ANKARA — 2016 · Major Tragedy

The 17 February 2016 Merasim Street Bombing in Ankara

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On the evening of 17 February 2016, a car bomb was detonated next to military personnel shuttle buses waiting at traffic lights at the junction of Merasim Street and İnönü Boulevard in Ankara. The rush-hour attack, in the district housing ministries, the General Staff and Parliament, killed 29 people — 14 military personnel, 14 civilian military employees and one civilian — and injured more than 60. The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK) claimed responsibility. Nationwide internet restrictions followed, and many people were detained. The attack in the heart of the capital was the first of a series of bombings in Ankara that year.

Date: 2016
Place: Çankaya, Ankara
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 39.9100, 32.8500 ↗

Timeline of Events

17 February 2016A car bomb exploded beside shuttle buses on Merasim Street.
February 2016The victims were named; TAK claimed responsibility.
2016Many people were detained and arrested.

Sources

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