Ankara
The current station of Ankara was inaugurated by the Republic on 10 October 1937. Since the opening of the line in 1892, Ankara changed very much. Thanks to its strategic location at the heart of the country, Atatürk choose to install the new political capital of the country there. The Town was equipped accordingly by the new republic and the new station was built as part of a vast program of public buildings (university, concert hall, parliament, ministries…).
In addition, Ankara was no longer a terminal station since 1927 as the line was now going further east to Sivas. One can easily imagine that traffic increased very much since 1892 and the old building became too small.
This station was again designed by German architects who were very much "in vogue" at the time. But they chose a very modern style: they designed a very sober building with light going through tall glasses. This transparency is framed with a brown stone horizontal structure and light gray concrete columns. Unfortunately, pollution made the building even darker losing all contrast and thus giving it a somewhat austere appearance that is not deserved.
A very rare picture of the first Ankara station building from the street. Three buses are waiting in front of the building. The street pavement is very rough and the trees are quite small. Col. G. Tunçbilek | 
This is one of the most interesting picture from the late 1920's. The car on the left seems to be a CIWL teak car. These cars started running to Ankara on July 1927 in the Anatolia Express. On the other hand, most of the crowd in the picture still wear the Fez which was banned from 1925. Notice also that the station has no platform and the passengers have to walk across a track to board the train. Such a large crowd would indicate a special event? Col G. Tunçbilek |
Ankara old station building from the track side: still no platform but the station now has lighting (electric?) and a nice clock.The engine is from the 3401 series made by Borsig for the CFOA. These light engines were used on local trains. The cars are sturdy bogie cars. All this would place this picture in the mid 1930. Col G. Tunçbilek | 
Almost the same picture as before, but now the platform was finally done. Col G. Tunçbilek |
Again, a picture of the old station building taken from the pedestrian over-pass. Photo Ahmet Cevet Yücesaner, scan Ergin Tonuk | 
Old Ankara station,track side. This picture is very difficult to date: the clock is missing, the trees are large. The building is all white. The stones around the doors and window edges are not visible. Col G. Tunçbilek |
Old Ankara station from the street: the new building on left which still exists today is mid 1930. Col G. Tunçbilek | 
A very interesting aerial picture of Ankara. This pictures was also taken in the mid 1930's, shortly before the new station building. The pedestrian overpass can be clearly seen as well as the turning loop. Col G. Tunçbilek |
New Ankara station, street side. The works are newly completed, this picture must be soon after 1937. Col G. Tunçbilek | 
New Ankara station, street side. The two cars in front of the building give a dating of the late 1940. Col G. Tunçbilek |
New Ankara station, street side. The buildings the back are still standing. Col G. Tunçbilek | 
A very nice aerial picture of the station of the early 1950's. There is not yet a cover on the platform. All the main buildings are now finished but the station seems to be almost in the countryside. Col G. Tunçbilek |
Ankara station track side, 1971 / 72: electrification works are in progress but not yet complete. Brand new DE24000s have already displaced all steam engines. Photo Altan Ataman | 
Ankara station from street side in November 2003. Photo JP Charrey |
A rainy day on the platform, east side, in July 2001. Photo Gökçe Aydin | 
The platform, seen on the west side, opposite to the building. November 2003. Photo JP Charrey |
Next to the station, TCDD headquarters building, here from the street side. November 2003. Photo JP Charrey | 
TCDD headquarters building, from the track side. The E43000 give the scale of this building. November 2003. Photo JP Charrey |
Main entrance of TCDD headquarters building. November 2003. Photo JP Charrey |