Kızılay
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photo: wowturkey
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When you walk down from Çankaya along Atatürk Bulvarı you'll notice that you reached Kızılay for the picture of the town changes. Various shops of famous brands and pasajs are lined on the right. It is also a favorite meeting point. On the left Güven Park with its splendid monument will draw your attention. YKM is located on the left of the park while Gima is on the right.
The building hosting both Gima and Kızılay PTT ( post office) has been in service since 1965 and known as the first skyscraper (!) of Ankara with its moderate 16-story height and still called Gökdelen (skyscraper). It may be fun to have a cup of tea or coffee at Set Cafeteria on the top of the building and watch the stream of Kızılay.
Yüksel Caddesi, just behind Gima is closed to vehicle traffic and a favorite place among university students, with its stands scattered on the streets offering second-hand books, handmade accessories, paints and gifts. This vivid area also hosts ABC and Dost Bookstores and many cozy cafes.
Just across the Gökdelen, multiple-story Soysal Pasajı meet you. The pasaj has two entrances one from Atatürk Bulvarı and other from famous Sakarya Çarşısı. Sakarya is a real entertainment area, again closed to vehicle traffic. Delicatessen, florists, fish sellers, döner, beer houses are all lined on Sakarya. Especially during springtime this area is glowing. Göksu is the most famous restaurant offering delicious mezes and dishes and joyful rakı evenings!!! Let's remind that you may not find an empty table if you drop without reservation.
When you continue strolling down Atatürk Bulvarı you are going to see Büyük Çarşı, full of attractive jewelers and Zafer Çarşısı, a real book paradise. We strongly suggest you not to leave Kızılay before visiting Şekerci Ali Uzun and tasting Mastic Turkish delight or marzipan.
Kocabeyoğlu Pasajı on the other sidewalk of Atatürk Bulvarı is the oldest pasaj of Kızılay. İzmir Caddesi Kocabeyoğlu Arcade's back entrance opens has once been as today's Tunalı Hilmi before the opening of new shopping centers. The pasaj called Amerikan Pazarı (American Bazaar) was, and still is, the most popular site where various overseas products such as aftershave, clothing, perfume, cigarette and liquors, reached by various ways were being sold when overseas products has not been imported in Turkey. Today the residents of Ankara around forties certainly has bought his/her first Levi's or Wrangler bluejeans, Converse shoes from this arcade..
Arcades, drapery shops, confectionaries, famous leather shops as Moda-Çanta and Togo are all lined on İzmir Caddesi and Çarşı is at the corner where the avenue intersects Atatürk Bulvarı.
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