Tunali Hilmi Street

Tunalı Hilmi Street: The Beating Heart of Modern Ankara

In the heart of Turkey’s capital city, Ankara, lies one of its most iconic and lively thoroughfares — Tunalı Hilmi Street. Named after the early Republican-era politician and writer Tunalı Hilmi Bey, this bustling boulevard is a unique blend of modern urban culture, rich history, and cosmopolitan charm. Stretching from Kugulu Park (Swan Park) near the southern end to the Atatürk Boulevard in the north, Tunalı Hilmi Street is not just a street; it’s a lifestyle.

A Walk Through the Spirit of Ankara

Tunalı Hilmi Street, often simply referred to as “Tunalı,” is situated in the Çankaya district, one of the most affluent and politically significant areas of Ankara. This vibrant street has become a symbol of modern Turkish urban culture. Walking along its length, visitors encounter a symphony of sounds — the hum of conversation, the melodies of street performers, and the clinking of coffee cups in stylish cafés.

Whether you’re a local resident, a curious tourist, or a student from nearby universities like Middle East Technical University (METU) or Bilkent, Tunalı has something to offer. From early morning until late at night, the street pulses with energy, offering a dynamic blend of shopping, dining, culture, and people-watching.

Shopping and Style

Tunalı is arguably Ankara’s premier shopping destination. It hosts a mix of international brands, local designers, and boutique stores. You can find global fashion outlets like Zara, Mango, and LC Waikiki, interspersed with Turkish stores selling handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and accessories.

One of the most popular shopping centers here is Karum Shopping Mall, located toward the northern end of the street. With its elegant design and wide variety of stores, Karum is perfect for both high-end and casual shopping experiences. Visitors can also explore hidden gem boutiques along side streets like Bestekar and Tunus, where Ankara’s up-and-coming fashion designers often showcase their work.

Cafés, Cuisine, and Nightlife

Tunalı is also a gastronomic haven. Along the main road and its surrounding alleys, a vast selection of restaurants, bistros, and cafés cater to every taste and budget. Whether you crave a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh simit and menemen, a cup of artisanal third-wave coffee, or a late-night döner, you’ll find it on or near Tunalı Hilmi Street.

One of the highlights is Kugulu Park Café, where you can sip tea while watching the park’s graceful swans glide across the pond. The nearby Bestekar Street is famous for its lively nightlife — with bars, live music venues, and pubs that attract Ankara’s young and trendy crowd. Whether you're into jazz, rock, or electronic music, there’s a place for you to unwind after sunset.

Kugulu Park: The Green Gem

At the southern tip of Tunalı is Kugulu Park (Swan Park), one of Ankara’s most beloved public green spaces. With its shady trees, tranquil pond, and resident swans gifted by Vienna decades ago, the park provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a popular meeting point for locals, a romantic spot for couples, and a favorite for families with children.

Kugulu Park also holds symbolic importance in Ankara’s social history. It has often been the center of public gatherings, peaceful protests, and artistic performances, reflecting the city's civic spirit.

Art and Culture Along the Avenue

Tunalı Hilmi Street is not just about leisure and consumerism — it's a place where art and culture thrive. Local bookstores such as Dost Kitabevi offer a treasure trove of Turkish and international literature. Independent art galleries and cultural centers host exhibitions, poetry readings, and workshops throughout the year.

Just a short walk from Tunalı, in the Kavaklıdere neighborhood, you’ll find several embassies, giving the area a cosmopolitan flair. The cultural activities sponsored by these embassies often spill over into the cafés and event spaces around Tunalı, enriching the area’s international atmosphere.

Architecture and Ambience

The architecture along Tunalı Hilmi Street reflects Ankara’s layered history. While modern buildings dominate the skyline, older apartments and Art Deco façades offer glimpses into the city’s transformation throughout the 20th century. The contrast between the old and new gives the street a unique visual appeal — one that tells a story of modernization, resilience, and growth.

Despite Ankara being a predominantly bureaucratic and planned city, Tunalı’s organic evolution makes it feel more like a living, breathing organism. Its narrow side streets, ivy-covered buildings, and quirky storefronts invite exploration and discovery.

Why Visit Tunalı Hilmi Street?

Tunalı is not just for tourists — it’s where the city lives. If you want to understand the modern identity of Ankara, this is the place to start. While historical sites like Anıtkabir and the Old Citadel (Hisar) reflect the city’s past, Tunalı shows you its present and hints at its future.

It's ideal for:

• Shopping: From high-street fashion to niche local brands.
• Dining: A culinary journey through Turkish and international flavors.
• Relaxation: Enjoying nature and people-watching at Kugulu Park.
• Culture: Experiencing the creative pulse of Ankara through art and music.
• Nightlife: Dancing, mingling, and enjoying a drink in the city’s most sociable venues.

Final Thoughts

In a city often overshadowed by Istanbul’s fame, Ankara quietly surprises its visitors with places like Tunalı Hilmi Street. It’s a symbol of modern Turkey — progressive, diverse, and full of life. Whether you're here for a few hours or a few days, don’t miss the chance to stroll this iconic avenue, absorb its ambiance, and see Ankara through the eyes of its people.