Anitkabir - Ataturk's Mausoleum and other Ankara, Turkey Things to Do Tips

The mausoleum of the Turkish Republic's founder and leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Anitkabir was built on the hill of Rasattepe. It was completed in 1953. Ataturk, who died in 1938, was removed from the temporary burial site at the Ethnographic Museum and brought here with a great ceremony the same year.

Within the Anitkabir complex, there are many towers named after important events/organisations in the Turkish history. The hallowed Mausoleum hall itself is a colonnaded temple with huge bronze doors but little in the way of decoration. Opposite is the tomb of Ismet Inonu, the first prime minister of the Turkish republic and president after Ataturk's death.

The Anitkabir museum is located between the Tower of the National Pact and the Tower of the Revolution. A number of Ataturk's personal belongings are exhibited, including clothes that he wore, and gifts presented to him by visiting foreign officials.

When I went there I was about 10 years old, and thought the whole site was quite impressive with its size and design, especially with the passage to the Mausoleum with lion statues on both sites.

Opening hours: Winter - 0900-1200 & 1300-1700. Summer - 0900-1230 & 1330-1700, closed on Mondays.

Apparently, there is a sound & light show at nights but please check it in advance.

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Phone: 0 312 310 53 61
Address: Anit Caddesi
Directions: Tandogan

The area around and inside the citadel, being the oldest part of Ankara, contains many fine examples of traditional architecture. There are also lovely green areas in which to relax.

It is well known that the Ankara region was the cradle of wine in Hatti and Hittite times around 2000 B.C. Many restored traditional Turkish houses in the area of the citadel now serve as restaurants and shops.

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Address: Ankara Kalesi (The Citadel)
Website: http://www.ankarakalesi.com

Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi is one of the richest museums in Turkey, and is located next to the citadel.

Artifacts from the various civilizations in Anatolia, starting from the Stone Age (50,000 B.C., Middle Paleolithic Period), and periods until the Roman Period (second century A.D.) can be seen here.

Make sure you allow yourself enough time to enjoy the museum thoroughly.

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Phone: +90 312 3243160
Address: Kadife Sokak - Ankara Kalesi (Hisar)
Directions: Next to the Ankara Citadel, Ulus District.

This museum is easily found as you go down the Ataturk Boulevard - the main route from Ulus to Yenisehir.

It houses a fine collection of Turkish folkloric artifacts as well as artifacts from Seljuk and Ottoman mosques.

It is open every day (8:30 - 12:30, 1:30 - 5:30), except for Mondays.

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Phone: 0 312 311 95 56
Address: Talat Pasha Bulvari / Türk Ocagi Caddesi
Directions: Opposite the Opera House, Ulus District.