M.Kemal Ataturk
Anitkabir
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ANKARA
The central Anatolian plateau, ochre hued, cleft by
ravines and dominated by volcanic peaks, forms the
heartland of Turkey. Covered with wheat fields and
outlined with ranks of poplars the boldly contoured
steppe has a solitary majesty. This plateau was one of
the cradles of human civilization. At Catalhoyuk
remains of settlements from as early as the eighth
millennium B.C. have been unearthed. The homeland of
many people and the historic battleground of East and
West, here the Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Galatians,
Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans all fought
for their sovereignty and established their rule. In
the 11th century the migrating Turks from the east
made the plateau their own. During its turbulent
history Central Anatolia has endured invasion by great
conquerors such as Alexander the Great and Tamerlane.
In the course of ten millennia of habitation the
denizens of the area have reflected in their art -
from the vigorous paintings of Catalhoyuk to the
confident lines of Seljuk architecture, to more
recently, the impressive modern form of Ataturk's
Mausoleum - the dramatic contours of the surrounding
landscape. The seat of Turkey's government in the
strategic heart of central Anatolia, Ankara is the
city selected by
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the republic's founder, to
house the capital of the newly politically defined
country.
Though thoroughly modern in appearance Ankara's
history and that of the surrounding area dates back to
the Bronze Age and the Hatti civilization. In the
second millennium B.C. the Hittites followed as lords
of the land and were succeeded in turn by the
Phrygians, Lydians and Persians. In the third century
B.C., the Galatians, a Celtic race, made Ankara their
capital. It was then known as Ancyra, meaning anchor.
The Romans and then the Byzantines held this strategic
expanse of land until 1073 when the Seljuk Turks
commanded by Alpaslan conquered it. Just over three
centuries later in 1402, the city, then but a small
outpost, passed into the hands of the Ottomans led by
Beyazit 1. After the first World War, Ankara assumed a
prominent position at the center of Ataturk's national
existence, and the War of Independence that liberated
the Turkish homeland from the domination of foreign
powers. On the 13th of October, 1923, Ankara was
declared the capital of the new Republic of Turkey.
Dominating the modern part of the city, much of it
constructed since Ankara's rise to prominence, is the imposing
limestone Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk.
Completed in 1953, this fusion of ancient and modern
architectural concepts testifies to the power and
grace of Turkish architecture. A museum at Anitkabir
displays some of Ataturk's personal items and
documents. His house in Cankaya, next to the
Presidential Palace, is open on Sunday afternoons.
The
oldest parts of the city surround the ancient hisar or
citadel. Within the walls, the 12th century Alaeddin
Mosque although much rebuilt by the Ottomans, still
boasts fine Seljuk woodwork. Many interesting
traditional Turkish houses have been restored in the
area, and some have found new life as art galleries or
attractive restaurants serving local dishes. Close to
the gate, Hisar Kapisi, the beautifully restored
bedestan (covered bazaar), houses the Museum of
Anatolian Civilizations with its priceless collection
of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian,
Urartian and Roman artifacts. It is open every day
except Monday. Outside the citadel the 13th century
Arsianhane Mosque and the 14th century Ahi Elvan
Mosque are worth visiting. The legacy of Roman times -
the third century A.D. public baths, the fourth
century Julian Column and the second century
Corinthian style, Temple of Augustus - is all located
in an area below the citadel, near Ulus Meydani (Nation
Square). The sole surviving "Political Testament of
Augustus", a statement detailing the achievements of
the Emperor Augustus, remains inscribed on the wall of
his temple in. At one time every temple dedicated to
him throughout the Roman Empire bore this document;
this is the only complete copy in existence today. In
the fifth century the Byzantines converted the temple
into a church. Near the citadel excavations of a Roman
theater continue. In the same vicinity stands the 15th
century mosque and mausoleum of Haci Bayram. From Ulus
Meydani, with its equestrian statue of Ataturk,
continue down Ataturk Boulevard to the Ethnographic
Museum which houses magnificent Seljuk doors of carved
wood, and other artifacts of daily life. Nearby the
Sculpture and Painting Museum illustrates the history
of the Turkish fine arts. The biggest mosque in Ankara
graces the Kocatepe quarter. Kocatepe Mosque was built
between 1976 and 1987, and is in the Ottoman
architectural style.
Ankara has an active artistic and cultural life with-
world class performances of ballet, theater, opera and
folk dancing. The city is especially well known for
its Philharmonic Orchestra which attracts a loyal
following. Ankara hosts two international festivals in
April: "The Arts and Music Festival", and the world-famous
"April 23rd International Children's Festival".
Visitors to the city usually like to browse through
the old shops in Cikrikcilar Yokusu near Ulus. On the
street of coppersmiths, Bakircilar Carsisi, you can
find many interesting old and new items, not only of
copper but jewelry, carpets, costumes, antiquities and
embroidery. A walk up the hill to the Citadel Gate
takes you past many interesting stalls and vendors
selling spices, dried fruits, nuts and all manner of
produce. Modern shopping areas are mostly found in Kizilay,
on Tunali Hilmi Avenue and in the recently completed Atakule
Tower in Cankaya. The top of Atakule, at 125 meters,
offers a magnificent view over the whole city. Its
excellent revolving restaurant allows you to enjoy the
complete view in a leisurely fashion. In the new Karum
shopping mall, in Kavaklidere, some of Turkey's
most chic clothing stores tempt the passer-by.
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