Last updated on .
Hamamönü is a lively historic neighborhood in Ankara, Turkey. It’s in the heart of the old city and an oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis.
Karacabey Hamam
Hamamönü takes its name from the Karacabey Hamam (Karacabey Hamamı) located there. The name literally translates to In Front of the Bath.
The Karacabey Hamam was built between 1427 and 1440 by Celaleddin Karacabey Ibn-i Abdullah, the chief judge (kazasker) of Sultan Murad II. It was part of the Karacabey Mosque complex. The bath is one of the oldest structures in Ankara and was restored in 1988. It’s open for service and has a capacity of 94 people.
Clock Tower
Across the street from the hamam is a square with a clock tower. There’s also a statue of Mehmet Akif Ersoy (1873-1936), the author of the Turkish National Anthem (İstiklal Marşı) who lived in the neighborhood. From there, it’s easy to start exploring the area.
What to See in Hamamönü
Hamamönü is full of 19th century Ottoman constructions, including a few beautiful mansions. Most of the buildings have been restored, making the neighborhood a pleasant place to stroll around. It’s a friendly area where you can simply enjoy the atmosphere and scenery.
Hamamönü is known as an arts and cultural center and is full of shops selling all kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also plenty of restaurants offering regional Turkish and some international cuisine.
I missed a lot of the attractions in the neighborhood due to lack of time, but there’s more to see than just shops and Ottoman homes. There are a handful of historic mosques as well as the Mehmet Akif Ersoy House Museum. On a future trip to Ankara, I plan to dedicate more time to the area.
