Geography

The 27.5 ha park is almost at the center of Ankara. Its altitude is about 850 m (2,788.7 ft), which makes it one of the lowest points of Ankara. It is surounded by Ulus Square

Ulus, Ankara

Ulus is a quarter in Ankara, Turkey and is located at the center of the capital city. It was once the heart of old Ankara. The name means "nation" in Turkish....

 in the north, Opera house in the east, Selim Sırrı Tarcan Sports Hall and Ankara Central Station in the south and, 19 Mayıs Stadium

Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium

Ankara 19 Mayıs Stadium is the home venue for three of Ankara's Süper Lig football clubs: Ankaragücü, Gençlerbirliği and Hacettepe. It was built in 1935 and is part of the 19 Mayıs Sports Complex, which is located in the Ulus district. The stadium has a capacity of 19,209...

 in the west.

History

During the early years of the republic, the place, where now the park is, was a marshland. After the marshes were dried up, the park was established and opened to public on 19 May 1943, the National Youth Day. There were coffee houses around the 42000 square metre main pool, a swimming pool, a luna park, an open air theatre and tracks. In 1957, two miniature trains were established within the park area as a part of ammusement.

The park in the 2000s

After restoration and renovation works, there are now a cultural center, youths' center and Ankara Municipality Convention Hall as well as 43 kiosks in the park. During nights light performances are held in the main pool. Also a science museum is under construction.