​ Ankara, a modern city

The capital is a very modern city, in the center of Anatolia. I thought that our stay there was only due to technical reasons, according with distances. That idea was reinforced with the visit of Ataturk tomb, a modern monument that… ok, it’s interesting. From there we went to the museum. Right. In a city with nothing to see, a museum fills the time – I thought. That’s why I almost collapsed when entered the museum.

My god! That’s not a museum. I was in THE museum. All the stones of the first civilizations were there. One dismayed carved stone (the original), stood side by side with a perfect reproduction. And lots of things more that I hardly could see, such was the schock. So, definitively: Ankara is not another stop. Wherever you live, if you have a direct plane to the museum, use it. Or find the best alternative.

Ataturk Memorial

Ataturk is the “father” of modern Turkey, which tried to immortalize him in Ankara.

His memorial is a big and austere ensemble, dominating the city. The tribute to the modernity he introduced in the country is respected in the modern lines and conception of the monument, somewhat cold and empty for my taste.

Website: Memorial

GREAT!

In a rather modern town, and after visiting the Ataturk Memorial, we were taken to the Civilizations Museum.

I thought it was just another museum, to fulfill a couple of hours in a common city, with no many attractions, and I entered it without any enthusiasm.

The strike came absolutely by surprise.

My God!​

There, lined in the long corridors, were the images that for long connected me to the early history of mankind. I never felt so touched in any other museum.

Side by side, the original priceless carvings almost indistinguishable, and a replica, with all the details.

And the old history passing by you. And the shame of the injustice of my original thoughts.

This is not another museum. Wherever you were born, wherever you came from, no doubt, this is it. This is THE museum that no one should miss.

Website: Museum