Large parts of central Ankara will be closed to traffic from 06:00 on Thursday 29 October for the Republic Day celebrations, Ankara Police announced on social media on Wednesday. Anadolu Agency (AA) carried the announcement.
Republic Day marks the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 and is a public holiday. The main state ceremonies are held in the capital, so traffic restrictions centre on the government quarter, Kızılay, Ulus and the area around Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum.
Roads closed from 06:00
The following roads will be closed to traffic in both directions, along with the streets that open onto them:
– Atatürk Boulevard, between Kuğulu junction and Ulus Square – Dikmen Street, between 15 Temmuz Şehitler Square (Genelkurmay junction) and the Çetin Emeç Boulevard intersection – İsmet İnönü Boulevard, between Mareşal Fevzi Çakmak Street and Akay junction – İstiklal Street, its whole length, plus İstanbul Street (between Kazım Karabekir and İstiklal streets), Cumhuriyet Street and Çankırı Street – Gazi Mustafa Kemal Boulevard, between Kızılay (15 Temmuz Kızılay Milli İrade Square) and Anadolu Square – Mithatpaşa Street, between Atatürk Boulevard and Ziya Gökalp Street – Ziya Gökalp Street, between Kızılay and Kolej Square
Traffic in either direction will also be barred on Milli Müdafaa, Kumrular, Necatibey, Gençlik, Akdeniz and Anıt streets, on Spor Park Sokak, and on their side streets.
Roads that may close as needed
Police said these may also be closed, depending on how the programme develops:
– Mareşal Fevzi Çakmak Street and its connecting roads – Celal Bayar Boulevard, between Atatürk Boulevard and A. Adnan Saygun Street – A. Adnan Saygun Street, between Atatürk Boulevard and Denizciler Street – Anafartalar Street, between Atatürk Boulevard and Hükümet Street/Susam Sokak – Kazım Karabekir Street, between Anadolu Square and Hipodrom Street – Dögol Street, between Beşevler junction and Anadolu Square
These restrictions may last until the celebrations end. The announcement gave no alternative routes and said nothing about metro or bus services.
Tips for drivers and visitors
If you live in Çankaya, Kızılay or Ulus or are visiting the capital on Thursday, leave the car at home where you can, allow extra time and follow police directions at closure points. Free and discounted transport in other cities is covered in our Republic Day transport guide.
Sources
- Başkentte Cumhuriyet Bayramı kutlamaları nedeniyle bazı yollar trafiğe kapatılacak (AA via Haberler.com)
- Emniyet saat ve güzergâhları açıkladı: Ankara’da 29 Ekim’de hangi yollar kapalı olacak? (Cumhuriyet)
Photo: Jorge Franganillo / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
