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The
seat of Turkey's government in the strategic heart of
central Anatolia, Ankara is the city selected
by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, 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 Beyazıt I.
After
the first World War, Ankara assumed a prominent position at
the center of Atatürk'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 Anıtkabir,
the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Completed in 1953, this fusion of ancient and modern
architectural concepts testifies to the power and grace of
Turkish architecture. A museum at Anıtkabir displays some
of Atatürk's personal items and documents. His house in Çankaya,
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 Kapısı, 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 Meydanı (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 Hacı Bayram.
From
Ulus Meydanı, with its equestrian statue of Atatürk,
continue down Atatürk 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 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 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 Kızılay,
on Tunalı Hilmi Avenue and in the recently
completed Atakule Tower in Çankaya. 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 Kavaklıdere,
some of Turkey's most chic clothing stores tempt the
passer-by.
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