16,000-hectare farm established by Atatürk with forests, dairy, zoo, and picnic areas.
Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği, commonly abbreviated AOÇ) sprawls across approximately 16,000 hectares in the Yenimahalle district of Ankara, making it one of the largest urban agricultural estates in the world still actively operated within a national capital. Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1925 as a model experimental farm intended to demonstrate modern agricultural practices to the nascent Turkish Republic, the site was designed by Atatürk personally with significant guidance from German agricultural specialists. The farm remains operational today: dairy herds produce milk and cheese sold under the AOÇ brand at on-site shops, orchards and vineyards produce fruit, and a small brewery — established in the 1930s and one of Turkey's oldest — produces beer using original recipes. Visitors move freely through the forested areas on walking and cycling paths, through the botanical garden sections, and around the farm buildings. A zoo within the complex houses a range of animals and is particularly popular with families. The historic Marmara Köşkü, a lakeside pavilion used by Atatürk as a working retreat, can be visited during open hours. Several restaurants and a traditional köy (village) café within the estate serve grilled meats, fresh dairy produce, and regional Anatolian dishes. Entry to the main estate is free; the zoo has a separate admission charge. The site covers such a large area that visitors typically focus on one or two zones. A comfortable visit to the farm buildings, forest paths, and zoo takes 2–4 hours. Weekends draw large numbers of Ankara families; weekday mornings offer a quieter, more rural experience.
Location
Atatürk Orman Çiftliği, Yenimahalle, Ankara
Highlights
- 16,000-hectare model farm founded by Atatürk in 1925 with active dairy, orchards, and vineyards
- Historic AOÇ brewery, one of Turkey's oldest, producing beer since the 1930s
- On-site zoo with diverse animal collection popular with families
- Marmara Köşkü: Atatürk's lakeside working pavilion open to visitors
- Extensive forested walking and cycling paths through one of the world's largest urban farm estates
Tips for visiting
- Weekday visits are significantly quieter than weekends; families fill the picnic and zoo areas on Saturdays and Sundays
- The AOÇ dairy shop near the main entrance sells fresh milk, yoghurt, butter, and cheese at reasonable prices — a worthwhile stop
- The estate is large; decide in advance whether to focus on the zoo, farm buildings, or forest walks, as covering everything takes most of a day
- Cycling is an enjoyable way to cover the grounds; bicycles may be hired near the main gate on busier days
- The on-site restaurants serving grilled meats and dairy products are popular with local Ankara residents and reasonably priced
When to visit
Weekday mornings provide a calm, rural atmosphere and the best experience of the working farm. Spring (April–May) is ideal when orchards are in bloom and the forest paths are at their most pleasant.
Accessibility
The main entry roads and central farm areas are paved and accessible by car and wheelchair. The forested walking paths vary in quality and some are unpaved. The zoo has largely flat, accessible pathways. The historic pavilion areas may have steps limiting wheelchair access.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for Atatürk Forest Farm?
The main farm estate and forested areas are free to enter. The zoo section charges a separate admission fee. The brewery and dairy shop have their own retail pricing.
How long does a visit take?
A visit covering the farm buildings, a forest walk, and the zoo takes 2–4 hours. Families spending time at the zoo or picnicking may stay most of the day.
Is the farm suitable for children?
Yes; the zoo, open green spaces, farm animals, and cycling paths make AOÇ one of Ankara's best family destinations. Younger children enjoy the zoo and wide-open lawns particularly.