Type of destination: Historical Landmark, Recreational Area, Zoo
Ideal visit duration: Half a day
Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği ve Hayvanat Bahçesi) is an expansive recreational farming area that combines agricultural innovation with ecological preservation, located in Ankara, Turkey. This significant landmark was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, in 1925. The farm was originally intended for agricultural research and to serve as a role model for modern farming techniques. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors to the facility can explore a wide range of attractions, including a zoo that hosts various animal species, botanical gardens, dairy farms, greenhouses, restaurants, and a beer factory. The farm's grounds also encompass historical buildings and equipment related to early 20th-century agriculture. Atatürk's vision for the farm was to make it self-sufficient, and it remains a symbol of progress and reform in Turkish agriculture.