Turkey > The mausoleum of Atatürk

Turkey - The citadel of Ankara

It’s a bit cramped in the bathroom in the morning. The bathroom is so small that the shower hangs directly over the toilet. How could anyone build something like this?At breakfast, the last travel companion arrives. He had a different flight, which hadn’t been properly communicated. After breakfast, Luc gives a briefing about the trip and explains a few practical matters for the first days of the journey.In the morning, I walk through the old center of Ankara. I visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which provides insight into Turkish history. The museum is busy, with many school classes taking the opportunity to visit on a Sunday. Some children ignore the exhibits and try to practice a few English sentences with me. Soon, the entire class is gathered around me. I explain several times my name and where I come from.Right next to the museum is the old citadel of Ankara. I reach the entrance gate via a steep road. Inside the citadel walls are narrow streets. At the north gate, I turn right. Judging by the many market stalls, I conclude that I am on the correct path along the citadel wall. The wall has been heavily restored, allowing visitors to walk safely along it.

Turkey - The mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara

From the wall, I have a view over the entire city of Ankara. The red-tiled roofs form a continuous blanket, and in the distance, I can see snow on the mountains. The weather is sunny. I see the large Genclik Park, the minarets of the Kocatepe Mosque, and the high-rise buildings of the modern city—a magnificent view!In the afternoon, I take the metro, transferring once to reach Atatürk’s mausoleum, located in Anitkabir Park. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey in the early 20th century, is still revered by many Turks. At the park entrance, some confusion arises. My backpack must go through the scanner, but when the guard notices I am not with a tour group, he becomes slightly panicked. He gestures that the bag cannot come through. Meanwhile, new bags are stacked at the back, creating a precarious pile. Several people start shouting, worried their bags might fall. The man becomes more flustered, shouting at his colleagues to stop adding new baggage. Even the line of waiting visitors receives a scolding.Since I cannot put my bag on the bus, I am allowed to leave it with him for safekeeping. With only my camera, I walk toward the mausoleum. A wide staircase leads to a broad paved road that takes me to the large square.

Turkey - The interior of the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara

Dominating the square stands the mausoleum. I enter the large hall. At the back lies the tomb where Atatürk is buried. I am actually surprised that photos are allowed here. Many Turks pose in various positions with the tomb, giving the mausoleum a slightly theme-park-like atmosphere.Next, I take the metro to the Kizilay district, the trendy area of Ankara. As soon as I exit the station, I see wide shopping streets, modern stores, and many people on the street. I walk along the shopping streets and past numerous restaurants. At the edge of the district, I arrive at the Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Even from a distance, I can see its minarets. I cross the large square in front of the mosque, remove my shoes, and enter. The interior of the Kocatepe Mosque is stunning—I am impressed.In the evening, I take the metro back to Genclik Park near the hotel. The park becomes a meeting place at night. Many terraces surround the large pond, and the fairground rides are in full operation. While I order my meal at a terrace, I enjoy the spectacular water show in the pond. The fountains spray in time with the music and are colorfully illuminated. From my table, I have an excellent view.