TURKEY
A
Ankara is often overshadowed by Istanbul's size and glamour.
Yet what the Turkish capital lacked in appearance was compensated for by an incredible amount of culture and history.
1.
The best place in Ankara to get a grip of Turkey's complex history.
A
An absolute treasure trove with exhibits cherry-picked from nearly every prominent archaeological site across Anatolia.
The collection is displayed in a 15th-century garment bazaar believed to have been built by Mahmut Pasha, one of the viziers of Mehmed II.
2.
An ancient fortification that protrudes over the capital's historic core.
C
It stands atop a rocky hill that rises 150 meters above the lively lanes and comprises two thick defensive lines constructed from recycled masonry.
3.
Final resting place of Kemal Atatürk, the first president of the Turkish Republic.
A
With an air of reverence and the ample amount of stonework, it would be forgiven to mistake this stately mausoleum for an ancient temple.
It is considered a stellar example of the National Architecture Movement.
4.
Ankara's temple of fine art has been open since the beginning of the 1980s.
A
The collection is housed in a palatial building that once served as the headquarters of the Turkish Hearth.
Paintings and sculptures created by Turkish artists from the late 19th century onwards.
5.
It's the first museum built in the new Turkish Republic.
E
Like the Anıtkabir, it follows the National Architecture style, featuring a rectangular sandstone structure with two symmetrical wings.
Though small, the museum showcases the country's rich artistic heritage.
Highlights include Anatolian bridal dresses, shoes and jewelry.
O