|
Ankara
The seat of Turkey's government in the strategic heart of
central Anatolia, Ankara is the city selected by Mustafa Kemal
Atatьrk, 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 civilisation. 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 I.
 After the first World War,
Ankara assumed a prominent position at the center of Atatьrk's
national resistance, 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 Mustafa Kemal Atatьrk. 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 Atatьrk's personal items and
documents. His house in Зankaya, 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 Civilisations 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 Arslanhane 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 Ankara. 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 theatre continue.
In the same vicinity stands the 15th century Mosque and
Mausoleum of Haci Bayram.
From Ulus Meydani, with its equestrian statue of Atatьrk,
continue down Atatьrk Boulevard to the Ethnographical 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, theatre, 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 Зikrikзilar Yokusu
near Ulus. On the street of coppersmiths, Bakircilar Зarsisi,
you can find many interesting old and new items, not only of
copper but jewellery, 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 Зankaya. 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.
Central Anatolia
|
