Culture of Ankara. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Haci Bayram Mosque remains the most famous attraction of Ankara. It was built in the beginning of the 15th century and still remains one of the best known and most respected religious monuments of the country. Near the mosque you will find the ruins of the ancient Temple of Augustus & Rome. According to historians, the temple was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. The building was very beautiful, but nowadays the visitors of this open-air museum can see only picturesque ruins of the once magnificent temple. According to a legend, once the testament of the emperor has been applied on the walls of the temple. In his message he gave instructions to his the descendants and numbered his great deeds.

There is one more important historical site not far away from the ruins of the temple - Column of Julian. Visitors of the city should definitely visit the citadel of Hisar that has witnessed many important historical events. The beautiful Atakule Castle is surrounded by two circles of powerful fortification walls. It is believed that the inner circular wall was erected in the 6th century, and the external one - three centuries later. According to an ancient legend, all the powers of the city have been thrown at the construction of the fortification. All materials available, even the stones left from the destroyed ancient buildings, were used in the construction.

The mosque of Aladdin is a no less brilliant religious attraction. The construction of the mosque took place yet during the times of the Selcuks. The mosque has a square shape and is not distinguished by particular luxury, but there is something attractive and unique in its unforgettable design. Perhaps, tourists are attracted by the rich history of this ancient building. You can get acquainted with the history of the city and learn a lot about the first settlers of Ankara during the excursion to Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The museum is located in beautiful old buildings, which were constructed in the 15th century. Among the archaeological artifacts present you will find even items that belong to the Paleolithic period. The main exhibit of the museum remains its own wall, which age estimates more than eight thousand years. In 1997 the museum was awarded with the honorary title "Museum of the Year" in Europe. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Famous mausoleum of Ataturk will be of a great interest not only from a historical and religious, but also from an architectural point of view. This is a beautiful building with powerful design, which is surmounted by slender columns. The mausoleum is located on one of the highest hills in the very heart of Ankara. The mausoleum has become one of the main symbols of the city and it keeps reminding residents and visitors about the most important historical events - the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Turkey.

In addition to the Atatürk Mausoleum, you can visit the house-museum of the cult reformer. Locals as well as tourists find it interesting to visit this museum for the reason that it is always fascinating to discover how the politician lived; the atmosphere of his life is recreated here. This is likely the most complete museum dedicated to the Turkish reformer, and it attracts many people. Another interesting museum is the building of the former Ulucanlar Prison. The place gives completely conflicting feelings. Among the exhibits you will find here are wax figures that depict criminals. The prison was built in the year 1925.

The city of Ankara has lots of attention-grabbing mosques and each of them has its own “flavor”. Kocatepe, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques, is attractive both on the outside and the inside. Despite the fact that it was built only in 1987, it does not have a modern look, but rather was planned having a “likeness of antiquity”. Moreover it was built in the image of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which is located in another major city of Turkey – Istanbul. There are also other spellbinding mosques, for example, Haji Bayram Mosque, a small shrine built in the 15th century. It was named in honor of the founder of the Order of Dervishes, Haji Bayram-e Wali.

Speaking of Christian places of interest in Ankara, it is worth noting the ruins of the St. Clement Church. It was built on the spot where Bishop Clement was buried. Once upon a time, it was a vivid example of Byzantine architecture. Nevertheless, today there are only a few walls and a small part of the marble pillar left from the building. The church was first built at the end of the 3rd century BC. The Hammam building is another place worth visiting. This is probably one of the best spots for a walk. It is here that most of the attractions of the heart of Turkey are located. You will also find wonderful restaurants, cafes and shops where you can buy souvenirs. Hammam is the most colorful place of the capital of Turkey, which means that it is here that you can feel its “soul”.

There is a bridge whose time of construction dates back to the beginning of the 13th century. It is called Akkopru and is one place you cannot fail to visit. The bridge is one of the most interesting historical monuments in the entire region. It is located opposite Crowne Plaza, a large shopping mall. Atakule, an observation tower located in the very center of the city, allows you to climb to a height of 125 meters and look at the capital of Turkey from all angles – that is, from all 360 degrees. At this time Ankara seems so small that it can fit in your palm, but anyway it still feels openhearted, becoming even more beautiful – although such an outcome seemed impossible.