Sunset is worth watching over the castle towers, climb the cihannüma
(terraces) in mansions and cafés, listen the children's songs, the
sound of the oncoming night. Watch the capital of Turkey to see "The
different Ankara" from the historical and fascinating point
By AYCA YARCI & I. ILKER BACAKSIZ
from Ankara, TURKEY
The
history that rises on a hill of 978m in the centre of Turkish Capital.
Ankara Castle. It's said that the symbol of the city has been built
during the Hittites era as a garrison. But according to some researchers
the king of Phrygia Midas had built it. However, it has hosted lots
of different civilizations at different periods and has been damaged
by the conquerors, repaired by the defenders. All through the period
of Galatians, the castle grew up and numerous city walls have been
added. So the city acquired the totally overlooking position.
Ankara Castle has two parts: the inner and the outer castle. The outer
castle with twenty observation towers couldn't have reached today,
just few inner castle city walls which are 10-16 meters high and 42
towers survived until now.
Marbles
and Ankara Stone have been used for building the walls. The inner
castle definitely has the characteristics of the traditional Turkish
architecture. The Ankara Castle is absolutely the most significant
historical place in Ankara. It's not only a defending area but also
the history around it. While you're walking in the castle you see
the old Ankara houses between the inner castle walls. For the reason
of being limited by the city walls and positioned in a vertical area
their construction plans have been made to create the most useful
form in a convenient way. The houses are mostly wooden and mud brick
with two or three floors. Usually the first floors with small windows
are for the winter and upstairs with wide windows and terraces are
for the summer time. The wide eaves and the terraces are called "cihannüma".
The cihannuma is the specific characteristics of the classical Ankara
houses. Although some families still live in these houses most of
them have been repaired and recently serve as restaurants and gift
shops. Antique dealers, carpet sellers and masters of traditional
Turkish handicrafts still work here.
There is a small bazaar near the big entrance door to the castle which
exhibits various herbs, spices and dried fruits. It's strongly recommended
to taste and buy some.
Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi (Museum of Anatolian Civilizations) and
M. Rahmi Koc Museum at Çengel Han are the places to be visited in
the neighbourhood. When one walks through the castle one will meet
the Zengerpaşa and Boyacizade mansions. They've been restored and
converted to restaurants. We especially advice you And
Café with the beautiful view and traditional Turkish food accompanied
by good quality Turkish wines.
So far from the daily life and to find yourself in history. Wooden
or iron commercial tables with paintings, instead of contemporary
technological big lights. Long plays in gramophones instead of mp3
players and traditional invaluable handworks. It's hard to believe
that you are just in the city centre. Honestly a terrific and a bit
strange feeling. But absolutely you feel in peace.
Sunset is worth watching over the castle towers, climb the cihannüma
(terraces) in mansions and cafés, listen the children's songs, the
sound of the oncoming night. Watch the capital of Turkey to see "The
different Ankara" from the historical and fascinating point.
The
history that rises on a hill of 978m in the centre of Turkish Capital.
Ankara Castle. It's said that the symbol of the city has been built
during the Hittites era as a garrison. But according to some researchers
the king of Phrygia Midas had built it. However, it has hosted lots
of different civilizations at different periods and has been damaged
by the conquerors, repaired by the defenders. All through the period
of Galatians, the castle grew up and numerous city walls have been
added. So the city acquired the totally overlooking position.
Marbles
and Ankara Stone have been used for building the walls. The inner
castle definitely has the characteristics of the traditional Turkish
architecture. The Ankara Castle is absolutely the most significant
historical place in Ankara. It's not only a defending area but also
the history around it. While you're walking in the castle you see
the old Ankara houses between the inner castle walls. For the reason
of being limited by the city walls and positioned in a vertical area
their construction plans have been made to create the most useful
form in a convenient way. The houses are mostly wooden and mud brick
with two or three floors. Usually the first floors with small windows
are for the winter and upstairs with wide windows and terraces are
for the summer time. The wide eaves and the terraces are called "cihannüma".
The cihannuma is the specific characteristics of the classical Ankara
houses. Although some families still live in these houses most of
them have been repaired and recently serve as restaurants and gift
shops. Antique dealers, carpet sellers and masters of traditional
Turkish handicrafts still work here.
And
Café with the beautiful view and traditional Turkish food accompanied
by good quality Turkish wines.