Ankara – Capital of Turkic Tourism 2026
Turkey celebrates the radiance of a capital with a thousand faces
Often still associated with its status as an administrative capital, Ankara is preparing to reveal to the world the full extent of its cultural, historical and touristic wealth.
Designated as the Turkish World Tourism Capital 2026 by the Organization of Turkic States, the city will be at the heart of an exceptional year marked by cultural dialogue, heritage transmission and discovery.
This international distinction underlines the major role that Ankara plays within the Turkic world and offers a tremendous opportunity to highlight a destination still little known to the general public, but whose history dates back several millennia.
A year of celebrations to reveal the soul of Ankara
Throughout 2026, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye will deploy a vast program of cultural, artistic and tourist events designed to enhance the multifaceted nature of the Turkish capital.
Exhibitions, international meetings, festivals, cultural events and promotional initiatives will punctuate this symbolic year, inviting visitors and tourism professionals to take a fresh look at Ankara.
Because beyond the institutions that shape its contemporary image, Ankara is above all a city of contrasts where ancient remains, modern architecture, historic districts, internationally renowned museums, emerging artistic scenes and living traditions coexist.
Ankara is revealing itself to the world through new digital platforms
To support this momentum and strengthen its international reach, several digital platforms have been launched to centralize all information relating to this year of celebration.
Visitors can now discover the program, news and tourist attractions of the destination via:
Official Ankara 2026 portal of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
These platforms constitute genuine gateways to Ankara and will allow following all the events organized as part of this appointment.
A capital city poised between ancient heritage and modernity
Located in the heart of Anatolia, Ankara is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the region. Its heritage bears witness to the passage of numerous civilizations, from the Hittites to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Ottomans.
The city is home to the remarkable Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a true archaeological treasure tracing several thousand years of history, as well as the emblematic Anıtkabir, a memorial site dedicated to the founder of the Republic of Türkiye.
This year 2026 will therefore offer the opportunity to discover a destination that harmoniously combines heritage, contemporary creativity, gastronomy and the art of living.
Mobilizing local stakeholders around a project of international scope
As part of this appointment, the Ankara Development Agency launched the Ankara, Turkish World Tourism Capital 2026 Technical Support Programme , designed to support local initiatives contributing to the city's prominence.
Open to public institutions, universities, local authorities, local government unions and associations, this program aims to strengthen the capacities of local stakeholders and encourage the development of projects contributing to the promotion of Ankara nationally and internationally.
More information:
Ankara 2026 Technical Support Programme
An invitation to rediscover Ankara
With this prestigious distinction, Ankara affirms its place more than ever among the great cultural destinations of the Turkic world. In 2026, the Turkish capital intends to attract travelers seeking authenticity, history, and encounters, while showcasing the cultural ties that have united Turkic peoples for centuries.
A year to celebrate a shared heritage, but also to reveal to the world a vibrant, creative and profoundly contemporary city.