Journey to the Heart of Ankara: Anıtkabir

When it comes to Ankara, the first place that comes to mind is Anıtkabir. Anıtkabir, which receives visitors from many parts of the world, is one of the most valuable places for all of Turkey. This mausoleum, where the tomb of the great leader Atatürk is located, is rare with its many features such as its architecture and being surrounded by lush green trees, but the most important element that makes this place special is Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

ANITKABİR ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of Anıtkabir stands out with the statues, monuments, towers and details in the mausoleum building. In Anıtkabir, where every part has been thought out in the finest detail, everything you see is dedicated to the events that were considered milestones on the road to the Republic of Turkey. The Road with Lions is the road leading to the mausoleum building where Atatürk's tomb is located. There are 24 lion statues here. The lion statues representing Turkish culture and the 24 Oghuz tribes are also the symbol of calmness. The fact that they are lined up in pairs represents the unity and solidarity of our nation. The towers located in various parts of the ceremony square have names that have symbolic meanings for our country such as the National Pact Tower, the Independence Tower, and the Republic Tower. Various words of Atatürk are written on them. The 26 steps on the stairs leading to the Mausoleum were made in memory of August 26, 1922, when the Great Offensive began.

The most impressive part of Anıtkabir, which tells its visitors about Turkey's struggle for independence, the order and unity that came with the republic with every detail, is undoubtedly Atatürk's tomb. The moment you enter the mausoleum building, you start to feel Atatürk's presence. Being in the presence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose video footage, voice and achievements you know in short, causes a different feeling to fill you.

ATATURK AND THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE MUSEUM

The struggle for independence is brought to life with wax statues, pictures and sounds in the Atatürk and War of Independence Museum. Forgetting everyone around you and getting into the Battle of Çanakkale is completely up to your imagination. We recommend that you examine this section without rushing. Stop for a moment and examine the big picture depicting the war. In addition to this picture where every detail is included, the sound of a warplane, rifle fire, and cannon fire are the closest you will feel to being a soldier fighting on the front.

Then, you will reach the portraits of commanders who played an active role in the War of Independence and paintings showing the life of the Ottoman people during the war. The screen where you can watch how the Nusret minelayer laid the mines that sank the British armored ships, which was a vital move for the Battle of Çanakkale, and the moments when the armored ships sank is also located here, and we definitely recommend that you take the time.

Then, you can see Atatürk's personal belongings and wax statues. You will also come across information, photographs, and busts about the revolutions and reforms Atatürk made and the figures who played important roles in these. The last stop before leaving the museum, where the books Atatürk read are exhibited, will leave you in awe! How Atatürk, who studied everything from history to economy, psychology, philosophy, geography, literature, religion and humanities, managed to fit all of this into his life will probably remain a question mark in your mind. What is being Atatürk? You will see it best in this museum. It will take you a while to check whether you read the same book as Atatürk. There is a souvenir shop at the exit where you can buy small souvenirs for yourself and your friends.

When you leave Anıtkabir, you will have reunited with the spiritual feelings you have forgotten in the rush of daily life…

Written by: Selin Hızarcı