Photographing the Lights of Ankara
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Ankara is photographed between two hills and two squares; bring a full card and charged batteries. Meet dawn on the citadel bastions, shoot Hamamönü's bay-windowed lanes and the pigeons of Hacı Bayram in morning light, and catch reflections in the Gençlik Park pool at noon. The afternoon belongs to Anıtkabir's geometry, dusk to the leaves of Kuğulu Park and night to the city lights from Atakule. A wide lens and a tripod will earn their place, and autumn is the best season.
Route Stops
Ankara Castle (Hisar).
Be on the bastions twenty minutes before sunrise; the roofs of Ulus and Anıtkabir in the distance. Early taxi drivers know the way.
Hamamönü.
Bay windows and cobbles in side light; the streets are empty before the cafes open and the frame is yours.
Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque and Tomb.
Pigeons in the square and morning sun on the temple wall; let the seed sellers into the frame too.
Youth Park.
Shoot the noon reflections in the pool and the funfair colours. Even in hard light you will get good frames.
The Monument Cemetery of Independence
Frame the lines of the Lion Road and the symmetry of the plaza. The light between 3 and 4 pm is the best.
The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Anıtkabir, has been built as a large complex with architectural elegance and a historical atmosphere.
Anıtkabir has been designed to reflect Atatürk's legacy and the struggle for independence in all its details. The Monument Block, the Lion Road, the Peace Park, and the museum together offer a multifaceted experience that narrates the history of the Republic to all visitors. The Lion Road at the entrance of Anıtkabir is adorned with large and symbolic statues representing the pride of a nation that does not kneel before colonial power.
Additionally, the Anıtkabir Atatürk and War of Independence Museum stands out with its exhibitions that thoroughly address the founding process of the Republic. The museum houses Atatürk's personal belongings, manuscripts, the original publication of the Nutuk, and photographs left from that era.
Anıtkabir is not only a mausoleum but also a center of history and respect. Every year, millions of visitors come here to pay their respects to the independence hero Atatürk.
Swan Park: Ankara's Peace Stop
Late-afternoon leaves and swans; soft light for portraits, so get a friend to pose.
One of the most popular green spaces in the capital Ankara, Kuğulu Park is an essential stop for those who want to connect with nature in the midst of city life. Located in the Kavaklıdere neighborhood, right next to Tunalı Hilmi Street, this charming park is one of the favorite relaxation spots for Ankarans, especially known for its tranquil atmosphere, the pond famous for its swans, and lush green areas.
Named after the white and black swans, ducks, and geese that inhabit it, Kuğulu Park has been welcoming visitors for years with its nature-friendly structure. The park's pond offers a natural habitat where these elegant birds glide and swim, while the surrounding walking paths and benches provide visitors with a peaceful resting opportunity.
Opened in the 1960s, Kuğulu Park has gradually become one of Ankara's most beloved parks. Especially in the spring and summer months, it is filled with people sitting in the shade of trees reading books, taking photos, and enjoying pleasant moments with their loved ones. The cafes and restaurants around it also complement the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Atakule.
Blue hour; long exposures from the deck, mind the reflection in the glass and bring the lens close to it.
