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conciergegetty imagesA Turkish delightEren Güven, Front Office Supervisor at Divan Ankara, shares someof his top tips for discovering the hidden gems of the Turkish capitalClockwise fromtop left: Ceilingof the Museumof AnatolianCivilisations;Ankara Castle;Eren Güven ofDivan Ankara;Turkish delightWhat do you love most about your job?Meeting so many interesting people. I always tryto serve our customers better and that leads meto be more creative and dynamic.What is the first thing anyone new in Ankarashould do? Visit Anıtkabir, the monument of theleader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As the founder ofthe modern Turkish republic, he’s a world-knownleader, and here you can see the significantimpact he’s had on Turkey.Tell us something surprising about Ankara.There are so many museums, art performancesand live concerts here.Which are your favourite museums? TheMuseum of Anatolian Civilisations is one of thebest museums in the world. Here, archaeologicalartefacts are exhibited in chronological orderfrom the Palaeolithic Age to the presentday. There’s also Cer Modern, the perfectcombination of history and art. Formerly a repaircentre for trains and wagons, it is now the firstmodern art centre in Ankara. It has held SalvadorDali and MC Escher shows, and has a Van Goghexhibition opening in October 2012.What’s your favourite spot in Ankara? I love theparks and open spaces. Kuğulu Park (Swan Park) inTunalı Hilmi Street is the most popular in Ankara,and takes its name from the swans sent by theChinese government as a gift. Seğmenler Park isthe symbol of the Kavaklıdere region and, besideshousing a huge botanical garden with 100-yearoldtrees, it also includes statues, pools, children’splaygrounds and an amphitheatre.What about nightspots? The luxuriousrestaurants, nightclubs and pubs in Çankayaand Tunalı are worth a visit. You can do anythingfrom visiting an English pub to singing in akaraoke bar. There’s an array of choices andthey’re easy to find.Any hidden gems people should know about?Beypazarı is 98km from Ankara city centre andhas been the heart of many civilisations. Youcan taste traditional foods, buy silver jewelleryand shop for other local products. Kızılcahamamis famous for its natural thermal spring, believedto have healing properties, and is best forweekend holidays.Where would you go for the best view of thecity? Ankara Castle – from there you have apanoramic view of the cityscape.What do the different seasons have to offer?In summer, try a walk through Beynam Forest,take a bike tour around Eymir Lake or have apicnic by Mogan Lake. You can enjoy deliciousfoods in the restaurants located along the shore.In winter, Elmadağ is perfect for skiing. If youwant to visit the historic sites and wander aroundthe city, spring is best as it is dry, warm and youcan witness the awakening of nature after thecold winter.Apart from the hotel restaurant, where canyou get the best Turkish food in your city?Çengelhan Brasserie is a unique place withdelicious dishes and a cosy atmosphere. It islocated in Rahmi M Koç Museum and afterenjoying your meal, you can take a look around.Where’s the best shopping in Ankara? Panora,Ankamall, Kentpark, Cepa and Gordion are allgood shopping malls. The area around AnkaraCastle is perfect if you’re looking for traditional,handmade and antique products.What’s the best guestroom in your hotel andwhy? Suite 601 is my favourite. It has a reallywide terrace where you can enjoy the charmingAnkara view while drinking a delicious cocktailfrom the Divan Pub.What’s the strangest request you’ve ever hadfrom a guest? One of our guests wished forhis wife to be showered with rose petals uponentering the hotel.What’s the best souvenir to take home? Turkishdelight is a famous Turkish confection that makesa perfect gift for family and friends – or treatyourself, to remind you of a great trip away.Turkish delight is a famous Turkish confection thatmakes a perfect gift for family and friends – or treatyourself, to remind you of a great trip away82 volume thirteen Summit