MCQ Detailed View

The capital of Turkey is Ankara. While many people mistakenly assume that Istanbul is the capital due to its size and cultural prominence, Ankara has been the official capital since 13 October 1923, when the Republic of Turkey was founded under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Ankara was chosen as the capital because of its strategic central location, which made governance and defense more practical compared to Istanbul, which is situated on the far northwest edge of the country. This move also symbolized a shift towards modernization and a break from the Ottoman past, as Istanbul was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries.

Key Facts about Ankara (Capital of Turkey):

• Country: Turkey


• Capital Since: 13 October 1923


• Former Capital: Istanbul (Ottoman Empire)


• Population: Over 5 million (approx.)


• Location: Central Anatolia region


• Importance: Political, administrative, and diplomatic hub of Turkey


• Named After: Derived from the word "Ancyra," meaning anchor

Ankara today serves as the heart of Turkey’s political and administrative system, hosting government buildings, foreign embassies, and major institutions, while Istanbul remains the largest city and the cultural and economic hub of the nation.