Polatli

Introduction

Located in the Ankara Province of Turkey, Polatlı serves as a municipality and district situated along the road leading toward Eskişehir. You will find this destination positioned west of the Turkish capital.

Before you go

Prepare to explore a region steeped in profound historical transitions, from the ancient kingdom of Phrygia to the pivotal moments of the modern Turkish Republic. You will find yourself traveling through landscapes that served as critical defensive positions during the early 20th century, specifically along the Sakarya River near Polatlı where the fate of the nation hung in the balance against advancing forces.

As you explore the area, keep these historical contexts in mind:

• The region's history stretches back to the era of Phrygia, centered around the ancient capital of Gordion.
• Local legends, such as the Gordian knot, reflect the complex political undertones and moral lessons of antiquity.
• The landscape holds significance as a site of strategic military maneuvers that ultimately led to the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey.

Getting there

You can reach Polatlı by road via the D200/E90 highway, which is a divided and toll-free route connecting the city to Ankara and Eskişehir. If you prefer traveling by bus, Kamil Koç operates hourly services from the AŞTİ main bus station in Ankara. For those traveling from the capital's western suburbs, local buses and EGO commuter runs provide frequent connections to the town center and the railway station.

Rail travel offers several ways to reach the area. You can take regional services from Ankara to the central Polatlı railway station or choose a high-speed train arriving at the nearby Polatlı YHT station located in the fields southeast of the town. For longer journeys, overnight trains with sleeper cars and pullman seats run from both Istanbul and Izmir, passing through several regional hubs before reaching the destination.

Getting around

You will find the town to be compact in layout, yet you should secure your own wheels to reach the various battle memorials and antiquities located throughout the area.

Where to stay

You can find several accommodations located near the town railway station, including Ikbalhan Otel, which offers simple but clean rooms, and Otel Defne, which faces the station directly. For those seeking a central location with spacious rooms and friendly service, Miraç Golden Palace Hotel is situated on Battalgazi Cd.

If you are traveling by car, Abdullah Resort Otel is located near the highway on the southern edge of town, providing an efficient option for motorists. Other nearby options include Hotel MDS, located just a short block south of the station area.

Food & drink

You can find numerous small eateries throughout the downtown area, though you won't find any specific locations that stand out as unique landmarks.

While there are no standalone pubs to visit, some cafes in the area may serve alcohol.

What to see and do

Explore the historical landscape of the region by visiting several monuments and museums tied to the Battle of the Sakarya. You can visit the Sakarya Victory Monument on a wooded hill, where you will climb a symbolic stairway between pairs of slabs to reach a summit featuring three figures. Nearby, the Halide Edip Adıvar Museum in Sakarya village preserves the history of a writer and activist who documented the war's aftermath. Other significant sites include the 22-meter tall Mehmetçik Monument on Kartaltepe hill, which stands in a uniform from the early 1920s, and the Duatepe Monument, which features an extensive collection of statues including one inspired by Kemal Atatürk.

Travel further to explore ancient history at Gordion, where you can see the Midas Mound—a massive burial chamber supported by juniper logs—and visit the museum housing artifacts from the Bronze Age through the Roman period. You may also visit the Hacıtuğrul Mound and the nearby Hacıtuğrul Mausoleum. For a look at military logistics, the Malıköy Railway Station Museum displays transport used during the campaign, including a steam locomotive and a biplane, while the Alagöz Headquarters Museum is housed in a farmhouse that served as a frontline command center.

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local area and visiting the Sakarya Victory Monument located nearby. You can take in the atmosphere of the region while staying at a local establishment such as Otel Defne or Hotel MDS.

Day two, you can travel through the landscape to see the historical sites of Phrygia and Gordion. You can experience the local culture as you navigate the surroundings of Polatlı.

Day three, you can enjoy the local scenery before preparing for your next destination. You can utilize the rail system, including the Polatlı YHT, to plan your onward travel through the region.