Ankara Citadel
Ankara Kalesi (Ankara Citadel), the symbol of the town rises
on a hill of 978 meter high. During Hittites era it has been built as a garrison
however according to rumors Ankara King Midas had it built. Ankara Kalesi has
hosted several civilizations at various periods of history and naturally had many
repairs and restorations since then. During Galatians period the castle has been
enlarged and city walls added and brought to a position completely overlooking
the town.
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: ドnk覺r覺,
Istanbul, Izmir, Namazgah, Erzurum, Kayseri and Aynal覺
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
Ta覺(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 kuruyemi (dried fruits) will fascinate you and we strongly suggest you to taste some. You wont be regretted.
Anadolu Medeniyetleri Mzesi (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 Zengerpaa and Boyac覺zade 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 cihannma (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 Boazi蓾 Lokantas覺
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 Bozac覺s覺
it is on the courtyard of the ドr覺 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.
| 
