Ankara, in addition to being the capital of Turkey, is also a city that stands out with its historical and cultural richness. Offering visitors diverse experiences with both its modern structures and deep-rooted past, Ankara is also an important center where you can find unique and meaningful souvenirs. From Anıtkabir to the historic Ulus district, from the nostalgic streets of Hamamönü to the authentic bazaars of Beypazarı, it is possible to come across souvenir options that reflect the local texture.
Souvenirs that can be bought from Ankara consist of unique pieces reflecting the city’s cultural heritage and handicrafts. These souvenirs, ranging from Atatürk-themed items to traditional handcrafted products, from textiles made of mohair goat wool to jewelry with Hittite motifs, will be both a meaningful gift for your loved ones and a lasting memory of your Ankara trip. With these special items that carry the spirit of the city, you can make your Ankara journey unforgettable.
1. Ankara cat-themed products (figurines, magnets, keychains)
The Ankara cat, one of Turkey’s native and most well-known cat breeds, stands out especially with its long white fur, elegant build, and sometimes with one blue and one amber eye. This noble and rare cat has become a cultural symbol of both Ankara and Turkey. The elegance and unique appearance of the Ankara cat have inspired souvenir designs, and many products are adorned with this theme.
For those searching for souvenirs in Ankara, Ankara cat-themed products are a popular and charming option. Motifs of this special cat are featured on various items such as figurines, magnets, keychains, mugs, notebook covers, and bag charms. These products attract attention from both animal lovers and visitors who want to carry a memory unique to Ankara. Especially around the Ankara Castle area and other tourist spots, such themed items can be easily found in souvenir shops. Stylish and meaningful, these souvenirs will be a warm reminder of your trip to Ankara.
2. Anıtkabir souvenirs (postcards, pins, books)
Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, is located in Ankara and attracts great interest from both domestic and international visitors. As they tour this meaningful site, visitors experience an emotional journey and often wish to take home mementos related to Anıtkabir. Therefore, various souvenirs sold around Anıtkabir and in its museum section stand out as both symbolic and meaningful keepsakes.
Among the most preferred Anıtkabir-themed souvenirs are postcards, pins, calendars, notebooks and pen sets featuring Atatürk’s quotes, books, and posters. Especially books about Atatürk’s life, reforms, and leadership serve as informative and lasting gift options. Educational books and coloring books for children are also available. These special items attract not only the visitors themselves but also those looking to bring a meaningful gift to their loved ones. Anıtkabir souvenirs serve as a graceful expression of respect for Atatürk and devotion to national values.
3. Hittite motif items (jewelry, pottery, decorative objects)
Hitit motifli eşyalar, Anadolu’nun en köklü uygarlıklarından biri olan Hititler’in kültürel mirasını yansıtan otantik ve tarihi değeri yüksek hediyelikler arasında yer alır. Özellikle Ankara ve çevresi, Hitit medeniyetinin izlerini taşıyan önemli merkezlerden biri olduğundan, bu temaya sahip hediyelik eşyalar başkentte sıkça karşımıza çıkar. Hitit Güneşi, boğa figürü ve kabartma desenler gibi semboller, bu eşyaların tasarımında öne çıkan unsurlar arasındadır.
Hitit motifli ürünler arasında en çok tercih edilenler arasında el yapımı takılar (kolye, küpe, bileklik), seramik ve çanak çömlekler, duvar süsleri, metal ya da taş objeler ve masa dekorları yer alır. Bu ürünler genellikle bronz, seramik veya doğal taş gibi malzemelerden yapılmakta ve tarihî dokusuyla dikkat çekmektedir. Ankara’daki müze mağazalarında, hediyelik eşya dükkânlarında ve turistik noktalarda bu eşyaları bulmak mümkündür. Hitit motifli hediyelikler, hem estetik hem de tarihî bir anlam taşıdıkları için kültüre meraklı kişiler için oldukça değerli bir armağan niteliğindedir.
4. Atatürk temalı ürünler (büstler, defterler, kalemler)
Atatürk-themed products are special souvenirs symbolizing the respect and devotion felt toward Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. In a city like Ankara, which holds historical and political significance, such items are frequently preferred by both locals and visitors. Figures associated with Atatürk’s leadership, reforms, and principles are widely featured in souvenir designs.
One of the most prominent items in this theme is the Atatürk bust, typically made of marble, bronze, or plaster, used as a desktop or decorative piece. Notebooks attract attention with cover designs featuring Atatürk’s quotes or silhouette, while pens are presented in special cases as meaningful gift options. The Atatürk theme is also commonly found in pen sets, planners, bookmarks, and desk ornaments. These souvenirs stand out as meaningful choices that reflect both aesthetics and national values, and are especially preferred for official visits or special occasions.
5. Coppersmithing products (coffee pots, trays, pitchers, handmade decorative items)
Coppersmithing is one of Anatolia’s deep-rooted craft traditions, and in historical cities like Ankara, this art is still kept alive. Copperwork, which has been practiced for centuries, produces items that are both functional and aesthetically valuable. Copper goods shaped by artisans through hammering are usually decorated with traditional motifs, and each piece carries a unique character. Coppersmithing products are special souvenirs that are preferred both for daily use and decorative purposes.
Among the most notable coppersmithing items you can buy from Ankara are coffee pots, trays, pitchers, and handmade decorative plates. These products carry a nostalgic feel and are also durable and long-lasting. Especially those that are hand-engraved or adorned with embossed patterns may hold collectible value. Copper coffee sets, candle holders, and wall decorations are also commonly chosen as gifts. You can find these unique items in Ankara’s historic inns, museum shops, and traditional areas like Hamamönü. Coppersmithing products are meaningful and elegant gifts that carry the spirit of craftsmanship from the past into the present.
6. Handwoven carpets and kilims
Handwoven carpets and kilims are among Anatolia’s centuries-old craft traditions, and each piece is a unique work of art reflecting the region’s cultural heritage, motifs, and color palette. Carpets and kilims woven in and around Ankara are especially appreciated for their traditional patterns, natural dyes, and hand-crafted details. These products are used not only as floor coverings but also as decorative elements.
The handwoven carpets and kilims you can find in Ankara are typically made from wool, cotton, or silk threads and are adorned with motifs specific to different regions. Geometric patterns, the tree of life, the evil eye, and ram’s horn are among the frequently used symbols. Each of these products, created with the experience and patience of master weavers, holds value as both a cultural keepsake and a long-lasting, aesthetic item. It is possible to find these unique woven products in Ankara’s traditional bazaars, handicraft shops, and ethnography-focused exhibitions. Handwoven carpets and kilims are elegant gift options that bridge the past and the present.
7. Traditional Ankara safety pin (featuring mohair goat motifs)
The traditional Ankara safety pin is a unique and meaningful accessory that reflects Ankara’s cultural heritage. This special pin is often decorated with motifs of the Ankara mohair goat and carries both symbolic and decorative value. The mohair goat, native to Ankara, is considered an important symbol of the region. For this reason, goat figures, natural materials, and local motifs are frequently used in the design of these pins.
Ankara safety pins are typically made from bronze, brass, or hand-crafted metal materials and are also used as decorative items on traditional clothing. They are attached to garments such as shawls, scarves, and jackets, offering both elegance and a sign of connection to local culture. These items can often be found at handicraft fairs, museum shops, and in historical areas like Hamamönü. With its elegant and historical texture, the Ankara safety pin is a unique choice for those looking for a small but meaningful souvenir.
8. Ankara mohair goat fiber products (shawls, scarves, socks, and other textile items)
Ankara mohair goat fiber products are among Turkey’s traditional and valuable textile heritages. Mohair is a fine, shiny, and durable wool obtained exclusively from the Ankara goat. This special fiber stands out with its warmth and silky texture. These goats, raised in and around Ankara, are especially known worldwide for the quality of their mohair, which has long been a significant source of income for both locals and exports.
Textile products made from mohair—such as shawls, scarves, beanies, gloves, and socks—are highly valued both for everyday use and as gifts. These items are natural, breathable, and long-lasting. In addition, mohair absorbs dye well, making it available in vibrant and aesthetically pleasing color options. These soft and high-quality mohair products can be found in shops selling handmade items, museum stores, and traditional marketplaces throughout Ankara. This unique gift from the Ankara goat stands out as both a practical choice for cold weather and a culturally meaningful, elegant keepsake.
9. Handmade ceramic and tile decorative items
Handmade ceramic and tile decorative items are among the most elegant examples of Turkish handicrafts, carrying both aesthetic and cultural value as souvenirs. In Ankara, such products are often presented with unique designs that blend traditional motifs with modern interpretations. The patterns used in ceramic and tile art range from Ottoman-era floral motifs like tulips, carnations, and roses to geometric shapes. In terms of color, shades of blue, turquoise, red, and white are especially prominent.
Among the most preferred handmade items are wall plates, vases, bowls, cups, magnets, evil eye charms, and small decorative objects. Each product is shaped, painted by hand, and glazed before being fired at high temperatures in special kilns—making every piece one of a kind. These decorative items can be found in art galleries, handicraft shops, and tourist areas throughout Ankara. Handmade ceramic and tile products stand out not only as beautiful decorative pieces but also as meaningful gifts that reflect Turkish culture.
10. Local delicacies (Ankara simit, Beypazarı kurusu, tarhana, erişte)
Local delicacies unique to Ankara offer a cultural richness and a feast of flavors for both residents and visitors of the capital. These traditional tastes stand out with their homemade authenticity and unique recipes that have developed over the years. Especially preferred as gifts, these products are key elements that reflect Ankara’s gastronomic identity.
Ankara simit differs from those of other cities with its thin and crispy texture; it is known for its abundant sesame and crunchy bite. Beypazarı kurusu is a cinnamon-flavored, crispy biscuit that stays fresh for a long time and is a staple of breakfasts and tea times. Tarhana is a traditional soup base made from dried yogurt, vegetables, and spices, prepared using age-old methods in local homes and known for its health benefits. Erişte is a type of homemade noodle made with flour, eggs, and milk, frequently served during the winter months. These delicacies can easily be found in Ankara’s local markets, organic product shops, and gourmet stores, offering nostalgic and satisfying gift alternatives for both yourself and your loved ones.
11. Beypazarı silverwork (filigree jewelry and accessories)
Filigree art holds an important place within Ankara’s rich cultural heritage. Filigree is a traditional handcraft involving the delicate and intricate shaping of fine silver or gold wires into ornamental designs. This art was introduced to Beypazarı in the 13th century through the Ahi guild system and has been passed down through generations to the present day.
In Beypazarı, filigree production is carried out in small workshops, staying true to traditional methods. Approximately 40 shops in the district employ around 30 masters and apprentices along with nearly 400 workers in this craft. Among filigree products, jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and belts adorned with motifs known as “kişniş” are especially prominent. These items are handmade using 925 sterling silver, and each piece is considered a unique work of art.
Filigree jewelry and accessories produced in Beypazarı attract the attention of both local and international tourists due to their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance. The district’s workshops and silversmiths continue to keep this art alive, combining traditional motifs with modern designs to create original pieces. If you visit Beypazarı, you should take the opportunity to see and purchase these elegant handcrafted items.
12. Locally produced honey and jam varieties
Ankara and its surrounding areas are among the regions that stand out for locally produced honey and jam varieties, thanks to their natural landscapes and rich vegetation. Particularly in rural areas and highlands, traditional beekeeping practices yield honey that is pure, free of additives, and known for its aromatic flavor. Similarly, homemade jams made from fresh seasonal fruits are rich in both taste and nutritional value.
Among the locally found honey varieties in Ankara, pine honey, flower honey, and especially wildflower honey are the most prominent. These honeys are typically sold in stylishly packaged glass jars and are preferred both for breakfast and for their health benefits. Jam varieties are made from fruits such as rose, sour cherry, fig, quince, plum, and cornelian cherry. Boiled using traditional methods without any additives, these jams offer a natural and nostalgic taste. These products can easily be found in local markets, village cooperatives, and shops selling handmade goods throughout Ankara. Local honey and jams are excellent choices to bring natural flavors to your table or to offer your loved ones a healthy and meaningful gift.
13. Kocatepe coffee and cup sets
Kocatepe coffee, as one of Ankara’s long-established coffee brands, has earned the appreciation of both the capital’s residents and coffee lovers across Turkey. Named after Kocatepe Mosque—one of Ankara’s iconic landmarks—this brand stands out particularly for the quality and flavor of its traditional Turkish coffee. Kocatepe coffee is known for its finely ground texture, rich aroma, and balanced taste that lingers on the palate.
The special cup sets offered alongside Kocatepe coffee add elegance to traditional coffee service. These sets typically include porcelain or ceramic cups, patterned saucers, and sometimes additional items like a coffee pot or a small bowl for Turkish delight. The sets may feature Ankara-specific motifs, Ottoman designs, or modern touches. Kocatepe coffee and cup sets are elegant souvenirs that symbolize Ankara, offering a nostalgic yet high-quality gift option. These special coffees and sets can be easily found at Kocatepe Coffee House branches or souvenir shops throughout Ankara.
14. Ankara-themed magnets, mugs, and t-shirts
Ankara-themed magnets, mugs, and t-shirts are among the most popular and practical souvenirs, reflecting the capital’s unique symbols and cultural elements. These products attract great interest from both tourists and locals. Featuring the historical texture and icons of the city, they serve as ideal keepsakes for those who want to remember or represent Ankara.
Magnets are often decorated with symbols such as Ankara Castle, Anıtkabir, Atakule, the Ankara cat, and the Hittite Sun, offering a decorative option for refrigerators. Mugs, carrying similar themes, are practical gifts that add meaning to tea and coffee enjoyment. T-shirts are offered in both comfortable and stylish designs, featuring the word “Ankara,” silhouettes of the city map, cultural figures, or humorous expressions. These items can be easily found in souvenir shops, tourist areas, and online stores in Ankara. Meaningful, functional, and visually appealing, these souvenirs offer great options for those who want to take home a lasting memory of Ankara.
15. Ethnic-patterned fabric bags and tablecloths
Ethnic-patterned fabric bags and tablecloths are among the popular souvenir items in Ankara, standing out for both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. These products are designed with inspiration from Anatolia’s traditional motifs and cultural texture. Made from handwoven fabrics or high-quality cotton materials, they are adorned with vibrant colors and characteristic patterns. Each piece carries elegant details that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern life.
Fabric bags are ideal for everyday use thanks to their eco-friendly nature, durable structure, and unique designs. They often feature geometric motifs, Anatolian figures, or symbols unique to Ankara. Tablecloths, on the other hand, add a nostalgic touch to traditional dining settings and are also preferred for decorative purposes. These types of products are commonly found in handicraft workshops, local markets, and boutique shops throughout Ankara. Ethnic-patterned fabric bags and tablecloths offer a stylish and practical gift option that also holds cultural meaning.
Souvenirs from Ankara offer unique and meaningful choices that reflect the city’s historical, cultural, and artistic richness. Ranging from traditional handicrafts to local delicacies, from symbolic figures to functional items, this wide selection of gifts can serve as lasting memories of Ankara or valuable presents for your loved ones. By choosing one of these special items as you return from the capital, you can carry the spirit of Ankara with you.