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 The Anıtkabir is the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and founder of the Turkish Republic . The construction of the mausoleum was started in 1944, six years after Atatürk's death. It was completed in nine years time. His mortal remains were transfered there on November 10, 1953 from the temporary burial site at the Ethnographic Museum.
The triumphal alley, decorated with neo-Hittite style lions made of granite, opens on the esplanade and the Mausoleum which is a neo-classical temple with a 33 step stairway. The inside is decorated with colorful marble slabs and the ceiling is covered with golden mosaics. The symbolic sarcophagus is a 40 tons monolith marble (the actual grave is downstairs).
The sarcophagus of Ismet Inönü , a major figure in the Republic's history as he was twice elected Prime Minister during Atatürk's presidency and became second President of the Republic, stands at the other end of the huge courtyard, facing the Mausoleum.
Inönü, who was also a close friend of Atatürk, died on December 25, 1973.
The Atatürk and War of Independence Museum is situated beneath the Hall of Honor in the Mausoleum. Here are exhibited Atatürk's personal belongings and gifts made by foreign statesmen, panoramas with a three dimensional effect and large paintings depicting the Gallipoli Campain and the War of Independance . Explanations and numerous documents give us information about the reforms, the development of Turkey and the institutions that played an important role under Atatürk.
In accordance with Atatürk's famous words saying “Peace at home, peace in the world”, the park inside which the Anıtkabir has been erected has been named the Peace Park (Barış Parkı). Over a hundred species of trees and plants from all over the world and from several regions of Turkey embellish the park.
Address: Anıt Caddesi Tandoğan/Ankara
Phone: (312) 231 79 75 |
