From the Ankara Tourism Master Plan
The master plan inventories heritage sites and natural areas across Ankara that hold real tourism potential yet remain idle or unrestored — from a Hittite city excavation to a mosaic said to outsize Zeugma’s. These are the places it flags first.
Sites the master plan lists for restoration, promotion and infrastructure investment.
High priorityReported to hold floor mosaics outnumbering even Zeugma in scale, the ancient city remains closed to visitors. The master plan calls this one of the capital’s greatest unexploited heritage assets.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityLocated in Oyaca near Gölbaşı, this 5,000-year-old mound hosts Ankara’s only Hittite city excavation, revealing monumental buildings, cyclopean stone walls and hieroglyphic seal impressions.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityA pristine wetland positioned directly on the migratory bird flyway, frequented by ornithologists in spring and autumn yet still largely undiscovered by the public.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.High priorityOffering expansive waters, sailing, canoeing, shoreline camping and recreation potential, the dam coast remains one of the province’s most underused natural escapes.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityWith its open-air amphitheatre, historic music hall and heritage workshops, this landmark of early Republican education is earmarked for transformation into a living campus museum.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.High prioritySlated by the municipality for conversion into a boutique heritage inn, this stone mansion will introduce a distinct cultural stop in thermal-rich Haymana.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityPlanned for adaptive reuse as a living memory museum in the spirit of Ulucanlar, the historic facility will provide a strong cultural focal point for Haymana.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityEnvisioned hot-air balloon flights over Gordion and the Phrygian steppe will bring a Cappadocia-style aerial sightseeing experience directly into Ankara.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityFollowing the ancient Royal Road of Persian and Roman antiquity, this route establishes Polatlı as a hub for alternative cultural trekking and archaeology tours.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityResembling Cappadocia with striking volcanic tuff formations and scenic trails, Abacı ranks among Ankara’s most unique geomorphological open-air landscapes.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityFeaturing Early Christian rock-hewn churches, monastic chambers and subterranean shelters, this site mirrors the deep troglodyte history of central Anatolia.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.High priorityEnclosed by deep pine woodlands, this mountain pond is prioritized in the master plan for canoeing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and low-impact eco-camping.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityOverlooking the sweeping Ayaş valley with ideal thermal wind corridors, Kumludoruk serves as Ankara’s premier launch point for paragliding and aerial sports.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityA conservation sanctuary celebrating Ankara’s Five Endemic Whites (Angora Cat, Angora Goat, Angora Rabbit, Angora Pigeon, Ankara Crocus) and rare native flora.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.High priorityWith native hazel groves, crystal springs and sheer limestone gorges, this canyon provides the closest pristine trekking and canyoning corridor to central Ankara.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
High priorityA scenic 106 km rural cycling corridor skirting the waters of Lake Çayırhan against the backdrop of the Rainbow Hills and Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.
Medium priorityRecommended for museum conversion due to its monumental Ottoman timber craftsmanship, this mansion anchors Kalecik’s historic civil quarter.
Listed as a medium-priority site in the master plan.Medium priorityBelieved to connect along the karst line to Tulumtaş Cave, this underground cavern awaits formal speleological charting and illuminated tourist pathways.
Listed as a medium-priority site in the master plan.High priorityOverlooking the infinite white expanse of Lake Tuz and its breeding flamingo colonies, this observation terrace is a cornerstone for sunset eco-tourism.
Listed as a high-priority site in the master plan.Medium priorityEquipped with ziplines, high-rope obstacle courses, woodland campsites and caravan facilities set deep in fragrant highland pine forests.
Listed as a medium-priority site in the master plan.