The highly anticipated NATO summit scheduled for July 2026 will be hosted at the Star and Crescent Joint Headquarters in Ankara, widely known as the “Turkish Pentagon,” according to Milliyet newspaper.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan officially announced Ankara as the summit’s venue on June 30, highlighting several strategic reasons behind the choice.
Unlike Istanbul or Antalya, Ankara experiences less tourist congestion during the summer peak season, offering a more manageable setting for international leaders.
Logistically, Ankara provides key advantages for summit attendees. The Esenboğa International Airport is set to open its third runway soon, easing air traffic. Additionally, delegates will have access to nearby military airfields, including Etimesgut and the Turkish Air Force’s Akıncı base, enhancing security and transportation options.
Construction of the sprawling 12.6 million square meter complex began in 2011 and is still underway. Initially intended to house the Ministry of Defence’s central office, by 2028 the facility will become home to the General Staff of the Turkish Army, the armed forces’ headquarters, and offices for major defence contractors.
Architecturally inspired by the U.S. Pentagon, the complex features a distinctive star-shaped entrance and a crescent-shaped interior, symbolising Türkiye’s heritage. Designed to accommodate roughly 15,000 personnel, it is strategically located near the National Intelligence Organisation headquarters.
The area will also soon include a new administrative centre for Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
By Tamilla Hasanova
Source: caliber.az
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