Fresh From the Farms -- The 100 Year Market

Also Known As: 100. Yıl Pazarı / Yüzüncü Yıl Pazarı

This bustling farmer’s market is open every Thursday and Sunday and offers a fruitful supply of fresh produce from around Turkey. The fruit and veggies are fresh and bountiful, and the variety is larger than in many local stores. Case in point -- you’re not going to find a bundle of fresh cilantro in a good 95% of the grocery stores you visit in Ankara.

In addition to the produce, there are bulk sections of fresh olives and nuts, a section of cheeses, honey, jars for canning purposes, bread, fresh-made gözleme, and a smattering of random household items.

The vendors are friendly, and many have prices well-marked by the kilo. Even though the energy is fast-paced and consists of a lot of people yelling out to peddle their goods, they are also patient with your perusing, should you want to move at a more laid-back pace. They may even let you sample a bite. Pardon the ignorance here, but am I the only one who wasn’t able to immediately recognize a beet in its organic form? For the record -- they taste a bit like dirt, but I’m not going to hold the farmer’s market responsible for that.

It’s handy to note that you’ll need cash for the market, preferably not in huge denominations (unless you’re planning on buying in bulk). However, there are about five different ATMs from different banks across the street next to Migros, if you forget to plan ahead or are just such a high-roller that you you can’t stop buying more lemons.

HOW TO GET THERE: If you’re coming on the metro, get off at the M2’s Söğütözü Station next to the Next Level shopping mall. From there, there are a handful of buses that can get you close to the market, including the 136, 411-3, 419, and the 482-3. The 411-3 bus even comes directly from Kızılay. If you’re more of a walker, it’s about a 30-minute walk from Next Level. If you’re driving and enjoy jockeying for parking spots in a roundabout intersection, there is street parking available around the market.

LOCATION: Ankara, İşçi Blokları Mahallesi, 06530 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey