Want to know more about Hammamounu-Altindag Ankara holidays before going you go?
The district of Hamamönü is now a unique
place that reflects both the traditional styles
of the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish
Republic. Located in the oldest part of the
city, Hamamönü offers various leisure and
shopping opportunities as well as cultural
activities.
The history
Hamamönü’s story dates back to Ankara’s
early days and bears witness to several
milestones in Turkey’s history. It was the
residence of the founding delegation of the
Turkish Republic in the 1920s and was a lively
area, housing artists and prominent cultural
figures. It was also a trading hotspot with a
market and small shops which sold virtually
everything imaginable. Sadly, from the
1950s the district began to slide into decline;
illegal building construction, deteriorating
socio-economic situation and rising crime
forced out many inhabitants and damaged
the historical beauty of the district.
Regeneration and revival
The regeneration of Hamamönü district
became a priority for Ankara Cultural
Tourism because of its historical interest
and central location. Altindag Municipality
worked hard to restore the original charm
of the district, attract inhabitants back and
make it an interesting destination for tourists.
Many buildings were reconstructed or
completely rebuilt and several streets were
pedestrianised. Since 2006, Hamamönü has
seen restoration and expansion projects
in 250 locations, including masjuds and
mosques from the Seljuk era. An area of
around 210 hectares was reconstructed and
33 sites were registered with the Cultural and
Natural Heritage Preservation Board. Today,
Hamamönü is a popular place for locals
and tourists alike, its treasures and history
unveiled for a new generation to enjoy.
Sustainable tourism in
the area
One of the main goals of the reconstruction
process is to create an urban living museum
to allow people to go back in time and
discover Hamamönü’s past. The municipality
has introduced various initiatives to improve
the environment and to sustainably manage
tourist flow. One such innovation is electronic
horseless carriages – an environmentally
friendly way of travelling short distances
and an attraction for tourists. In their efforts
to restore the historic ambience of the
district, local authorities organise various
cultural and literary events which celebrate
traditional Turkish values. The municipality
also supports local businesses returning to
Hamamönü. Market spaces entice tourists
with local souvenirs, but also support the
local economy offering tradesmen access to
new markets for their traditional crafts.
