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Ankara
Long ago, in the 3rd century BC, the Galatians were the first to make "Ancyra"
of those times, their capital. Much later on, in 1923, M. Kemal Ataturk chose
the same district to be the capital of newly founded Turkey, and "Ankara"
thereafter remained the strategic heart of the country.
Today's modern city, situated at the core of Anatolia, hides an ancient site
behind, dating back to prehistorical times. The remains from Urartian, Phrygian,
and Hittite periods have beautified the area here, now fascinating the visitors
by enlivening the respective periods.
For the ones who would like to go to the very beginning, the Museum of Anatolian
Civilizations, which is the third most important archeological museum after
Paris-Louvre and London-British museums, is a perfect place to observe its wide
collections of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hatti and Hittite works of art. The
pieces exhibited here are unique in the world and it is exciting to see the
lifestyle of the earliest humans with those beautiful objects.
Viewing the subsequent Phrygian period is possible by taking excursions to
nearby locations, such as Gordion (Yassihoyuk), the capital of the kingdom, not
far from Polatli. Excavations have brought to light the advanced artistic works
of this civilization which dates back to the 10th century BC, and which had an
important influence on artistic works of the successive ages.
Next came the Lydian invasion which was followed by the Persian settlement
continuing until the death of Alexander the Great, who had stayed in Ankara
after he gained the rule of Asia.
After Galatians, Romans and Byzantines conquered the land, they erected plenty
of monuments some of which are still remaining. This includes the most prominent
Roman ruins, the Temple of Augustus from the 2nd century AD, built in the
Corinthian style and dedicated to the Emperor. It is a remarkable and important
sight with the "Political Testament of Augustus" on its walls, inscribed in
Greek and Latin. In the 5th century, this temple was converted into a church by
the Byzantines. The original high walls are still standing.
The ruins of a Roman theater and the Roman baths of the 3rd century AD, are
other interesting figures together with the Column of Julian, a memorial from
the 4th century
Captured by the Arabs, Seljuks and Ottomans in succession, Ankara has many
artistic examples of those periods inside its borders, such as the Alaeddin,
Arslanhane, Kursunlu, Ahi Ervan and Haci Bayram mosques, built during the 12th
and 15th centuries. Kocatepe Mosque is the most recently built mosque and has a
capacity to hold 20,000 worshippers.
Almost all of the historical remains in the city are situated around the old
citadel, "Hisar", where, according to legend an anchor was found while it was
being constructed, from which the city took its name "Ancyra". Inside its walls
it contains examples of old Turkish houses alongside the ancient ruins. There is
also a covered bazaar, called "bedesten", close to the gate "Hisar Kapisi".
The principal monument and dominating sight in Ankara is Anitkabir, the
Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The
building composed of limestone stands in majesty, with its beautiful
architectural style and is reached by a ceremonial road adorned with fine
statues and reliefs. Nearby is a museum, housing some of the personal belongings
of Ataturk. Ataturk's house located at Cankaya, has been converted into a
museum.
Ankara today is a center of history and culture. The Ethnographical Museum and
the Sculpture and Painting Museum are noteworthy for their wide collections of
artifacts from the area. The performances of the well-known philharmonic
orchestra and frequent artistic events include ballet, theater, opera and
folk-dancing. In addition are two yearly international festivals: "The Arts and
Music Festival" and the "Children's Festival", both held every April. Also
present around the city are some sites of natural importance, such as the lakes
of Golbasi, Cubuk Dam, Kurtbogazi Dam, Karagol for resting, and Mount Elmadag
for winter sports. In addition, Kizilcahamam is a thermal and hot springs center
for places such as Ayas, Haymana and Beypazari. The city has good excursion
opportunities to the historical and natural sites of Cappadocia, Gordion,
Hattusas, and Alacahoyuk.
Atakule, and Karum Center are excellent shopping centers. This city of such
diverse features also possesses a wide variety of specialties. Ankara is known
for its wool, goat, cat, pear and honey, and the land itself is special and
should not be missed..
YASSIHOYUK (GORDION)
93 kms from Ankara on the Eskisehir road, is Gordion, the capital of the old
Phrygian Kingdom. This ancient city took its name from King Gordios who was the
founder of the state under the leadership of King Midas, the son of Gordios, and
dominated central and southern Anatolia.
Through the excavations performed here, a high gateway and houses belonging to
the royal family were found under the city mound. Also discovered were the
tumuli, the most prominent one being the 53 meters high and 300 meters wide
tumulus of King Midas of the Golden Touch. It is the second largest tomb of its
type in the world.
Another special interest is the legend concerning the famous Gordion knot, the
untying of which was prophesied to be possible only by the master of Asia. When
Alexander the Great invaded the Anatolian peninsula, he cut this knot with his
sword and gained the key to the continent.
The ruins are spread all over this ancient site, an area which is still being
excavated for the interest of history-lovers. The local museum is a must-see
where the archeological finds are on display, as well as at the Anatolian
Civilizations Museum in Ankara which houses many of the artifacts found in the
region.
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