In 1923, the Turkish Republic was undergoing transformative changes as it emerged from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. As part of this modernization initiative, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Republic's founding father, chose Ankara as the new capital. The choice of Ankara was not merely symbolic; it was a strategic decision to position the capital at the geographic center of Turkey, which facilitated better governance and control over the various regions of the country. Istanbul, although historically significant, represented the old empire that Atatürk sought to move away from, and its coastal location was seen as vulnerable to foreign threats.

The declaration of Ankara as the capital was made official during a ceremony on October 13, 1923. This decision was part of a broader series of reforms aimed at modernizing Turkey, including declarations of secularism, various legal reforms, and advancements in education, industry, and women’s rights. The new capital quickly developed from a small town into a bustling center of politics and culture, with government buildings, embassies, and schools constructed rapidly to support the burgeoning republic.

With the capital shift, Ankara became a symbol of national sovereignty, breaking away from centuries of Ottoman tradition. The new government aimed to cultivate a national identity, fostering pride and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Turkey. The transformation of Ankara also attracted intellectuals and reformists, laying the groundwork for new cultural and political movements that would shape the identity of modern Turkey.