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Ankara is looking noticeably different ahead of the NATO State and Government Leaders Summit on July 7-8, with resurfaced roads, covered facades, new summit billboards, mounted police patrols and taxis preparing to greet foreign guests with Turkish delight, cologne and cold water.
In Cukurambar and nearby areas, roads on the protocol route were resurfaced to provide a smoother passage for official convoys.
Along parts of the route, panels were placed in front of buildings with poor-looking exterior facades.
The same areas also saw exterior painting work, which was carried out free of charge for buildings located on the summit route.
Taxi drivers in Ankara are also preparing for foreign guests by wearing gray trousers and white shirts. Passengers are expected to be offered Turkish delight, cologne and cold water, presenting a familiar local welcome to visitors arriving for the summit.
Mounted police units under the General Directorate of Security began patrolling areas including Kizilay Square and Kugulu Park.
Their presence adds to the broader security measures being rolled out across the capital before the summit.
Antique-looking vases were placed along the road where the U.S. Embassy is located.
The additions formed part of the visible urban arrangements made around key points on the protocol route.
Inspection covers, often seen slightly above road level in Ankara, were made smoother and brought closer to the road surface.
The work was locally compared to the smoother street finish often associated with Japan.
Billboards carrying messages such as “Key to Peace,” “Key to Security” and “Shared Future in Peace” were installed at several points along the protocol route as part of the NATO summit preparations.
Around 56,000 security personnel are expected to serve during the NATO summit.
As road works, patrols, billboards and hospitality preparations come together, Ankara is being readied to host foreign leaders and official delegations.
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