Atatürk Forest Farm AOÇ
A historic green lung of Ankara, offering picnic spots, a rose garden, and a farming museum, evolving alongside the Presidential Complex.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a peaceful escape
Atatürk Forest Farm AOÇ
Best Time
Enjoy a peaceful escape
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic green lung of Ankara, offering picnic spots, a rose garden, and a farming museum, evolving alongside the Presidential Complex.
"A quiet place with green everywhere, perfect for relaxation if you want to escape the city."
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food and drinks for a delightful picnic experience in the green spaces. :picnic_table:
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the grounds and gardens. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Picnic Grounds
Various locations within the farm
Sprawling green spaces perfect for a relaxing picnic amidst nature. Enjoy the fresh air and tranquility.
Rose Garden
Designated garden area
A fragrant oasis showcasing a variety of beautiful roses. A lovely spot for a leisurely stroll.
Farming Museum
Museum building
Discover historical agricultural tools and learn about the farm's heritage. An educational glimpse into the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Animal Welfare Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food and drinks for a delightful picnic experience in the green spaces. :picnic_table:
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the grounds and gardens. :athletic_shoe:
🧐 Manage Animal Expectations
Some visitors report limited animal sightings and concerns about their welfare. :thinking_face:
📍 Verify Location
Google Maps might show a zoo, but the farm is primarily a green space and Presidential Complex area. :round_pushpin:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food and drinks for a delightful picnic experience in the green spaces. :picnic_table:
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the grounds and gardens. :athletic_shoe:
🧐 Manage Animal Expectations
Some visitors report limited animal sightings and concerns about their welfare. :thinking_face:
📍 Verify Location
Google Maps might show a zoo, but the farm is primarily a green space and Presidential Complex area. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Atatürk Forest Farm for its peaceful green spaces and pleasant picnic opportunities, offering a tranquil escape within Ankara. However, some recent reviews express disappointment regarding the limited animal presence and potential welfare concerns, suggesting a shift from its historical role as a more diverse attraction.
"Isn’t that promising. There were only goats and some rabbits and that’s it. They literally don’t have enough water or food.. and no one there to clean that place up!
Those goats and rabbits looked distressed as hell, goats literally trying to chew on the fences trying to escape.. idk if that’s normal behavior but it didn’t look normal.
If anyone else wants to go there, you can, for Picknicks n such, but not for the animals."
Ypp Yhh
"It was a bad trip because I did not have the required address. This location on Google Map is a zoo, but in reality it seems to be a security headquarters."
Ashraf Anwar
"It is like a small forest and is really a quiet place and the green everywhere around you, and the small of nature everywhere. I highly recommend it if you want a place to relax, that would be one."
Eng Abood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Atatürk Forest Farm (AOÇ) is located in Ankara. While public transport options might exist, many visitors opt for taxis or private vehicles for convenience. It's advisable to confirm the exact entrance you wish to visit, as parts of the area are now associated with the Presidential Complex.
Information on direct public transport to all areas of the farm can be limited. It's recommended to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services for a more direct journey.
The farm is quite expansive. If you plan to explore extensively, consider using a car or a taxi to move between different sections like the picnic areas and the museum.
Parking availability can vary depending on the specific area you are visiting. It's best to inquire locally or look for designated parking zones upon arrival.
While it's a significant distance, it can be done as a long day trip if you fly into Ankara. However, to truly enjoy the farm and its surroundings, an overnight stay in Ankara is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the general picnic and green areas of Atatürk Forest Farm is typically free. However, specific attractions within the farm might have separate admission fees.
The farm is generally accessible during daylight hours for recreational purposes. For specific museum hours or any restricted access due to the Presidential Complex, it's best to check locally.
While the farm itself is largely free to enter, the farming museum may have a small admission fee. It's advisable to confirm current pricing on-site.
The Presidential Complex is a separate, secure area and is not generally open to the public for casual visits. Access is restricted.
No, picnic spots are generally first-come, first-served. You don't need to book in advance for a picnic.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Recent visitor feedback indicates a limited number of animals, primarily goats and rabbits. Some visitors have expressed concerns about the animals' welfare.
The main activities include picnicking, walking through the green spaces, visiting the rose garden, and exploring the farming museum.
Yes, the green landscapes, rose garden, and historical farming tools offer good opportunities for photography, especially during the spring and summer months.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available. Playgrounds might be present in some picnic areas, but it's best to check on-site.
Take a leisurely walk through the open fields and gardens. Find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be occasional kiosks or small eateries, it's not a place with extensive dining options. Bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is the most popular way to enjoy a meal at the farm.
Barbecue facilities are generally not provided. Picnicking with pre-prepared food is the standard.
You'll likely need to purchase food items before arriving at the farm, as options within or immediately surrounding the area are limited.
It's advisable to check local regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public parks and green spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The rose garden, the open green fields with mature trees, and the historical farming museum offer diverse photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' provide the best natural light for landscape and portrait photography.
Drone usage is often restricted in public areas, especially near government facilities like the Presidential Complex. It's crucial to check local drone regulations before flying.
Yes, you can take photos of any animals present, but remember to be respectful of their space and well-being.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and casual portraits are very popular due to the serene environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to manage expectations regarding animal sightings, as recent feedback suggests a limited number of animals. Focus on the simple joys of a picnic and exploring the natural environment. Ensure children are supervised, especially near any water features or if exploring less-maintained areas.
🌳 Nature Lovers & Relaxation Seekers
To maximize your experience, consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the natural ambiance. Bring a book, a picnic, and simply enjoy the fresh air and the quietude. The farming museum also offers a touch of historical interest for those who appreciate it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Atatürk Forest Farm
Today, while its original agricultural mission continues in some capacity, parts of the land have seen development, including the construction of the Presidential Complex in 2014. This has led to changes in accessibility and the overall character of the farm. Visitors seeking the original, expansive agricultural experience might find it different from its past, but the core idea of a green space for relaxation and connection with nature persists.
Understanding this historical context helps visitors appreciate the evolution of the AOÇ. It's a place that bridges agricultural heritage with modern governmental functions, offering a unique, albeit sometimes complex, experience for those who visit. The farming museum serves as a tangible link to its foundational purpose.
Navigating the Farm: Practicalities and Perceptions
For those planning a visit, focusing on the picnic grounds and the rose garden is often recommended for a peaceful outing. Weekdays are generally less crowded, allowing for a more serene experience. It's also wise to verify your intended destination within the farm, as the Google Maps location might not always accurately reflect current access or facilities, particularly concerning the Presidential Complex's proximity.
When it comes to amenities, bringing your own food and drinks is the most common and recommended approach, as dining options within the farm are limited. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the expansive grounds. The farm remains a valuable green retreat for Ankara residents, offering a quiet escape from the urban bustle, provided visitors have realistic expectations about its current offerings.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit