Istanbul to Ankara. Days 50 – 51 June 18th – 19th 2019
The wonderful staff at the Regie Ottoman (our extravagant treat in Istanbul) gave us instructions on how to get to the station for the fast train to Ankara. They followed up taking the incredible step of sending someone to take our bags and deliver us to the Metro – to the platform! A wonderful treat when both of us were less that healthy.
The trip to the station and fast train to Ankara passed uneventfully and and we soon esconced over night in the hotel which was very close to the station when one found the path and underpass.
The next day with both of us feeling improved we decided the Anitkibir – the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – mostly referred to simply as ‘Ataturk’ -father of Turkey. This was the place we wanted to visit. It came with a strong recommendation from Ata our Eatwith host.
On the map the Mausoleum was very close to our hotel – in reality it was a lengthier walk around the park with the huge mausoleum in sight atop the hill. We then found the entrance. A busy spot as many people come from all over Turkey to visit.
This day appeared to be a graduation special. Many young people in capes and mortar boards taking various posed photographs throughout the huge complex. Some photographing each other, some with seemingly professional photographers.
The buildings are no less imposing once you enter the complex with a large courtyard surrounded by pillared walkways with the huge mausoleum atop the hill. Stone and marble from all over Turkey have been used in the earthern coloured, imposing construction.
As we wandered we saw a large mass of people moving as one around the circumference of the complex. Realising eventually it was a mass of people following the changing of the guard – swamping the changing of the guard.
In two halls are exquisitely restored cars belong to Ataturk. Videos in the halls show the renovation process of these beautiful machines from the 1930s. In other parts models of his ship and train carriage give insight into the life and time.
The tomb of the leader is in the main hall – a marble slab surrounded by towering walls with inscriptions made by Ataturk during his leadership.
Outside rain had started, the sky filled with stormy clouds adding to the feeling of melancholy, and to the beauty.
Exiting from another entrance we again met the changing of the guard – young men from the Navy, Army and Airforce who remain stationery looking like statues at their post. It was entertaining to watch the constant posing of photographs beside the guards, who were not able to acknowledge, agree or disagree with the process.
