Atatürk’s Mausoleum in Ankara
Off-Day Exploration
For this to be my second time living in this nation’s capital, I’m still having a hard time figuring out all of what there is to do, see and learn in Ankara. I’ve searched Google and TripAdvisor for ratings and reviews of the main sights just to find that many of them don’t scream “this is a must-see.” But there is one exception that consistently has great reviews and ratings all over the internet as a famous place you must visit — Anıtkabir.
What is Anıtkabir?
Anıtkabir is one of the most important places in all of Turkey. It is where you can find the tomb of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The monument was built to reflect Atatürk’s principles and reforms. Anyone who has lived in Turkey has surely witnessed the passionate praise for the admired leader. While I was there today, I watched an emotional moment as the guards lay flowers sent by children on the steps of the tomb. People travel from all over to honor Atatürk and to see the intense changing of the guard ritual. If for some reason you must travel to Turkey, especially to Ankara, you should definitely put this on your list of things to see.
Changing of the Guards
XO,
Jas
