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Ankara: Attractions
For the hungry culture vulture Ankara offers a wealth of attractions from its ancient and modern monuments and archeological sites to its museums and mosques.
One of the capital citys most important archeological sites and present day attractions the Ankara Citadel whose foundations were laid by the Galatians and then completed by the Romans sits on a prominent lava outcrop. The Byzantines and Seljuks made further restorations and additions. Many fine examples of traditional architecture are found around and outside this attraction the oldest part of Ankara. Recreational areas are available for rest and relaxation. A lively cultural life exists as well within the Citadel walls through a variety of restaurants serving local cuisine and offering music. Many of these restaurants were formerly traditional Turkish houses now restored as places of entertainment.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations contains what is left of the stage and backstage of the Roman Theater. Roman statues found within this ancient attraction now can be seen in the Museum. The seating area is presently under excavation.
The Temple of Augustus and Rome known as the Monumentum Ancyranum
was built between 25 B.C. to 20 B.C. After the death of Augustus I in 14 A.D. a copy of the text of Res Gestae Divi Augusti was inscribed on the interior of the pronaos in Latin whereas a Greek translation can also be found on an exterior wall of the cella. Enlarged by the Romans then converted into a church by the Byzantines this structure is located in the Ulus quarter of the city.
Ankaras Roman Bath is one of the citys most popular and frequently visited attractions. It bears all the features of a classical Roman bath: a frigidarium cold room tepidarium cool room and caldarium hot room. Built in honor of Asclepios the God of Medicine by Emperior Caracalla the baths only remaining features today are the basement and first floors. This attraction is also located in the Ulus quarter.
Several mosques in Ankara constitute a significant attraction for the tourist interested in exploring the capitals rich religious history. Several of these architectural attractions stand out:
The Alaaddin Mosque with its carved walnut mimber pulpit bears an inscription that records the mosques building in the 12th century by the Seljuk ruler Mesut.
Ahi Elvan Mosque was founded in the Ulus quarter the Ankara Citadel and was constructed during the late 14th and 15th centuries. Particularly notable is its walnut mimber.
Yeni Cenab Ahmet Mosque the largest Ottoman mosque in Ankara was built by the famous architect Sinan in the 16th century. The mimber and mihrap prayer niche are of white marble and the mosque itself is of Ankara stone red porphyry.
For its size and prominent position in Ankara Kocatepe Mosque is unquestionably the most notable of the citys attractions. It was recently constructed in the classical Ottoman style with four minarets. In addition Kocatepe is the second largest mosque in Turkey. Constructed between 1967 and 1987 in the Kocatepe quarter its compelling dimensions and location have earned Kocatepe Mosque the status as the capitals landmark attraction.
For more information on Ankara and Istanbul visithttp://www.ankaramicroblog.comandhttp://www.istanbulmicroblog.com.
About the writer: Maggie Nguyo is a Kenyan who is well versed with most Kenya travel aspects. She is also the editor of http://www.mykenyaguide.com a website that is invaluable to travellers to Kenya. Written in a simple and personal manner this website gives you insights and tips to help you to plan for your most memorable holiday in Kenya.
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