ANKARA - THE CAPITAL CITY OF TURKEY
The history of Ankara and its surroundings stretches back to the Hatti
civilisation of the Bronze Age. Two thousand years before the time of Jesus, the
Hittites become the dominant power of the region, and were then followed by the
Phyrgians, Lydians and Persians. In the 3rd Century BC, a Celtic race known as
the Galatians made Ankara their capital city. The name Ankara comes from the
word 'Ancyra', which means 'anchor.'
Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Ataturk during the national
resistence which followed World War I. It was declared the capital of the new
Turkish Republic on October 13th 1923 when the National War of Independence
freed Turkey from foreign occupation.
Occupying one of the most prominent parts of the city is Anitkabir, the
magnificent mausoleum constructed to commemorate Atatürk. This structure,
which was completed in 1953, is a synthesis of antique and modern architectural
themes, and proves the elegance and strength of Turkish architecture.
The oldest parts of the city surround the Castle. The Alaaddin Mosque found
inside its walls is still one of the best examples of Selcuk art and wood
craftsmanship, in spite of the fact that it was restored by the Ottomans. The
area has experienced a rejuvenation with the restoration of many interesting old
Turkish houses, and the opening a several art galleries and fine restaurants
which feature examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. Near the gate of the
castle is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is a beautifully restored
portion of the old bazaar. It contains priceless artifacts belonging to the
Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu
and Roman civilizations.
Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many select ballet,
theatre, opera and folk dance performances. The city's Philharmonic Orchestra,
which always plays to a packed house, is especially famous.
The mausoleum of the Republic's founder and leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
Anitkabir was built on the hill of Rasattepe and has an impressive entrance. It
was designed by architects Prof. Emin Onat and Doc. Orahn Arda, and completed in
1953. Ataturk was removed from the temporary burial site at the Ethnographic
Museum and brought here with great ceremony the same year.
Within the Anitkabir complex are the Tower of Independence, the Tower of
Liberty, The Road of Lions, Mudafaa-i Hukuk Tower, the Soldier's Tower, the
Tower of Victory, the Tower of Peace, the April 23 Tower, the Misak-i Milli
Tower, the Reform Tower and the Victory Reliefs. The hallowed Mausoleum hall
itself is a colonnaded temple with huge bronze doors but little in the way of
decoration. Opposite is the tomb of Ismet Inonu, the first prime minister of the
Turkish republic and president after Ataturk's death.
The Anitkabir museum is located between the Tower of the National Pact and
the Tower of the Revolution. A number of Ataturk's personal belongings are
exhibited, including clothes that he wore, and gifts presented to him by
visiting foreign dignitaries
