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Modern ANKARA is really two cities, a double
identity that is due to the breakneck pace at which it has developed
since being declared capital of the Turkish Republic in 1923. Until
then Ankara – known as Angora – had been a small provincial city,
famous chiefly for the production of soft goat's wool. This city still
exists, in and around the old citadel that was the site of the
original settlement. The other Ankara is the modern metropolis that
has grown up around a carefully planned attempt to create a seat of
government worthy of a modern, Western-looking state. It's worth
visiting just to see how successful this has been
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations:
The collections in this museum place an unusual emphasis on the
earlier of Anatolia's occupiers, and start with an interesting exhibit
of finds from the Catal Huyuk site, often described as the earliest
known human community in the world. Other highlights include a
collection of tablets, the translations of which remind you how little
some things in the world have changed over the millennia.
Citadel of Ankara:
The Citadel overlooks the city and is the acknowledged symbol of
Ankara. It is the oldest part of the city, built either by Hittites or
Phrygians, people live almost as they did 600 years ago. The region
was settled before 2000 BC.
Ataturk Mausoleum:
This mausoleum is the eternal resting place of Ataturk, the founder of
the Turkish Republic, revolutionary, brave soldier, great leader and
international figure. It overlooks Ankara and was completed being
built in 1953 and in November 1953, Ataturk was buried there. The
Mausoleum is adorned with statues, relief's and embellishments created
by many of Turkey's artists.
Finally you will have the chance to visit the Old Copper Market
(closed on Sunday). |
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