Ankara’s gem can be found just twenty kilometers south. That place is G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131. G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 is a municipality and district within Ankara Province. It covers a large area of 1364 square kilometers.
G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 is home to about 150,047 people. This was recorded in 2022. The area rises 970 meters above sea level. The beautiful Mogan and Eymir lakes add to its charm.
Archaeological finds tell a rich story. Civilizations have thrived here since 3000 BC. The Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines all left their mark. Selametli and Tulunta\u015f are among the excavated sites. Each site reveals ancient secrets.
Turks have long called this area home. Timur, a famous conqueror, once hid his elephants here. He used the woods to conceal them before the Battle of Ankara. This adds a layer of intrigue to G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131’s past.
Today, G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 offers places of interest to visitors. The Tulumta\u015f caves are an example. They lie fifteen kilometers from Ankara. These limestone caves feature amazing stalagmites and stalactites.
G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 also boasts a ground station. This station serves as the satellite telecommunication hub for T\u00fcrksat. The Turkish Satellite Assembly Integration and Test Center is a testament to G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131’s modern contributions. Turkish Aerospace Industries operates the center.
Sports enthusiasts might enjoy the G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 International Billiards Complex. It is the home of the Turkish Billiards Federation.
Despite some pollution and mosquitoes in the lakes, G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 remains a favorite escape. Ankara residents often come to its picnic areas and lakeside restaurants. Government departments have facilities here. The town steadily merges with Ankara. Green spaces are slowly disappearing.
G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131’s population is rapidly growing. There are several reasons for this. These include a high birth rate. Migration from rural areas also plays a role. Finally, people move here from Ankara.
The G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 district consists of 54 neighborhoods. Each has its own distinct character. They include Ahiboz and Ak\u00f6ren\u00e7ar\u015fak. Bezirhane is another notable area.
G\u00f6lba\u015f\u0131 offers a blend of history, nature and modern technology. Its growing population reflects its increasing importance. It is both a retreat from Ankara and a developing part of the city.