Akyurt (District)

Imagine a district built on vast, flat lands right next to Ankara. This is Akyurt, a place rich with stories stretching back thousands of years! Once known as "Ravlı," today it is a remarkable area that children should explore, thanks to its industry and history.

Akyurt is located approximately 32 to 33 kilometers from the capital Ankara. It is bordered by neighboring districts such as Çubuk, Kalecik, and Elmadağ. If you wish to fly, the world-famous Esenboğa Airport is immediately adjacent to this district!

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The district is surrounded by high mountains, the most famous of which is İdris Dağı, whose peak turns completely white in winter. This area embodies the classic steppe climate of Central Anatolia: hot and dry summers, and slightly harsh, cold winters.

The land of Akyurt is extremely ancient, with a history dating back as far as 5,000 years—to the Bronze Age! Excavations in the area have uncovered very early settlements.

Throughout history, the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, and Seljuks have passed through this region. In fact, the famous King’s Road, used by monarchs, ran through Akyurt. Artifacts from the Roman period, such as a marble statue of a snake, can be seen today in museums in Ankara.

Did you know that in 1402, a major battle took place near Akyurt: the Battle of Ankara. The two powerful rulers of the time, Yıldırım Bayezid and Timur, faced each other here. According to accounts, the area was then covered in dense forests, and Timur concealed his massive war elephants within them!

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The area was formerly known as Ravlı. In Old Turkish, the word "Ravlı" carried a positive meaning, such as "wherever you go, you succeed." In 1961, its name was changed to Akyurt. In choosing this new name, elements from the old names "Alka" and "Ravlı" were combined to preserve the region’s historical tradition.

Atatürk in Akyurt! The founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, visited Akyurt on September 1, 1925, on his way back from a trip to Kastamonu. At the time, Akyurt was still a small village, but everyone welcomed him with great joy.

Today, Akyurt has become an industrial center with many factories, yet it has not lost its natural character. The once-famous vineyards of the region are now being revived. Additionally, the Akyurt Irrigation Reservoir, home to ducks and birds, is a delightful place to visit on weekends.