Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of a neighborhood called Bahçelievler. We’re not just in Bahçelievler. We are in Yukarı Bahçelievler. This is a special place within Ankara. Let’s dive into the story of Yukarı Bahçelievler.
Yukaru0131 Bahu00e7elievler is a neighborhood in the Çankaya district. Çankaya is part of Ankara Province. The name Bahçelievler means “houses with gardens”. This gives you a sense of its original character.
In 2023, Yukarı Bahçelievler had a population of 15,493. This number has fluctuated over the years. In 2007, it was 18,575. Population counting methods changed over time.
Bahçelievler, as a whole, has a more turbulent past. In the 1970s, it was a battleground. Right and left-wing political factions clashed here. The Bahçelievler massacre occurred in 1978. Seven students from the Workers’ Party of Turkey were killed. Neo-fascists committed this terrible act.
Today, Yukarı Bahçelievler is a more settled area. It is a residential neighborhood within Ankara. You can find it at coordinates 39°55’20″N 32°49’34″E. The local government website is yukaribahcelievler-muh.gov.tr.
Bahçelievler boasts some notable places. The Turkish National Library’s main building is here. The Bahcelievler Culture and Leisure Centre offers entertainment. It includes movie theaters and a bowling hall. The Bahcelievler Business Centre combines business and shopping. It also has movie theaters and cafes. Ankara Ice Palace opened in 1989. It provides an indoor ice arena. Note that these places are in Bahçelievler in general not just Yukarı Bahçelievler.
While Yukarı Bahçelievler may seem like just another neighborhood. It carries a history within its streets. From political clashes to population changes, it has seen much. The name “houses with gardens” still holds a touch of promise. It evokes a sense of community. As we leave Yukarı Bahçelievler, remember its story. It is a reminder of Ankara’s layered past and present.