Ankara has a long history with several sights to see close to the 'old' centre of town and I had planned the day using a combination of Google Maps/Earth, Ankara Tourist Map and the bike's GPS. First on my route/list was the Temple of Augustus and Rome (25-20BC)
Being a Friday, the 'big' day for Muslim Prayers, and the Temple being located directly adjacent to a central mosque the traffic (vehicular and pedestrian) was rather heavy. Today the GPS was trustworthy and took me to the front steps - all I had to do was park the bike and walk up. Taking on the advice of friends I took some photos with me in them and also took up the offer from a local woman who took my picture.
My effort.
And the local woman's effort.
As you can see both of us need to practice.
The area was very popular, with many people hanging around the mosque and its surrounds after prayer time. Generally, all the men were over one side of the mosque while the women were on the other near the fountains.
On the way back to my bike I noticed another feature of Ankara that I hadn't put on the list directly in front of me - the Column of Julian. Bonus.
Next I was up the hill to the Ankara Citadel. Although the Citadel contains many of the earliest and finest examples of traditional architecture it must have seen better days.
Strolling through Ankara Citadel.
Although there were many steep and winding lanes accessing the various vantage points, dwellings and market areas many pockets could only be described as containing shanty dwellings very similar to those on the opposite hillside. It amazes me that within the grounds of one of Ankara's most historic sites such dwellings remain.
Some of the poorer areas of Ankara on the hill opposite one of the City's most significant sites.
As is the case throughout Turkey there was a bright red national flag at the top.
Perhaps over time both the Turkish National Government and the various Local Governments will continue to make improvements to the protection and preservation of the lengthy and varied history they have throughout their country.
Next stop was the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations outside the walls of the Ankara Citadel within a restored covered bazaar (bedesten). Although quite small there was a long history represented here. Some of the gold items were particularly fine, delicate and intricate made more impressive by their age - some dating more than 1500yrs BC.
Gold buttons.
It was well worth the visit to see what must only be an overview of such an amazing history within what is now one country.
Outside the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations
After the museum a quick stop for lunch in what must have been a tourist trap - 14TL for a diner plate and small Coke…..
Following lunch I was back on the bike following the GPS to Ataturk's Mausoleum (Anitkabir) which was completed in 1953. I hoped to ride my motorcycle close to the venue, since walking around with a bulky jacket as the temperature warms doesn't become any more pleasant. Security were not as understanding or forgiving as I hoped, preventing me from entering on a motorbike because"no motorbikes" was the rule and there was no explanation or justification - cars and busloads of people can enter….I also had to leave my backpack behind just in case.
As I headed up the hill and around the bend towards the buildings the excitement built when a group of military marched out onto the road in front of me, there was a procession or ceremony of some sort in progress.
Marching military towards Attaturk's Mausoleum
The Mausoleum is an impressive arrangement of buildings and square located high on one of the hills in Ankara. It has commanding views over much of the city and is clearly a significant structure and space.
Although a significant place it seems it is OK to get your photo with a guard.
The guards took positions out on the ledge.
I was content with my visit to the mausoleum and was ready to depart. Once again security had a different idea - nobody was to leave until they gave the OK after the ceremony had reached a certain level of completion. Although to most it was not possible to see any ceremonial activities taking place we still had to wait. They let us go at what must have been an appropriate time.
Like most cities and towns you need much more time to really feel like you have seen and experienced it than you ever have (you often don't fully see and experience you home towns) and today was my last day and I wanted to confirm my accommodation in Goreme (Cappadocia) for tomorrow.
I booked my hotel in Goreme from the lobby bar and feeling satisfied headed out for dinner and a couple of beers in a location known as Tunali Street. Lots of restaurants and bars and not too far from the hotel. It is obviously a popular spot and being a Friday night was very busy. Certainly a different side to Ankara than the shanty houses within the walls of Ankara Citadel.
Goreme tomorrow.