Ulus Square, Ankara

Monument and Square in Ankara

Ataturk Statue, Ulus Square
Ataturk Statue, Ulus Square
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Memredemirtas

Ulus Square is one of Ankara's best-known public squares, set in the Ulus district where major streets such as Atatürk Boulevard and Çankırı Street meet. The square's focal point is the Republic Monument (also called the Victory Monument), a bronze sculpture group that anchors the space and draws both locals and first-time visitors passing through the city centre.

What stands out here is how national history and everyday Ankara overlap: people use the square as a rendezvous point, while the monument's figures and reliefs invite a closer look. It's a good stop if you're interested in the early years of the Turkish Republic, want a straightforward photo location, or plan to continue on foot to nearby museums and historic buildings in central Ankara.

History and Significance of the Ulus Square

Early Republic era and the monument’s creation

The Republic Monument is the defining feature of Ulus Square and a key symbol of the early Republic period. Austrian sculptor Heinrich Krippel designed it after an international competition, and it was inaugurated on November 24, 1927.

The monument was funded through a nationwide campaign led by journalist Yunus Nadi, which reflects how strongly the project resonated in the early years of the Republic. At its centre is Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on horseback, presented as a leader guiding the country forward.

Symbolism and later restoration

The sculpture group includes two soldiers and a woman carrying a cannonball, highlighting bravery, unity, and the role of women in the Turkish War of Independence. Many visitors also notice the detailed relief work, which adds narrative context beyond the main figures.

The monument was restored in 2002, helping preserve its materials and visual impact. Ulus Square continues to host ceremonies and commemorations, keeping it active as a civic space rather than only a historic marker.

Things to See and Do in the Ulus Square

I'd start by circling the Republic Monument slowly and viewing it from several angles, because the composition reads differently from each side and the relief details are easy to miss if you only stop for a quick photo. It's also a practical meeting point, so there's usually a steady flow of local life around the base of the monument.

After that, I'd use Ulus Square as a springboard for nearby sights: the old parliament buildings (now museums) are within easy reach, and the surrounding streets lead into traditional markets and everyday shopping areas. If you enjoy people-watching, a short pause on a bench with a tea nearby fits the pace of the area well.

How to Get to the Ulus Square

The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport; from there, travel into central Ankara and continue to Ulus by public transport or taxi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ankara on Booking.com.

If you arrive by train at Ankara’s main station, you can connect onward toward Ulus using city transit and then walk the final stretch from the nearest stop. You can use the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for Türkiye’s national and regional trains operated by TCDD. For a more streamlined experience (especially if you prefer an English interface or want to compare across countries), we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book train tickets across Türkiye and the rest of Europe — all in one place.

By car, Ulus is central and busy, so I’d only drive if it fits your wider route and you’re comfortable looking for parking in a dense city-centre area. If you are looking to rent a car in Türkiye I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Is the Ulus Square Worth Visiting?

Ulus Square is worth a short stop if you want to see the Republic Monument up close and understand a key piece of Ankara's civic landscape while you're already exploring central sights. It's best for travelers interested in modern Turkish history, quick photography, and walkable museum-hopping in the Ulus area. It's less essential if you're looking for a quiet, scenic square or a destination you'd plan a whole afternoon around-treat it as optional if your time in Ankara is very limited and you're prioritizing larger museums or the citadel.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (27,287)

Ataturk Statue in Hacı Bayram, Ankara is a 1927 memorial to the Turkish War of Independence featuring bronze figures with Atatürk on horseback; it's open 24 hours and visitors describe it as very nice though often crowded, with many calling it impressive.

Ahmed Al-Akki
a month ago
"The Victory Monument was built in 1927. It consists of a statue depicting Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on his horse named Sakarya, a woman carrying a caonball on her back, two soldiers, and descriptive reliefs...."
Mohd Haryzal Ismail
6 months ago
"Nice place for photos and rendezvous or merry up after dispersal from a group. Near a local market that sells varieties of food, bread, vegetables,meat, and fish...."
Antoun Boustani
3 months ago
"As we were walking through Ulus square, we saw this beautiful statue. It is a beautiful piece of art that symbolizes a period of history."
Bassir Esmatyar
a year ago
"It's my first day in Ankara and my first visit to Atatürk Statue. Located in the middle of the Ulus neighborhood in Ankara City. Atatürk's body hasbeen sculptured in the form of riding on a horse, war tools on hand and hat... . it's worth visiting for who thinks about Atatürk, spiritual father of Turkish people...."
Dominik
9 months ago
"The Ulus Atatürk Monument was designed by Austrian sculptor Heinrich Krippel as a result of an international competition a ounced in 1925.Construction of the monument began in 1927, and the unveiling took place on November 24 of the same year. The base of the statue is made of Italian marble, and the figures are made of bronze..."

Practical Tips on Visiting the Ulus Square

  • Best time to visit: It’s open year-round; spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable for walking, and early morning or sunset helps with softer light on the monument.
  • How long to spend: Plan about 30-60 minutes for photos, a close look at the sculpture details, and a short pause before moving on.
  • Accessibility: The square is flat and paved, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
  • Facilities: Expect benches, nearby cafés, and easy access to public transportation in the surrounding streets.

Where to Stay Close to the Ulus Square

Base yourself in Ulus or just south around Maltepe/Sıhhiye for the easiest access to Ulus Square and Ankara's main museums via short walks and direct transit.

These hotels are practical bases for visiting Ulus Square, with straightforward transport connections and quick access to central sights. Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankara works well for good choice if you want to be close to Ulus Square and central transit for quick hops to museums and other neighborhoods. Başkent Hotel works well for convenient for staying in the Ulus area on a simpler budget, with walkable access to the square and nearby historic sites. Hotel İçkale works well for useful if you prefer a slightly quieter base south of Ulus with easy road access and a short ride to Ulus Square.

FAQs for Visiting the Ulus Square

Getting There

It’s in central Ankara in the Ulus district, at a road junction near Atatürk Boulevard and Çankırı Street, with the Republic Monument at its centre.
If you’re already in the Ulus area (for example near the old parliament museums), follow the main streets toward the large open square with the Republic Monument as your landmark.
Use city transit from the station area toward Ulus, then walk the final minutes into the square; it’s a straightforward central connection once you’re on the right line.
Parking can be limited in busy central streets, so driving is usually only worth it if Ulus is one stop on a larger route and you’re comfortable with city-centre traffic.

Tickets & Entry

The square and monument are outdoors and free to visit; tickets only apply if you add nearby museums or paid attractions to your route.
There isn’t a ticket for the square itself; any ticket you buy would be for a separate museum or site nearby.
No-Ulus Square is a public space, so you can simply arrive and look around.
It’s open 24 hours a day throughout the year, since it’s an outdoor public square.
There are no formal entry checks for the square, but be mindful during ceremonies or official events when parts of the area may be busier or temporarily managed.

Visiting Experience

About 15-30 minutes is enough for a close look at the monument and a few photos if you’re keeping a tight schedule.
Yes, if your day includes central history sights-Ulus Square fits naturally as a quick stop between museums and older civic landmarks.
Pair it with the old parliament museums and then continue toward the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations or the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, finishing with a break in Gençlik Park.
It’s better in fair weather because the experience is mostly outdoors, but you can still do a brief look and then shift to nearby indoor museums.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It often appears on walking routes through central Ankara because it connects easily to museums and historic government buildings nearby.
A quick independent stop works well for most visitors, but a guide can add helpful context about the monument’s symbolism and the surrounding historic district.
Start at Ulus Square for the monument, walk to the old parliament museum buildings, continue toward a nearby museum in the Ulus area, and return through the surrounding market streets for a short break.

Photography

Yes-most people photograph the Republic Monument, and the open space makes it easy to frame the sculpture from multiple sides.
Early morning or around sunset usually gives the most flattering light on the bronze monument and reduces harsh shadows.
In the square itself, photography is generally straightforward; for nearby museums, check the rules at the entrance since policies can differ.
Stand far enough back to include Atatürk on horseback and the accompanying figures in one frame, then move closer to capture the relief details separately.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes-the walkways are flat and paved, which makes moving around the monument area easier.
The square itself is a public space, so dedicated visitor facilities are limited, but cafés and nearby venues in the district may have restrooms for customers.
Yes-there are benches in and around the square, and you’ll also find nearby cafés for a longer pause.
Yes, it’s generally stroller-friendly due to the flat paving, though it can feel busy at peak times because it’s a central meeting point.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Look along the surrounding streets in the Ulus district, where you’ll find cafés and traditional eateries within a short walk.
Yes-Ulus is close to local market areas where vendors sell everyday produce and foods, which can be a good add-on after seeing the monument.

Safety & Timing

It remains an active central area, but like any busy city centre, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially after dark.
Early morning is calmer and better for photos, while later in the day feels livelier as the square fills with commuters and people meeting up.

The Ulus Square appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Ataturk Statue Hacı Bayram Anafartalar Cd No:62 06050 Altındağ/Ankara Türkiye
Ankara: 1 km

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