Culture

Ankara is a real cultural centre with museums, with the mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic, as well as theatres and exhibition centres. There is much to explore, for example the Anatolian Civilisation Museum, Ankara Castle, Coppersmith market and Open Bazaar.

Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence, the founder and the first president of the Republic of Turkey. Anıtkabir is located in the Anittepe district of Ankara. The mausoleum was created as a result of the common desire of the Turkish nation to build a "monumental mausoleum" for Atatürk. The site is also the final resting place of İsmet İnönü, the second President of Turkey, who was interred here after he died in 1973. His tomb faces the Atatürk Mausoleum, on the opposite side of the Ceremonial Ground.

Close to the Citadel gate, a 15th century Ottoman bedesten has been beautifully restored and since 1921 it houses marvelous and unique collections including Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Urartian and Roman works. In 1997, this great museum won the "European Museum of the Year" award among 65 museums from 21 European countries. Open every day except Mondays from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. During the summer, the museum is open every day.

It demonstrates the history of Ankara combining the Galatians, Romans and Byzantines. The shops around the Citadel offer you customary jewelry, carpets, costumes, antiques and embroidery.

It is the capital of Phrygia. Gordion with a history going back to 3000 BC is also one of the important centres of Asur and Hittites. Its historical door, palaces within its walls and the 80 graveyards of royal family are the most distinctive things for that area.