Four Beautiful Places You Should See in Ankara

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:37:05 +0000

I feel very lucky since I live in Turkey and see all the beautiful landscapes in my country. I passed my university years in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. I feel very lucky because I studied at one of the best universities of Turkey, Middle East Technical University. Throughout university years, I got the chance of discovering amazing and interesting places in Ankara. Almost all of them have historical importance. Here is my favourite places that I would like you to see one day.

Ankara Castle

Building date is not known exactly. However, it is known that Byzanthians and Romans use this castle for military purposes. It was captured by Seljuqid Empire in 1073 and became Turkish territory. It is located in Ulus province in Ankara, Genclik Park nearby.

Anitkabir

The graveyard of Turkish Republic founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It is also the graveyard of second president of Turkish Republic, Ismet Inonu. In Anıtkabir, there are many towers. It has a very different architectural structure and was built by famous architects Emin Onat and Orhan Arda.

Old TBMM Building

It is located in the center of Ulus province. This is the building where Turkish Republic was founded. Ataturk made his first speech to the members here.

Atakule

The famous shopping centre in Ankara. It is located in Cankaya province. It consists of two parts, namely shopping centre and tower. The build of shopping centre part was completed in 1987. Its name was given by Turkish president Turgut Ozal.

Five Historical Palaces You Should Visit in Istanbul

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:00:09 +0000

I have been living in Istanbul for more than 25 years. Naturally, I’ve visited all historical and touristic places in Istanbul. Istanbul has rich historical past since it became a bridge between different cultures, societies and even civilizations. It is like a bridge between Europe and Asia as well. It is also a backdoor opening through Ottoman and Bizantian Empires. Being impressed by the historical tissue of Istanbul is almost impossible. Every year, there are millions of tourists visiting Istanbul becase of it’s historical importance. This article covers five historical places which impress me. Without delay, I would like to introduce you to those places.

Topkapi Palace

It’s construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.

Trifter » Turkey