Ankara

On April 23, 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established in Ankara during the Turkish War of Independence. This marked a significant turning point as it became the seat of the Turkish national movement led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The assembly was instrumental in the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic, acting as the legislative body that governed the country and laid down strategies to resist occupying forces after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

On October 13, 1923, Ankara was officially declared the capital of the newly established Republic of Turkey, replacing Istanbul, which had served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire. This decision was part of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s reforms, aiming to move the political center of the country to a more central location and stimulate growth in the Anatolian region. The choice of Ankara was strategic due to its relatively small size, which facilitated easy modernization and urban planning.

In 1930, the city's name was officially changed from 'Angora' to 'Ankara'. The city had been known as Angora since ancient times, a name derived from its ancient Roman roots. The renaming was part of a broader linguistic reform in Turkey, which involved the Turkish Language Association adjusting foreign names and words to suit the phonetic expressions of the Turkish language. This change symbolized Turkey's break from its Ottoman past and its commitment to adopt a more integral national identity.

Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader, and founder of the Republic of Turkey, was inaugurated in 1965. Situated in the heart of Ankara, Anıtkabir serves as a monumental structure symbolizing Turkey's respect and reverence for Atatürk. The mausoleum combines ancient and modern architectural styles, and its grandeur signifies the importance of Atatürk's contributions to the creation of modern Turkey. It houses a series of exhibits showcasing Atatürk's life, speeches, and belongings.

On September 12, 1980, a military coup d'état took place in Turkey. The military, led by General Kenan Evren, took control of the government. This coup resulted in the dissolution of all political parties and the implementation of martial law throughout the country. Ankara, as the capital, was at the center of these operations. The coup is one of the most significant events in Turkish history, leading to a new constitution and changes in civil liberties, significantly impacting Ankara's political landscape.

The 'postmodern coup' refers to the Turkish military's indirect intervention on February 28, 1997, through a series of 'recommendations' that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan and his government. The intervention did not involve direct military takeover but instead used pressure from the National Security Council, which convened in Ankara. The event is significant as it showcased the secular military's influence over Turkey's political system, highlighting the tension between military and civilian governance.

On May 13, 2007, massive demonstrations took place in Ankara, known as the Republic Protests, against the government led by the Justice and Development Party (AKP). The protests were sparked by concerns over the rise of political Islam and potential threats to secularism. Hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered in Tandoğan Square, marching towards the mausoleum of Atatürk. The demonstrations were among several across the country, underscoring the public's demand for adherence to secular principles as enshrined in the Republic's founding.

On the night of July 15, 2016, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces attempted a coup against the government. The events unfolded in several major cities, including Ankara, where jets flew low over the city, and clashes occurred at key sites such as the Presidential Complex. The attempt was quickly suppressed, but it resulted in significant turmoil, including over 300 fatalities and the imposition of a state of emergency. The government accused the Gülen movement of orchestrating the coup, leading to widespread purges.

On June 24, 2018, Turkey held a significant general election, with voting for both the presidency and parliament. Ankara, as the capital city, played a crucial role as the political heart where key debates and announcements took place. This election was particularly important as it marked the transition to an executive presidency as per the constitutional changes approved in the 2017 referendum. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was re-elected, solidifying his leadership and implementing the expanded presidential powers.

On February 28, 2020, a significant military incident occurred involving a Turkish Armed Forces post in Balyun, Syria, resulting in the deaths of 34 Turkish soldiers. This incident marked one of the deadliest strikes on Turkish forces in recent history and led to a political and military response from Ankara. The event strained Turkey's relations within the region and prompted renewed discussions on security measures and alliances. Turkey's response involved diplomatic engagement and military repositioning to address regional threats.