Hamamonu, Ankara

Hamamonu, Ankara

Hamamönü is a quaint area between the Hacettepe University campus and Ankara Citadel, with restored houses in 19th century Ottoman style.

Hamamönü is a quaint area between the Hacettepe University campus and Ankara Citadel, with restored houses in 19^th century Ottoman style. Hamamönü translates to ‘front of the bath’ and the area gets its name from the historic Karacabey Hammam dating back to 1440. To the north of the Hammam is the Hamamarkasi – ‘behind the bath’. Stroll around to see ●the rebuilt Kamil Pasha Mansion, ●the historical Kabakçı Konağı which was built in 1900 and occupied by the Kabakci family for more than 40 years in the mid-20^th century, ●the Beynamlizade Mansion where Beynamlizade Haci Mustafa Efendi lived as Member of Turkish Parliament, and ●Erguvan Konagi. Religious buildings in the area include the ●Karacabey Mosque built in 1427, ●Tacettin Sultan Mosque built in the 7^th century, ●Sari Kadi Mosque built in the 18^th century, ●Haji Ilyas Mosque, and ●Haji Musa Mosque. The Mehmet Akif Ersoy Old House & Museum next to the Mehmet Akif Ersoy Park is where the celebrated poet wrote the Turkish national anthem.

The Hamamönü Exhibition Hall and Handcrafts Center on Art Street showcases paintings, decorative items, and hand-crafted leather items created by artists living in the area. The Saat Kulesi or Clock Tower commissioned in 1884 by Sırrı Paşa, the governor of Ankara, is also in the vicinity.

There are several cafes and restaurants in the area where you can sample delicious traditional Turkish cuisine.