Hamamönü
A restored, colourful Ottoman district
Image credit: The original uploader was Objective at Turkish Wikipedia ., GFDL
About
In the centre of Ankara, the meticulously restored Hamamönü is a nostalgic window onto the capital's past, with its brightly painted wooden Ottoman houses and cobbled streets. In the middle of modern Ankara, it is, in effect, a time capsule. The restored mansions lining the narrow streets serve today as traditional craft workshops, boutique cafés, breakfast gardens and gift shops. It offers a cultural atmosphere ranging from tahini-molasses to the art of paper marbling, from traditional cuisine to live music. Hosting important structures such as the Taceddin Lodge, where the Turkish national anthem was written, and the historic Hacı Musa Mosque, Hamamönü is a pleasant and peaceful district that comes alive especially in the late afternoon and at weekends; it is one of Ankara's most beloved cultural stops.
History
Hamamönü is one of Ankara's oldest districts; it takes its name from the historic Karacabey Bath in the area. Through a comprehensive restoration project carried out in the late 2000s, its original fabric was revived and it was turned into a culture-and-tourism district.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Visit the craft workshops and shops
- ✓Visit the Taceddin Lodge
- ✓Ideal for a breakfast or tea break
- ✓Livelier in the late afternoon and at weekends
- ✓Within walking distance of Ankara Castle
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hamamönü?
Hamamönü is located at Altındağ, Ankara in Ankara.
When is the best time to visit Hamamönü?
Recommended time: April – October.
