Anıtkabir
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Anıtkabir (Atatürk's Mausoleum), which stands in the middle of Ankara and gleaming at nights, is the first point meeting the visitors arriving Ankara by plane. If you are residing a higher place in Ankara this Mausoleum will draw your attention.
If you wish to learn more about Atatürk who started the Independence War and created Turkey from the remains of Ottoman Empire you should visit Anıtkabir.
Anıtkabir is the symbol of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the Turkish Republic. In almost all brochures introducing Turkey, Ankara is symbolized with Anıtkabir. It is located in the city center and on top of a hill, which is called Anıttepe and also the second highest point of Ankara after Ankara Kalesi.
When Atatürk died on November 10, 1938 he was temporarily buried at the Ethnographic Museum in Ankara. Then an international competition was announced for a mausoleum, specifying that the designs should symbolize the achievements and personality of Atatürk and through him the Turkish nation. After the evaluation of forty-nine designs, the joint project of Turkish architects Prof. Emin Onat and Asst. Prof. Dr. Orhan Arda were selected. This magnificent mausoleum, Anıtkabir, was completed in 1953 and is a synthesis of antique and modern architectural themes proving the elegance and strength of Turkish architecture. Atatürk's body transferred to Anıtkabir on November 10, 1953.
Visitors approach this imposing building along a road bright with flowers through a park. A parking lot is located on the west entrance of the park. As you climb the steps three groups of statutes comes into sight describing the mourning after Atatürk's death. These statues are in front of two 10-meter high towers. Behind the statues stretches the Lion Road, lined by 24 statutes of Hittite lions, which are symbolizing serenity, power and protectiveness. The road leads into an open square (Victory Square) which can accommodate forty thousand people on ceremonial occasions and surrounded by three galleries with 20 meter high columns (8 each in the front and back and 14 each along the sides. At the center of the steps there is an inscription bearing Atatürk's famous words, “Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation”.
Atatürk's mausoleum is on the left of the square. He lies beneath the green and gold mosaic floor of the octagonal room under the Great Hall (Hall of Honor) and jars containing soul from each city of Turkey are lined around the grave. Official ceremonies are held in the great hall, where a symbolic marble sarcophagus stands.
On the exit of Anıtkabir towards Cankaya two towers stand on the two sides of the stairs, which are called “23 Nisan” and “Misak-ı Milli”. The area following these towers is organized as Atatürk Museum. Atatürk's civil and official cloths, his personal belongings, various gifts presented to him, many documents and photos are being exhibited here. You can pass to Inkılap (Reform) Tower from the museum Thorough a small gate and the inside is organized as Atatürk Library. There are several books written in Turkish or in foreign language belonging to Atatürk. These books and handwritten notes of Atatürk create a large archive.
When you leave the Hall of Honor you are going to see resting sites and buffets on the right.
Anıtkabir is illuminated at nights and on certain days of the week light and sound shows are arranged here.
Anıtkabir is open everyday between 09:00-17:00
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