Güvenpark in Kızılay—a monument to security and the heart of Ankara

Ankara AttractionsGüvenpark in Kızılay—a monument to security and the heart of Ankara

Güvenpark: Kızılay’s Main Square and the Security Monument

In the heart of Ankara, on Kızılay Square, nestled between government buildings and a stream of buses, lies Güvenpark—a small but one of the most famous city parks in the Turkish capital. Its role is unlike that of typical “green oases”: it is a public space, a transportation hub, and the site of the 1935 Security Monument, which has become one of the symbols of the early Turkish Republic. Every resident and visitor to Ankara passes through Güvenpark at least once—all the main routes through the city center converge here.

History

The park was designed as part of the capital’s first master plan, developed in 1929 by German architect Hermann Jansen. This plan called for the creation of a system of green spaces in the new Ankara to ensure that the rapidly growing capital maintained a healthy climate and public spaces. Güvenpark became one of the key elements of this scheme, covering 2.5 hectares in the very center of the Kızılay district.

In 1935, the park’s main feature—the “Güvenlik Anıtı” (Security Monument)—was installed. The concept was proposed by Austrian architect Clemens Holzmeister; the sculptural portion was begun by Austrian Anton Hanak, but after his death in 1934, the work was completed by German master Josef Thorak. The bronze figures were cast in Vienna and delivered to Ankara in the early 1930s. The monument is dedicated to the Turkish army, police, and security forces of the young republic, and its reliefs depict peasants, soldiers, artisans, and law enforcement officers.

In the 21st century, Güvenpark has witnessed tragic events. On March 13, 2016, a car bomb driven by a suicide bomber exploded near the park’s bus stops: 37 people were killed, and more than a hundred were injured. The park remains a site of civic remembrance and periodically serves as a venue for public gatherings and protests.

What to See

Güvenlik Anıtı (Security Monument)

The park’s main attraction is a tall monument, unveiled in 1935. Its central stele rises 37 meters, and the bronze figures on either side are about 6 meters tall. The reliefs depict soldiers, police officers, peasants, and workers—a collective image of civil society in the young Turkish Republic. Above the facade is inscribed Atatürk’s famous phrase: “Türk! Öğün, Çalış, Güven”—“Turk, be proud, work, trust.”

Avenues and Fountains

Paved paths run along the perimeter of the park, and there are several small fountains and flower beds. During the warmer months, the park is popular with office workers and students from nearby universities. Large plane trees provide shade and shield the park from the surrounding city noise.

Transportation Hub

The northern and western sides of Güvenpark are home to Ankara’s largest cluster of minibus stops (dolmuş). Minibuses depart from here to all parts of the city and the suburbs—this is a part of urban culture worth observing, if only out of curiosity. The Kızılay Metro Station (Ankaray and M2 lines) is located at the northern edge of the park.

Interesting Facts

  • The park covers an area of 2.5 hectares. It was included in Ankara’s first master plan, developed by Hermann Jansen in 1929.
  • The 1935 Security Monument was created by Austrian and German artists: Clemens Holzmeister (concept), Anton Hanak (began the sculpture), and Josef Thorak (completed it). The bronze was cast in Vienna.
  • Atatürk’s motto, “Türk! Öğün, Çalış, Güven” — “Turk! Be proud, work hard, trust” — is carved on the monument’s pediment and became one of the most frequently quoted slogans of the early republic.
  • On March 13, 2016, a major terrorist attack took place at Güvenpark: 37 people were killed. This was the third major attack in Ankara in six months.
  • Güvenpark is officially registered by the Çankaya Municipality as a nature conservation area, which has repeatedly been cited as an argument against plans to build an underground parking garage beneath it.

How to get there

Güvenpark is located in the very center of Ankara, in the Kızılay district (Çankaya), at the intersection of Atatürk Bulvarı and Ziya Gökalp Caddesi. GPS coordinates: 39.9195° N, 32.8532° E. The closest metro station is Kızılay (lines M2 and Ankaray)—the exit leads directly to the northern part of the park.

From Esenboğa Airport, take the Havaş bus or a taxi to Kızılay (about 40 minutes without traffic). From Anıtkabir, it’s about a 25-minute walk down Atatürk Boulevard. Parking in Kızılay is difficult and expensive, so the metro is highly recommended. From here, it’s easy to get anywhere in Ankara: Çankaya, Tunalı, Ulus, and the museum district are all within easy reach.

Tips for travelers

The best time for a walk is in the morning or evening, when there is no midday office rush. In summer, the shade of the plane trees offers relief from the heat; in winter, the park looks particularly austere and atmospheric. A full tour of the park and the monument will take 20–30 minutes.

Don’t try to walk through the park with heavy luggage: there’s very heavy traffic around, and the minibus stops are constantly crowded. If you need to take a dolmuş, check the route number in advance—it can be difficult to navigate without knowing Turkish.

Güvenpark is best combined with a walk along Atatürk Bulvarı: to the north of the park, it leads to the old center of Ulus with its ethnographic museum and fortress; to the south, it leads to the Tunalı district with Kuğulu Swan Park and cafes. Güvenpark itself is best viewed not as a picnic spot, but as the heart of Ankara’s urban fabric—with its history, politics, and daily hustle and bustle.

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Frequently asked questions — Güvenpark in Kızılay—a monument to security and the heart of Ankara Answers to frequently asked questions about Güvenpark in Kızılay—a monument to security and the heart of Ankara. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
Güvenpark is Ankara’s central city square, located in Kızılay Square. It is best known for the 1935 Security Monument (Güvenlik Anıtı)—one of the symbols of the early Turkish Republic—as well as for being a major transportation hub with minibus stops and access to the metro. The park covers an area of 2.5 hectares.
The Güvenlik Anıtı monument was created by three European artists: the concept was developed by Austrian architect Clemens Holzmeister; the sculptural work was begun by Austrian artist Anton Hanak and completed after his death by German sculptor Josef Thorak. The bronze figures were cast in Vienna. The monument is dedicated to the army, police, and security forces of the young Turkish Republic; its reliefs depict soldiers, peasants, artisans, and law enforcement officers.
This is a famous motto of Atatürk, inscribed on the pediment of the monument. It translates as “Turk, be proud, work hard, have faith” and is considered one of the most frequently quoted slogans from the early days of the Turkish Republic.
The monument’s central column rises 37 meters, while the bronze sculptures on either side are about 6 meters tall. The monument was unveiled in 1935 and remains the park’s main visual landmark to this day.
The park was established as part of Ankara’s first master plan, drawn up in 1929 by the German architect Hermann Jansen. It was conceived as one of the key elements of the new capital’s green space system, designed to maintain a healthy climate in the rapidly growing city.
On March 13, 2016, a car bomb carrying a suicide bomber exploded near bus stops by the park. Thirty-seven people were killed and more than a hundred were injured. It was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Ankara at that time. Today, the park remains a site of public remembrance.
Güvenpark is primarily a transit public space rather than a recreational area. It takes 20–30 minutes to see the park and the monument, or up to 1.5 hours for a leisurely stroll. It’s not the best spot for a picnic: there’s heavy traffic nearby and constant crowds at the bus stops. On the other hand, it’s a great place to observe Ankara’s city life.
The park has been officially designated as a nature conservation area by the Çankaya Municipality. It is precisely this status that has repeatedly been cited as an argument against plans to build an underground parking garage beneath the park.
The best times to visit Güvenpark are in the spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant for walking. In the summer, the shade of the large plane trees provides relief, but the midday heat and office traffic make the morning and evening the best times to visit. In the winter, the park takes on a more austere atmosphere, but it remains open and accessible.
The park is conveniently located near Atatürk Boulevard, making it a great spot to combine with a stroll along the avenue. To the north, it leads to the historic center of Ulus, home to the Ethnographic Museum and Ankara Castle. To the south lies the Tunalı district, featuring Kuğulu Park (Swan Pond) and numerous cafés. All of these attractions are within walking distance of Güvenpark.
User manual — Güvenpark in Kızılay—a monument to security and the heart of Ankara Güvenpark in Kızılay—a monument to security and the heart of Ankara User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
Güvenpark is located in the Kızılay district at the intersection of Atatürk Boulevard and Ziya Gökalp Street. The most convenient way to get there is by metro: the Kızılay station (lines M2 and Ankaray) leads directly to the northern part of the park. From Esenboğa Airport, take the Havaş bus or a taxi—the trip takes about 40 minutes. Driving is not recommended: parking in Kızılay is expensive and hard to find.
Come in the morning (before 10 :00) or in the evening (after 6 :00) to avoid rush-hour traffic and crowds at the bus stops. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. In the summer, head for the shady paths under the plane trees. In the winter, the park is quiet and has a uniquely austere atmosphere.
Start with the park’s main attraction—the Güvenlik Anıtı. Walk around the monument to take in all the bronze reliefs: soldiers, police officers, farmers, and workers. Note the inscription “Türk! Öğün, Çalış, Güven” on the pediment—Atatürk’s motto. A detailed tour will take about 15–20 minutes.
Take a stroll along the park’s paved paths and admire the fountains and flower beds. Watch the city come to life: office workers and students come here to relax, while the western and northern sides buzz with activity at the bus terminal—this is a genuine part of Ankara’s culture that’s well worth seeing.
After exploring Güvenpark, head out onto the main boulevard. Decide which way to go: north toward the historic center of Ulus, with its fortress and ethnographic museum, or south toward the lush Kuğulu Park in the Tunalı district, with its cafes and restaurants. Both directions are within walking distance and offer a great way to experience the heart of Ankara.
If you need to get to another part of the city, the northern and western sides of Güvenpark are home to Ankara’s largest cluster of dolmuş stops. These minibuses go to all districts and suburbs. Check the route number in advance—it’s hard to find your way around the terminal without knowing Turkish. An alternative is the Kızılay metro station near the park.