Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We sadly had to leave Goreme early as we had a long day of travelling ahead of us in order to reach Istanbul. At about lunchtime we reached to outskirts of Ankara, which Ataturk chose as his capital. The bus stopped at a large shopping mall in order to allow us to have lunch. After passing through metal detectors upon entry, I am a little ashamed to say I had a Big Mac. Turkish food is delicious but after a week I was ready for something different, plus my tummy needed grease!!
Our next stop was Anit Kabir, Ataturk's burial place and a museum dedicated to his life and achievements. Full of Ataturk's personal effects, art glorifying the Turkish republic, displays explain the social reforms he implemented and information on the Turkish War of Independence. Ataurk is worshipped as a genius and hero in Turkey and the whole museum seems a little odd to an outside observer and the art especially seems like propaganda. However, there is no doubt that Ataturk had enormous impact on Turkey, founding the republic and giving women the vote and outlawing polygamy among other achievements. It was also interesting getting a Turkish perspective on the Gallipoli campaign.
Our trek back to Istanbul was made even longer by a grumpy bus driver and an insane traffic jam on the only bridge leading into Istanbul, we finally made it 7 hours after leaving Ankara.
- comments