3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
Ten minutes by bus from the city center
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
A few hours
mausolée d'Ataturk (Turkey)
©
Rémi Manesse
Practical information on mausolée d'Ataturk
Reviews of mausolée d'Ataturk
The Atatürk Mausoleum could well be considered republican Turkey's most important historic site.
My suggestion:
The mausoleum has an immense esplanade completely devoid of any form of vegetation. If aren't a fan of the heat, it's probably best not to go in the afternoon in summer.
My review
When you haven't been raised in a country in which a cult of personality has grown up around a national figure, the Atatürk Mausoleum can come as something of a shock. The site is located on Ankara's Anittepe Hill and covers 75 hectares. It can be seen from more or less everywhere in the city.
©
Rémi Manesse
On top of Rasattepe Hill, in Ankara, Atatürk Mausoleum was built in the honour of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic and fervent defender of secularism. It was finished in 1953, 15 years after the death of Atatürk.
My suggestion:
In the evening, admire the mausoleum as it gains in stature when lit up.
My review
Perched on top of a hill, Atatürk Mausoleum is sober but imposing. To get there, you have to cross through a park and walk along a row of flowers to finally arrive in a big square which allows crowds to be welcomed on the occasion of official ceremonies. All together, it's quite solemn.
I remember the contrast of light and the respectful calm when you go into the mausoleum. I felt as if the visit to Atatürk Mausoleum was purely symbolic because what's most remarkable is the infallible respect of the Turkish people for their first President of the Republic.
Atatürk Mausoleum is a tribute to the founder of the Turkish Republic and is worth the visit, not just for its architecture but more for the values that it represents.
©
flickr cc Martijn Munneke
196 travelers' photos
