ANKARA AND BÝLKENT'S
ENVIRONS
The Bilkent campuses are located in a recently developed
suburban area. There is a new shopping mall within walking
distance with many good stores and restaurants.
Also within walking distance is Sports International with state-
of-the-art gym equipment and facilities. This club also has
indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and squash courts
as well as a bar and restaurants.
Bilkent Hotel and Conference Center, which is situated on
the edge of the East Campus, offers all the facilities of a
five-star hotel, including an outdoor swimming pool and
outdoor cinema during the summer months.
Ankara is located in the heart of the Anatolian region and
has been the crossroads of many civilizations dating back
to the Bronze Age. The city owes its existence to its location
at the intersection of north-south and east-west trade routes
across the Anatolian plateau. The late Bronze Age Hittites
and Iron Age Phrygians were the earliest inhabitants who can
be named. The town prospered under the Romans, and
the Temple of Augustus still stands with an important Greek
and Latin inscription recording the deeds of the Emperor
Augustus carved on its outer walls. The Byzantines were
responsible for the fortifications that still guard the citadel.
The Seljuk Turks took the city after 1071. They built the
Arslanhane Mosque, which is located just outside the citadel
walls. Eventually, the Ottomans assumed control and Ankara
remained Ottoman until the end of the empire.
In 1923 Ankara became the capital of the Turkish Republic
under its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Today, modern
Ankara has two centers. Ulus and the adjacent citadel mark
the ancient and medieval town, which has retained its unique
Turkish atmosphere. Old houses and shops selling traditional
crafts and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations give Ulus
and the citadel a traditional picturesque character.
The Ataturk Boulevard, Ankara's main thoroughfare links
Ulus with Kizilay, representing the heart of the modern city.
The road continues south to Cankaya, a district dominated
by the Presidential Palace and where most of the embassies
are situated. Ankara is a modern, well-planned city, with wide
boulevards, parks, restaurants, cultural activities and museums.
The presence of several universities, in addition to Bilkent,
ensures a large student and professional population. The city
has much to offer in terms of operas, theatrical performances,
concerts, lectures and also events organized by foreign
embassies. Its location in the center of Turkey makes it a
convenient hub for travel by means of the excellent network
of private long-distance bus companies.
Climate
Ankara is subject to the weather patterns of Central Anatolia.
While the spring and autumn seasons are generally moderate
with temperatures ranging from 10 °C (50 °F) to around
20 °C (70 "F), the winter and summer seasons can be subject
to extremes.
Between June and September, the weather is often hot and
dry with daytime temperatures around 32 °C (90 °F). However,
the winter season between November and March can be
changeable with temperatures as low as -10 °C (10 °F) and
as high as 10 °C (50 °F) with perhaps several very cold days
followed by more moderate temperatures. Snow or rain
alternate with periods of clear and bright weather. Students
are recommended to bring attire appropriate for all seasons.
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