Asst. Prof. Dr. Pınar Sezginalp, faculty member of IAED, organized a city walk titled “European Architects in Ankara, Capital of the Republic” on September 20, 2026, as part of the Ankara leg of the “European Heritage Days” event—held for the 43rd time this year by the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) network. The walk, which primarily focused on the structures and projects of European-origined architects from the early Republican era, was attended by the EU Ambassador to Turkey, Mr. Aivo Orav, and approximately 25 participants.
The first stop of the walk, which was scheduled to last about 70 minutes, was the İş Bank Museum. During the tour, the Sümerbank General Directorate Building—currently serving as the Rectorate Building of the Social Sciences University of Ankara—and the Ulus Victory Monument were introduced. Ambassador Orav, officials from the EU Delegation to Turkey, members of the press, and participating citizens posed for a commemorative photo in front of the Ulus Victory Monument. Subsequently, the former Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey building and the Ziraat Bank General Directorate building were presented.
Speaking at the Ziraat Bank General Directorate building, EU Ambassador to Turkey Aivo Orav thanked the participants, stating, “What could be better than walking in Ankara in such beautiful weather and with such wonderful company?” Noting that European Heritage Days were being held in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir, Orav said, “We are organizing European Heritage Days in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir—both today and in the days surrounding it. We are holding this event in Ankara for the fifth time. This is quite remarkable.” As the walk continued, the PTT Stamp Museum (formerly the Real Estate and Orphans’ Bank Building), the Ottoman Bank Ankara Branch Building, the Ankara Exhibition House (now the Ankara State Opera and Ballet Stage), and the Opera Bridge by Pier Luigi Nervi were introduced.
