Ankara Audio Tour: An Intimate Audio Voyage Through Ankara's Icons

You’ll spot the Statue of Peace right ahead, standing tall in the middle of the pedestrian area, where a young man and woman reach their arms to the sky together-and if you see a flurry of pigeons at their feet, you’re in the right place! Now, let’s step into a story set in 1979 Ankara, where the city was buzzing with hopes for peace, and people everywhere were dreaming of a new beginning. Imagine you’re here on Sakarya Street, and amongst the chatter and the hum of the city, an incredible stone sculpture has just taken its place. This is the work of Burhan Alkar, a sculptor with stone dust on his hands and a big idea in his heart: to build a monument for peace. But not just any old peace! Look closely at the figures-there’s a young woman and a young man, side by side, balancing on their toes like they’re about to leap right off the pavement. Their hands are stretched high above their heads, and together they launch a dove into the blue Ankara sky. If you listen closely (well, okay, maybe just use your imagination), you might even catch their laughter mixing with the flutter of wings. This statue isn’t only about standing still. It’s about movement, hope, and two ordinary people daring to set a dove-and maybe their dreams-free. In a world where peace can sometimes feel as hard to catch as, well, a pigeon in this square, this statue reminds us that peace is something you build together, stone by stone, hand in hand.

To spot Red Crescent Square, look for a huge glass-and-concrete shopping center boldly labeled “Kızılay,” with tall neighboring buildings decorated in Turkish flags and busy streams of people flowing past the intersection. Now you’re in the very heart of Ankara! Here, the veins of the city-Ziya Gökalp Avenue, Atatürk Boulevard, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Boulevard-all come crashing together, like three great rivers meeting at a single roaring point. If you stand still for a second, you might almost hear the pulse of the city. Welcome to Red Crescent Square, or as the locals have always called it: Kızılay Meydanı. Why “Red Crescent,” you wonder? Well, nearly a century ago, back in 1929, the Turkish Red Crescent built its headquarters right on this very spot. Even though the original building has disappeared-now replaced by this dazzling shopping center that seems to stretch into the sky-the name stuck like honey to bread. Generations of Ankara residents have come here to shop, meet friends, or simply let time flow by as buses and metros rush underneath their feet. But the square’s history isn’t all about consumer paradise and coffee breaks! Oh no, Kızılay is the stage where Turkey’s big stories unfold. Whenever there’s a national holiday-the sort that sends waves of color and laughter through the streets-it’s here that parades kick off, marching bands boom, and crowds cheer together. Picture an ocean of people, banners fluttering, voices raised in song. Sometimes, though, the mood turns tense. Kızılay has been at the center of some of the most dramatic moments in Turkish history. In 1960, it was here that brave students confronted Prime Minister Adnan Menderes, their chants echoing off the buildings, making democracy feel raw and real. Civil protests, rallies, and gatherings-this square draws together people from every corner of the city, and sometimes even from all around the nation. One of the things that makes Kızılay so unique is the way it mirrors Ankara’s spirit. The names may change-sometimes after coups, sometimes after dramatic national events. For a time it was Hürriyet Meydanı, the “Freedom Square.” After the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, the city council gave it a new official title: “15 Temmuz Kızılay Millî İrade Meydanı”-the Square of National Will. Yet, no matter what you see on the signposts, everyone just calls it Kızılay. But not all the stories from this place are happy. Not long ago, tragedy struck right on the edge of the square. On a busy evening in March 2016, an explosion rocked Güvenpark and the bus stops nearby, cutting through the usual sounds of life with terror and sorrow. The city was shaken-38 lives lost, many more changed forever. Since then, security has grown tight, and you can still sense a faint tension in the air. Despite every twist and turn, Kızılay endures. It’s where the city celebrates, mourns, protests, and perseveres-a place that never sleeps, never grows old, and never loses its heartbeat. So as you stand here, look around and soak up the energy. You’re not just crossing a square; you’re stepping right into the living history of modern Ankara. And if you hear a distant shout or a bus horn, remember: that’s just Kızılay, welcoming you to its dance.

In front of you, you’ll see a busy boulevard lined with tall office and apartment buildings and plenty of yellow taxis; to spot the location, look for the intersection next to a green park area just off the main road, with traffic buzzing all around and a large cluster of bus stops nearby. Now, pause here for a moment - you’re standing at a spot that looks like just another busy city corner, but it holds the weight of a story that changed Ankara forever. Picture it: it’s a regular Sunday evening in March 2016. This area, Atatürk Boulevard near Güvenpark, is always alive, packed with commuters waiting for buses, rush-hour conversations mingling with the hum of engines and footsteps. On that day, just as people were heading home, chatting on phones or looking for their next ride, the everyday city noise was shattered by a roaring explosion. A car packed with explosives targeted the very buses that so many relied on. The blast tore through the area, shattering windows, knocking over trees, and leaving cars and a bus twisted and burning - the echo of that moment is hard to imagine standing here now, but if you listen closely, you can almost sense the shift from the chaotic energy of city life to a stunned, terrible silence. At least 37 lives were lost, with over a hundred more injured - people just like those you might see now, waiting by the curb, hurrying under the trees, or returning from football matches. A father of two who was just trying to get home, a student who dreamed of teaching, a volunteer who helped children, a taxi driver finishing his shift, and young students bursting with plans for the future - all caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some had only just stepped off the metro, others were waiting to catch their ride home. In their memory, things like science clubs, art projects, and even parks for children sprang up so their dreams could live on even after that terrible day. Security in Ankara was already tight, with threats lurking and warnings sent out - but no one expected the horror to strike here, in the very heart of the capital, at one of the most crowded intersections right by the metro and Ankaray stations. Bans on media coverage followed quickly, as authorities rushed to keep panic at bay and investigations secret - but it only made people’s anxiety sharper, as Facebook and Twitter ground to a halt, and the city held its breath. And like a plot from a suspenseful detective story, the police had been searching for suspicious cars, gathering whispers from intelligence. Even the US embassy had warned its citizens of potential threats, though they guessed a different neighborhood. In the end, a bomb-laden BMW appeared among the crowd, changing the city in a heartbeat. Responsibility was claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks a few days later, in the midst of Turkey’s struggle with militant groups and unrest in the southeast. The group offered a chilling apology for civilian casualties, warning such losses might continue. It was the third major attack in Ankara within just six months - the city’s nerves already stretched, its people worn down but still unbowed. The aftermath echoed through every corner of life here. Fighter jets thundered away for reprisals, while arrests swept across provinces. The economy barely blinked, but in homes and on the streets, fear and sorrow settled in long after the shock faded. Stores went quiet, and even the ever-hopeful shopkeepers wondered aloud when laughter and crowds would return. Official reactions poured in - from Turkish leaders vowing unity to journalists and politicians calling for remembrance, and international voices defending the hope for peace from Argentina to Australia. And yet, here where you stand, the real mark of history is in the invisible layer of stories - of school children, parents, friends, and everyday people whose journeys ended where yours continues down this very street. It’s a place of heavy memory, but also a symbol of resilience, reminding everyone in Ankara - and all of us visiting today - that tragedy leaves a shadow, yes, but also a stubborn ray of hope each time the city moves forward, one day at a time. Want to explore the background, attack or the victims in more depth? Join me in the chat section for a detailed discussion.

Look ahead for a large stone monument with imposing bronze statues of two men holding symbols of strength and security-if you spot a blocky stone base with dramatic carvings and lots of pigeons, you’ve found Güvenpark and its famous Security Monument. Now, take a deep breath of that city air mixed with a hint of fresh grass-welcome to Güvenpark, an oasis in the very heart of Ankara’s lively Kızılay neighborhood. If you listen closely, you’ll notice the steady hum of city buses and the cheerful calls of children running across the park, but behind all this bustle lies nearly a century of history and emotion. Picture the 1930s-a time when Ankara was still shaking off its sleepy village past and racing to embrace its new destiny as the capital. The great German planner Hermann Jansen rolled out his urban blueprint, and smack in the middle was this patch of green: a place meant for pedestrians, bikers, and nature-lovers, bringing a breath of fresh air to a rapidly growing city. It wasn’t long before the park took on its grand role as a city retreat-if only those trees could gossip, they’d have stories of giggling children, lunching office workers, and more than a few lovestruck teenagers. But don’t let the trees steal all the spotlight-the real showstopper here is just in front of you. Behold, the Security Monument, created by Austrian artists Anton Hanak and finished by Josef Thorak (who really had to chisel away after Hanak’s untimely passing). The monument’s broad stone base stretches a whopping 37 meters, and those bronze figures? They tower at 6 meters high-imagine the workout lugging those muscles around all day! The sculptures themselves aren’t just for show. They’re dedicated to Turkish security forces-the folks who keep order and peace, looking tough but, you know, probably just wanting a cup of tea like everyone else. Carved across the monument, you’ll see scenes of people from all walks of life-soldiers, artists, blacksmiths, kids, and yes, even those quick-footed paramedics who make everything look easy. Young, strong figures leap out from the foreground, while older, wiser faces linger behind-symbolizing Turkey’s proud transition from its past to its hopeful future. In fact, if you wander around, you might spot Atatürk himself, flanked by youthful companions, all gazing into a world of possibilities. There’s even a little wisdom inscribed here: "Türk, Öğün, Çalış, Güven!" ("Turk, boast, work, trust!"). Maybe not the snappiest slogan for a t-shirt, but packed with spirit. Of course, this park and monument have seen their share of drama. By the 1950s, the rush of traffic and the insatiable appetite for more bus stops nibbled away at the park’s peaceful spaces. The tranquil oasis was gradually invaded by dolmuş stops, metro entrances, and ventilation shafts. Twice in the past decade, the monument felt the sting of trouble-graffiti during protests in 2013, and worse still, shrapnel wounds from the chaos of the 2016 coup attempt. Each time, Ankara’s authorities lovingly patched it back up, determined to let history endure. And there’s more. In 2016, a shadow fell across Güvenpark. It was a typical evening, people rushing for buses home. Suddenly, a car bomb exploded near the bus stops at 18:45. The shock echoed through Ankara. Thirty-seven lives were lost, over a hundred injured-a tragedy that left the city holding its breath and asking hard questions. Was the attack intended for the security forces stationed here? People wondered, but the true answer remains lost among the city’s whispers. Yet even as time moves on and tram bells and police radios mark each passing day, Güvenpark stands firm-still green, still proud, refusing to let its spirit be drowned out by traffic, temptation, or tragedy. If monuments could talk, this one would tell you: through peace or turmoil, this little slice of the city stands as a beacon of hope, trust, and strength. And that’s no small feat, even for a 6-meter-tall bronze hero! So, sit under a tree, watch the pigeons, and remember-sometimes, the heart of a city beats strongest in its open spaces, where history, hope, and hot tea all come together. Intrigued by the location, park or the monument? Explore further by joining me in the chat section below.

To spot the Adnan Ötüken Provincial Public Library, look for a large, earthy red building with crisp white trim and a wide, welcoming entrance supported by a wooden canopy, right across the street and partly shaded by tall trees. Ah, you’ve arrived at one of Ankara’s coziest treasure chests for book lovers-the Adnan Ötüken Provincial Public Library! Now, picture this street not filled with cars and chatter, but echoing with the footsteps of eager readers and the rustle of autumn leaves. The story of this place reads like a gripping novel-full of twists, trouble, and, naturally, a few heroic rescues. Let’s rewind to nearly a century ago, when the idea for a public library in Ankara first fluttered into print on the pages of a popular newspaper, Hâkimiyet-i Milliye, back in 1921. Trouble was, Ankara was more prepared for sheep than for shelves of books! No proper building was ready, so they opened Turkey’s very first public library in a borrowed corner of the Ministry of Education’s ground floor. On July 25, 1922, the library opened its doors-and readers finally had a cozy place to read in the young Republic’s new capital. Planners dreamed up all sorts of ideas-maybe the old Seljuk-era Kızılbey Mosque could be a library? Or perhaps a fresh new building over the ancient Roman Baths? Yet, for years, there simply wasn’t enough space for all those eager bookworms. The library grew and wandered, moving its ever-bulging collection to a spot on Kediseven Street in Ulus. Even there, space ran out. Have you ever tried to fit 500,000 books in a small room? That’s a lot of heavy reading! There were disasters, too-like the great fire of 1947 that wiped out an entire collection left in the ministry’s storerooms. For a while, precious books even took refuge in the storerooms of Ankara Atatürk High School. They finally began building a real home in Cebeci in 1967, but it took until 1972 for the doors to open. Eventually, the library found its permanent place right here, in this fine building designed by architect Paul Bonatz, named in honor of Adnan Cahit Ötüken, the founder of Turkey’s National Library, in 1985. But here’s the plot twist-this isn’t just any library. It’s the most visited public library in Ankara, home to more than half a million items! The collection is sorted by four main themes: books in Arabic script from before Turkey adopted Latin letters, rare handwritten works gathered from closed religious sites, Turkish books printed with Latin script, and all sorts of foreign language materials. If only these walls could talk, imagine the stories they’d share from every corner of the world! And tucked away in the shelves is the jaw-dropping Sillogos Collection-almost 50,000 volumes gifted from the Greek Literature Association in Istanbul, kept safe here instead of heading to Greece after the Republic was founded. Plus, there’s an entire collection from the legendary Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Lodge. So next time you’re searching for a quiet spot or the scent of old pages, remember-this building may look peaceful from the outside, but its story is a real page-turner!

To spot the Human Rights Monument in Ankara, look for a bronze statue of a calm woman sitting on a bench, reading from a paper right where Konur Street meets Yüksel Avenue-she’ll be at the center of the crossroads, beneath the trees. Alright, take a moment here and soak in the scene! Imagine you’re in the heart of Kızılay, and right before you sits a wise, peaceful woman cast in bronze, quietly reading the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Now, don’t be fooled by her stillness-this spot has seen more excitement and drama than a soap opera marathon! Back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, this very intersection became the go-to spot for people wanting to speak up, challenge injustice, or just make their voices heard. The mayor at the time, Doğan Taşdelen, decided, “Hey, why not honor free expression here?” and asked sculptor Metin Yurdanur to create a symbol for it all. Metin imagined a statue as calm as a summer evening, with a thoughtful woman absorbed in her reading-no grand speeches, no raised fists. Just the quiet power of someone standing up for what’s right. The statue first appeared in 1990, but fun fact: it was fiberglass at first, only becoming bronze in 2010! Over the years, this monument became much more than a statue. Protesters, activists, and dreamers gathered around her, whether for human rights, social issues, or sometimes just to eat a sandwich and plot their next move. There’s been tension too-after the 2016 coup attempt, people starting hunger strikes here demanding their jobs back, and for more than a year, metal barriers tried to keep the monument silent. Spoiler alert: Ankara’s spirit doesn’t stay quiet for long! The barriers finally came down in 2018, proving that sometimes, statues do fight back. Now, every time you walk past or see someone gathering here, remember the statue’s history-this isn’t just a patch of bronze. It’s the living, breathing heart of free expression in Ankara. And hey, she’s always here to listen.