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Things To Do: Ataturk Statue

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Updated by suvanki

on Apr 24, 2008

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Ataturk Statue, Amasya

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All of the cities, towns and some villages in Turkey have a statue or monument in honour of Kemal Mustapha Ataturk.

The one in Amasya is quite impressive.

This monumental statue commemorates the fact that at the end of WW1, with the ending of the Ottoman empire, Ataturk left occupied Istanbul, and escaped to Amasya.

Here, in secret, on June 12th 1919, along with fellow conspirators, he worked out the basic principles for Turkish Independence.

The statue depicts Ataturk on horseback, and below him the many restricted Turks, before The War of Independence.

I was busy taking pics around Amasya, including this statue. My first pic, I had a clear view, but when I returned later, a family group of females had appeared at the foot of the statue.

They made a potentially interesting shot- but I was aware of the sensitivity of taking their photo. I took a long shot with my zoom lens, and decided to leave it at that.

I was putting my camera away, when I was aware of someone tugging my sleeve. It was one of the young girls- I was expecting to be told off for taking their photo, but was surprised to hear her asking, in pretty good English, if I would take their photo!

I was only too pleased to do this. I had a great few minutes taking their photo, and chatting - while the Grandma smiled, and squeezed my cheeks!!

One of my happiest travel moments! I took their addresses and posted copies of my photos on my return home.

After saying goodbye to this group, I was approached by a group of young boys to take their photo- this led to an afternoon of people queueing for their pic, and scribbling their addresses for me to forward the pics on. This was only halted by a sudden torrential downpour.

It wasn't til later that I noticed an official photographer in a corner looking non plussed!

Well, for a few seconds I felt a bit guilty, that I'd unknowingly taken his trade, but I'd had a brilliant afternoon, taking pics and meeting lots of locals of all ages, communicating with a mix of Turkish, English and French, sign language etc.

I did get the pics developed, and posted them all on. A small fortune, but worth it

Please see pics 2-5 to see some of these

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Directions: In the centre of Amasya, off Ataturk Cadessi

Things To Do: Typical Ottoman Riverside Houses

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Updated by suvanki

on Apr 24, 2008

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Old Ottoman houses, Amasya, Turkey

by suvanki , 4 more photos

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North of the river is the neighbourhood of Hatuniye Mahallesi. Here, the half timbered Ottoman Turkish houses clinging to the riverside add to Amasyas charm.

For many years, some were neglected, but have recently been renovated and restored.

One - Hazeranlar Konagi was restored in 1979 and houses a small art gallery and ethnological museum, which I enjoyed visiting.

Others have been turned into hotels or Pansiyans. Among the originals are some authentic looking reproductions.

Please click onto my pics below for more views

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