İt used to be a more historical place , but with the last restorations it has lost the soul .. if you have time have a look to see the dark side of the history...

If Ankara had more to offer I'd rate this 3 stars (presuming you've visited such establishments across eastern Europe), but having very scarce things to do in the Turkish capital I advise going here, specially if you're staying more than a day. One star deduction is certainly for the total absence of English - not a single word on plaques, no brochures anywhere to explain what you're visiting. Audio guide does not exist also. So, learn beforehand what you're about to see. Ulucanlar was a political prison established in 1925 and served as such until the early 2000's. It's located in downtown, some 15 min walk from the Ankara Castle. It was interesting seeing the old pics showing how the area looked like in 1930's with nothing around - a desert like area which is densely populated today. As you might conclude the inmates were political opponents - intellectuals, writers, journalists,.... Walking the grounds you'll spot the difference of imprisonment levels from low security with only 4 inmates in room (Hilton cells - 9 & 10 ward), over medium with many inmates but with radio, TV, music instruments and other social things to do, to solitary confinement cells without a window and toilet. Also, you can visit a hammam they had and common outdoor grounds all along with the gallows where 19 inmates were executed. Due to lack of English count on around 1 hour for a visit.