Ankara is the capital city of modern Turkey, was founded by the Phrygians in the 8th century B.C. There are many archaeological remains from some of the earliest civilizations in the world in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its finds from Catalhoyuk, Kultepe, Gordion, Toprakkale, Carchemish and other sites. Fine ancient metal work and the original -Mother Goddess- figures. Other sights include the citadel and the mausoleum of Ataturk. HISTORY OF THE CITY The first settlements on the site of Ankara date back to the Bronze Age. The earliest Hatti Civilisation was later succeeded by the Hitties, the Phrygians, Lydians and Persians. The next period of Ankara history came with the Galatians, a Celtic people who as the first made Ankara their capital in the 3rd century BC. The town was subsequently incorporated by the Romans, Byzantines, and Selcuks, and in 1402 to the Ottomans. Their dynasty remained in power until World War I. The town, once an important trade centre on the silk route to the east, had lost its importance by the 19th century. It became an important centre again when Kemal Ataturk chose it as the main base to run the War of Liberation. As a result of its its strategic position and the role in the war, it became the capital of the new Turkish state on the 13th October,1923.
Anitkabir (Ataturk Mausoleum) The Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk is located at an imposing site in the Anittepe quarter, founder of the Turkish Republic. Finished in 1953, it is an impressive fusion of modern and ancient architectural styles. It houses writings, letters and items belonging to Ataturk and presents an exhibition of photographs that records the most important moments in his life and the rule of the republic.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Situated close to the citadel gate, the museum occupies two meticulously restored 15th century Ottoman buildings has been beautifully restored. Its unique collection includes works, dating back to the Paleolith, Neolith, Chalcolith, as well as Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Urartian and Roman period. In 1997 the museum was given the award of "European Museum of the Year", winning among 65 museums from 21 European countries.
The Ethnographical Museum the Ethnographical Museum is situated in Namazgah district, opposite of the Opera House on Talat Pasa Boulevard. It comprises is a rich collection of folkloric artifacts as well as interesting items, especially rugs, from Seljuk and Ottoman mosques in this museum since 1930. Kemal Ataturk was buried in the internal courtyard in 1938, until the construction of his Mausoleum in 1953.
The Ankara Citadel (Hisar/Kale) The foundations of the citadel are believed to be laid by the Galatians and completed by the Romans; the Byzantines and Seljuks restored and rebuilt it. The area around and inside the citadel belongs to the oldest parts of Ankara, dating back to the Middle Ages. There are many fine examples of traditional architecture within the citadel walls and the lovely green areas to relax.
The Temple of Augustus The Corinthian style temple is located in the old Ulus district of the city. Built in the 1st century BC and in Elary 1st century dedicated to the Emperor Augustus, it became known for the Monument Ancyranum or Res gestae Divi Augusti, the testament and political achievements of Augustus, inscribed on its walls in both Latin and Greek.
The Roman Bath The bath, which is situated on Cankiri Avenue in Ulus, has some typical features of Roman baths: a frigidarium (cold section), tepidarium (cool section) and caldarium (hot section). They were built in the 3rd century AD to honour Asclepios, the god of medicine.
The Column of Julian The column was erected in 362, presumabely to commemorate a visit by Julian the Apostate, the Roman Emperor, who arrived to Ankara on his way to the campaign against Persians. Standing in Ulus, it is fifteen meters high and has a leaf decoration on the capital.
Haci Bayram Mosque The mosque is situated in Ulus, next to the Temple of Augustus. Built in the early 15th century, it was subsequently restored by Sinan in the l6th century and Kutahya tiles were added in the 18th century. The mosque was built to commemorate Haci Bayram Veli whose tomb is next to the mosque.
Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum This museum was opened in April 2005 by family of Koc in a 500 year-old building - a typical Anatolian caravanserai offering lodging for travelers. The traditions of early industry are depicted through scale models since most of the original objects are exhibited at the Istanbul Rahmi Koc museum.
