, strategically located at the center of Turkey‘s highway and railway networks, and serves as the marketing center for the surrounding agricultural area. The city was famous for its longhaired Angora goat and its prized wool (mohair), a unique breed of cat (Angora cat), white rabbits and their prized wool (Angora wool), pears, honey, and the region’s muscat grapes.
In Ankara, there are different opportunities for students to improve themselves. Many cinemas, theaters, painting and art galleries are in the service of art lovers in Ankara. In addition to these, it is possible to watch the ballet and opera shown by “State Opera &Ballet”, listen to concerts of the Classical Turkish Music Choir and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and watch the performance of the State Folk Dance Ensemble.
Gordion, Çatalhöyük and Beypazarı, which are important milestones of the Anatolian history and culture, are centers that can be visited on a daily basis. In and around the historical Ankara Castle, the city’s original urban plan can be seen. In mansions and inns that be restaurants, it is possible to taste delicious meals of Turkish Cuisine and to drink Turkish coffee.
Wonders of nature such as Abant, Yedigöller, and Ilgaz are very close to Ankara. Elmadağ House of Ski is only a few kilometers away from Ankara. Ayaş and Haymana Spa, which cure many diseases, can be used daily.
One can have picnic near the lakes of the Dams of Çubuk, Hirfanlı and Kurtboğazı and near Eymir Lake and go camping in the Bayındır Camping Centre.
Leisure Time Activities
Ankara University offers to students many opportunities for their leisure time. All sports facilities of Ankara University are open to all students. The University has 5 sport facilities, 2 small football fields, 2 carpet football fields, rowing facilities in Gölbaşı Campus, house of ski in Elmadağ Campus, center for water sports in Manavgat/Side Çolaklı Recreation Center, many basketball and volleyball fields and one tennis court; in every School and Faculty there are rooms for table tennis. In addition to these, there are two recreational facilities, one of which is in Side Çolaklı and the other is in Ilgaz. The Faculties reward every year successful students with vacation in these recreational areas.
At the university, courses and competitions, which all the faculties and schools attend, are arranged in the fields of athletics, basketball, football, handball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis in “sport festivals” especially during spring time. Furthermore, there are 3 fitness centers. Students can register and go to fitness centers with a very low monthly fee.
It’s also possible for students to have a 10 days holiday and camping in Manavgat/Çolaklı a summer vacation resort at the Mediterranean) and Ilgaz (winter sports center).