GALATIA
Let's strat to explore central highlands of
Anatolia in which unforgettable memories are inevitable. We are going to
visit in this beautiful land Ancyra (Ankara), Hattuşaş (Alacahöyük) which
was prior Hatti land.
Galatia was enclosed on the north by Bithynia and Paphlagonia, on the east by Pontus and Cappadocia, on the south by Cilicia and Lycaonia, and on the west by Phrygia. Now we will visit Galatia's capital city Ancyra. Let’s ow nhave some notes of Ankara.
ANCYRA, ANKARA
Today's
also capital city in Turkey in which history dates back to the Bronze
Age. 2000 years B.C. the Hittites become the dominant power of the region and
were then followed by the Phyrgians, Lydians and Persians. In the 3rd Century
BC, a Celtic race known as the Galatians. The name Ankara comes from the word
'Ancyra', which means 'anchor' in that era.
Ankara
in history gained its fame actually when it was under the
leadership of Ataturk during the national resistence which followed World War I
. It was announced as the capital of the new Turkish Republic on
October 13th 1923 when the National War of Independence freed Turkey from
foreign occupation.
When
we visit here firstly it is suggested to see Anıtkabir, occupying one of the most
prominent parts of the city, the magnificent mausoleum constructed to honour
Atatürk. This structure which was completed in 1953, is a synthesis of antique
and modern architectural themes.
MAUSOLEUM
OF ATATÜRK, ANITKABIR
The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, locates in Ankara designed by architects Professor Emin Onat and Assistant Professor Orhan Ardaç. His proposal beat 48 other entries from several countries in a competition held by the Turkish Government in 1941 for a "monumental mausoleum" for Atatürk.
Anıtkabir consists of the same characteristics of
this period and is considered as one of many ultimate monuments of the era. In
addition, Anıtkabir features Seljuq and Ottoman architectural and ornamentation
features. There are four main parts to Anıtkabir to be visited; the Road of
Lions, the Ceremonial Plaza, the Hall of Honor (location of Atatürk's tomb) and
the Peace Park that surrounds the monument.
As
second it issuggested to visit the oldest parts of the city, the Castle.
ANKARA CASTLE
Ankara
castle is a fortification from ancient era. It was under control of Romans,
Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans locating near Ulus in Altındağ. The
Alaaddin Mosque found inside its walls is still one of the best examples of
Seljuk art and wood craftsmanship, in spite of the fact that it was restored by
the Ottomans.
The
area has experienced a rejuvenation with the restoration of many interesting old
Turkish houses and the opening a several art galleries and fine restaurants
which feature examples of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Near
the gate of the castle is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations which is a
beautifully restored portion of the old bazaar. It contains priceless artifacts
belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite,
Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations. Now let’s visit Anatolian
Civilisations Museum.
