Ankara under extraordinary measures for the NATO summit, the capital dresses up for Trump and the delegations as residents object

On the eve of the NATO summit, Ankara has been placed on high alert as the leaders of the Alliance’s 32 member states, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to arrive in the Turkish capital.

Ahead of the arrival of the foreign delegations, authorities in Turkey have implemented numerous measures to improve the city’s image, but the strict security restrictions have sparked dissatisfaction among both residents and the opposition.

Municipal workers are working on the roads linking the city to Ankara Airport, planting flowers, painting sidewalks, and hiding damaged areas and poor neighborhoods behind large signs in an effort to present the capital in the best possible light to official visitors.

During the days of the summit, some of the main thoroughfares will be closed, while all protests and gatherings in Ankara have been banned from June 28 to July 8. These measures have prompted strong reactions from the opposition.

DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan said Ankara has been turned into an “open prison,” accusing the authorities of blocking the city’s normal functioning solely to guarantee the passage of official motorcades.

According to Turkish media, preparations for the summit, including the renovation of a military airport and the construction of new infrastructure, have exceeded 11 billion Turkish lira, or more than 205 million euros. For its part, the government presents these expenditures as part of the capital’s modernization process.

Meanwhile, traders are reporting significant economic losses, as many businesses have been forced to close temporarily because of blocked roads and a drop in customers.

On the other hand, the Turkish Federation of Taxi Drivers has used the moment to launch a hospitality initiative for foreigners. Drivers have been asked to wear white shirts and gray trousers, while water, Turkish delight, and traditional Turkish cologne have been prepared for passengers.

For the first time in Ankara, mounted police officers will also be deployed on patrol, while authorities have also carried out roadworks by fixing potholes, leveling manhole covers, and improving infrastructure ahead of the leaders’ arrival.

The discontent has also been reflected on social media, where ironic comments from users have not been lacking, stressing that such investments should be made for citizens and not only when foreign figures are visiting.

To avoid heavy traffic and the restrictions imposed, some residents have chosen to leave Ankara for a few days, filling trains and buses bound for other cities ahead of the summit.