So I've made it to Ankara, am all settled in and FINALLY have my internet line... it only took 6 weeks!

so, I'm trying to find some live music venues. From what I've been able to decipher, only two artists are coming to Ankara for the Akbank Jazz festival. Could that be right?

Ok, so which venues are recommend? I prefer smaller ones. from what I've seen, most international acts bypass Ankara, Is there a local music scene?

What are the best ways to find out what's happening around town... in English preferably...

Thanks in advance,

Personally Im a fan of North Shields.

A nice little venue is the black and white bar which plays live music just after midnight, be warned its expensive though.

Ankara is a funny place to be honest, Id love to own a small bar there though.

Thanks, I'll check it out. I haven't been here long enough, but I definitely see potential in opening a bar/cafe, certainly away from city center , as it seems that most everything is located there or near there.

[quote user="mafzal" post="102725"] city center ,[/quote]

you must be an american

ok what i find with turkey is that their town planning does not seem to have defined centres,

there is a mix of residential and commercial amongst each other,

the young people of ankara should be offered a trendy bar culture concept i feel,

cool dance music and plasma tv screens

Just a theory, but there might be a lack of defined centres, because there's a lack of town planning.

Just like any decent city the only good bars in Ankara are located in the city centre. Time to move into town.
... just slightly exagerating

[quote user="utabe" post="102737"]Just a theory, but there might be a lack of defined centres, because there's a lack of town planning.[/quote]

no not a theory a definate fact

actually on my last visit to ankara i noticed oran is undegoing a little devlopment, will be interesting to see how it turns out

Speaking of Oran , how do I get into the Oran park next to the TRT. I have gone past it numerously and have been told it's a nice place to go. I'm dying to get a run in away from fumes...
I've been told since it's part of ODTU, I can't get it, but I always see people walking in through open gates from Tran Gubes Blvd. s anyone checking? and once I get in, what can I expect?
Thanks

Im not to sure which park you mean,

Is it the one by the side of the runng track, there is an entrance at the 2400m point that seems to be open during daylight hours.

that's the one, with the lake. I think I'll try to get in. I've been told diff. things - that I need an ID, others say nope just walk in... so I'll give it a try...

[quote user="mafzal" post="103810"]that's the one, with the lake. I think I'll try to get in. I've been told diff. things - that I need an ID, others say nope just walk in... so I'll give it a try...[/quote]

3 alternatives that come to mind:

1. Walk in and if anyone challenges you speak firmly in English.

2. As above except speak English with a random smattering of one of the following - 'general', 'pasa', 'komutan' 'amiral' etc.

3. Walk through the gate and just ignore any security guards

[quote user="mafzal" post="103810"]that's the one, with the lake. I think I'll try to get in. I've been told diff. things - that I need an ID, others say nope just walk in... so I'll give it a try...[/quote]

Last time I was there some old 'peasant' types were selling oranges at the entrance.

I do think it is a restricted area though.

So are you still running Mafzal? Its taking me about 14 mins to do 1.5miles or 2.4km, we should go some time when I arrive next year

seggiest - HMMM! I'll try it..., hopefully I won't be hauled off...

and P1DEANO
I'm always up for a nice run, Ankara has some great hills...

[quote user="mafzal" post="103881"]seggiest - HMMM! I'll try it..., hopefully I won't be hauled off... [/quote]


you'll be fine don't worry, and if you do get hauled off it will be a new experience for you.