HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Ankara Citadel: The foundations of the citadel were laid by the Galatians on a prominent lava outcrop, and completed by the Romans. The Byzantines and Seljuks made restorations and additions. The area around and inside the citadel, being the oldest part of Ankara, contains many fine examples of traditional architecture. There are also lovely green areas in which to relax. It is well known that the Ankara region was the cradle of wine in Hatti and Hittite times around 2000 B.C. Many restored traditional Turkish houses in the area of the citadel have found new life as restaurants, serving local and international dishes and wine.

Roman Theatre: The remains, including pro-scene (stage), and scene (backstage), can be seen outside the citadel. Roman statues that were found here are exhibited in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The seating area is still under excavation. Temple of Augustus: The temple is in the Ulus quarter of the city. It was built by the Galatian King Pylamenes in 10 A.D. as a tribute to Augustus, and was reconstructed by the Romans on the ancient Ankara Acropolis in the 2nd century. It is important today for the "Monument Ancyranum," the sole surviving "Political Testament" of Augustus, detailing his achievements, inscribed on its walls in Latin and Greek. In the fifth century the temple was converted into a church by the Byzantines.

Ataturk Museum

Roman Bath: The bath, situated on Cankiri Avenue in Ulus, has all the typical features: a frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (cool room) and caldarium (hot room). They were built in the time of Emperor Caracalla (3rd century A.D.) in honour of Asclepios, the god of medicine. Today only the basement and first floors remain.

Column of Julian: This column, in Ulus, was erected in 362 A.D., probably to commemorate a visit by the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate. It stands fifteen meters high and has a typical leaf decoration on the capital.

Monument of the Republic: Erected in 1927 in Ulus Square, it is a symbol of the struggle for independence on the part of Ataturk and the Turkish people in the War of Liberation.

Kocatepe Mosque

Monument to a Secure, Confident Future: This monument, in Guven Park, was erected in 1935 and bears Ataturk's advice to his people: "Be proud, hardworking, and believe in yourself."

Victory Monument: Erected in 1927 in Zafer Square in the Sihhiye quarter, it depicts Ataturk in uniform.

Hatti Monument: Built in the 1970's in Sihhiye Square, this impressive monument symbolizes the Hatti gods and commemorates Anatolia's earliest known civilization.