Ankara Citadel
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The citadel has two sections: inner castle and outer castle. Although the outer castle has twenty observation towers only few has reached today. The outer castle has seven entrances: Çankırı, Istanbul, Izmir, Namazgah, Erzurum, Kayseri and Aynalı are the names. Most of the inner castle towers are still in good condition. The walls have been built with marble and red Ankara Stone. The highest point of the inner castle is called Akkale (white castle) or Ali Taşı(High Stone). Allaaddin Camii being one of the best examples, the inner castle completely carries the characteristics of Traditional Turkish architecture.
Between the inner castle walls old Ankara houses attract your attention. This area being one of the oldest residential areas of the town is called Eski Ankara (Old Ankara). The houses are mostly wooden and mud brick. Although there are still some families living on those houses most of them have been converted to restaurants and gift stores. Antique dealers, carpet sellers, and masters of traditional Turkish handicrafts continue their work here.
The stands near the entrance exhibiting various herbs, spice and kuruyemiş (dried fruits) will fascinate you and we strongly suggest you to taste some. You wont be regretted.
Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi (Museum of Anatolian Civilizations) and M. Rahmi Koc Museum at Cengel Han are among the places to be visited. When you leave the museum and walk up towards the castle on rough cobblestone streets Zengerpaşa and Boyacızade mansions will meet you. The owners of these mansions have them restored and converted to restaurant.
They welcome the visitors with beautiful panorama and traditional Turkish food accompanied by delicious wine. The sunset is worth to watch over the castle towers. Climb the cihannüma (terraces) of the said mansions and listen the children's voices, songs shortly the sound of approaching night, you sure feel you are in another Ankara.
Naturally there are several more sites around the castle offering delicious
Turkish food and the oldest one is of course Boğaziçi Lokantası
located at Ulus, Denizciler Caddesi next to Adliye (Judicial
Court) building. Especially the sweets are marvelous. Well have a good meal
and before leaving for the New Ankara drop to Akman Bozacısı
it is on the courtyard of the Çarşı at Ulus square and have
delicious boza. We don't know whether you like this winter
drink but at least you can have a small break by watching the passer bys and
maybe take some notes for the “story of the day”! Well, the citadel
and environ tell an Ankara tale to those listen….