Ankara Part 1

Turkeys capital, is bypassed by virtually all foreign tourists. And that's a crying shame, becuase it's a rocking city filled with interesting and exciting things to see and do.

The Mausoleum of Atatürk is what the Hagia Sophia is to Istanbul. A huge, awe inspiring complex on a hill in Ankara, with an incredible attention to detail. Atatürk was the founder and Father of modern Turkey. He introduced sweeping reforms and thoroughly transformed the old Turkey, which was recovering from war, foreign invasion and civil unrest, into an economic powerhouse and modern society we known today. He is greatly revered for his efforts by the Turkish people and state, and after he died, they created the most fitting tribute of all to him, his mausoleum.

It truly is impressive. Quietly understated, but grand at the same time, you can see the love and respect in the very fabric of buildings, which hosts a museum about his life and the work he did. It's free to enter, and I spent many hours there, simply blown away by it.

I think a real special touch is the window by the coffin, so he can look over Ankara forever more. Also of particular note was the ceiling, with the beautiful blend of red and golden stripes.

Now I've visited many memorials and tributes to notable people, but none are as impressive as Atatürks mausoleum.

Keeping with the theme of Atatürk, next is the ethnographic museum. Coincidentally, before the mausoleum was built, he was laid to rest in the building that currently houses the ethnographic museum. It's a small but nice enough museum. Worth it if you've got a hour or so free.

Now if you're good at Turkish, or at least know the background of Turkeys history, than the Republic museum is a real treat. It tells the story of the creation of democracy in Turkey, and as well features the first ever Parliament assembly Hall, which you can visit. It's smaller than you think, but really interesting. A word of warning. There is very little English translation in the museum. One of the security guards translated a room for me, but other than that, you need to know a bit about the beginning of Turkey for it to make sense.

If you're into fancy ceilings and posh lighting and chandeliers, then it's definitly the museum for you!

Part 2 coming tomorrow!