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Gölbaşı Love Flower (Centaurea Tchihatcheffii)

Gölbaşı Flower of Love (Centaurea Tchihatcheffii) is an endemic endangered species. The specific name of the plant comes from the centaur, a mythological creature in the shape of a horse with a human head, the existence of which was proposed by Hippocrates. Probably as a result of this similarity, the plant was named Centaurea.

Colloquially called as Red Centaurea, Iridescent, and Bride Button, this plant has red, purple and pink flowers. According to the legend, it blossoms every spring as a grieve to the situation of two young lovers whose relation is impossible and tells the story of this desperate love with its different colors. They usually grow at the eastern part of Mogan Lake.

The Ankara (Angora) Crocus

The Ankara (Angora) Crocus, known as the herald of spring, is another endemic plant which grows in Ankara and its environs. The Ankara Crocus is distinguished from other species with its yellow color emerges in February- April as the snow melts down. Sources indicate that the days when the crocus blossomed were celebrated as the Spring Holiday under the name of “An.Tah.Sum.Sar” during the Hittite Empire.

Kuğulu Park

Built in the 1950s, the park was named after the white swans that were gifted by the city of Vienna. Kuğulu Park, one of the important symbols of Ankara, is located at the end of Tunalı Hilmi Street. With its green areas, pool with swans and ducks and a children's playground, it is one of the areas that the residents of Ankara truly enjoy.

Mogan Lake

Mogan Lake offers a unique scene with its natural beauty to its visitors who want to spend time in the nature. Mogan Park is located next to the coast of Mogan Lake. Thanks to its location, it provides opportunities for outdoor recreation with its restaurants, cafes, camping areas, picnic, and sports activities as well as a bird observation house.

Youth (Gençlik) Park

Surrounded by Ulus Square, historic center of the city, Opera House, Central Train Station and 19 Mayıs Stadium, Gençlik Park is one of the most central attraction points in the city. lt was opened on the 19th of May 1943 at the hearth of the city. lt was renovated in the 2000s and still hosts an amusement park, an open-air theatre, and a cultural and convention center in it.

Atatürk Forest Farm (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği)

Founded in 1925 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Atatürk Forest Farm is a visionary project established to demonstrate modern agricultural techniques in the middle of the steppe, set an example for the public, and create a green breathing space for the capital. Built on land that was Atatürk’s personal property, the farm was later donated to the state treasury.

Atatürk Forest Farm offers routes to explore, picnic areas, and various places to visit within a lush green environment. In the park areas, visitors can relax under the shade of ash, maple, oak, black pine, and cedar trees, or enjoy a short escape from the city within landscaped gardens. The museum and exhibition spaces, along with the Atatürk House, provide a unique perspective on Ankara’s story of modernization.

Beynam Forest

Located in the south of Ankara, Beynam Forest is one of the finest examples of “xeric forests” that appear as small islands within the steppe landscape. Black pine and juniper dominate the vegetation of the area, accompanied by oak trees. Preferred for walking and picnicking around the Bala district, this forest offers a refreshing nature break close to the city center yet with a completely different atmosphere.