Turkey

Ankara is Turkey’s capital. When the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk moved the capital from Istanbul (historic Constantinople) to Ankara for its central location in Anatolia, strategic defensibility, and to symbolize a modern, secular break from the Ottoman past. Today, Ankara hosts the national parliament, presidential complex, and foreign embassies. Remember it this way: A is for Ankara and Administration—the political hub. Istanbul may be the largest, most famous city and cultural/economic powerhouse, but Ankara is the seat of government. Fun fact: Ankara was once known as Angora, lending its name to Angora wool (from Angora goats) and Angora cats.