Anıtkabir
Anıtkabir is one of the notable stops in Ankara, with a route-friendly location for your trip.
Quick facts
- Built
- October 1953
- Opened
- 10 November 1953
- Architect
- Emin Onat
- Architectural style
- Second national architectural movement
- Height
- 17 m
- Area
- 720,000 m²
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
How was the site of Anıtkabir chosen?
The hill known as Rasattepe was selected because it is visible from across the city. Excavations there uncovered Phrygian tumuli, and the finds are now displayed in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Why is the Road of Lions so long?
Along its 262 m stand 24 lion statues, carved in Hittite style seated and at rest — expressing power and peace together. The paving was deliberately laid unevenly so that visitors lower their heads and slow their pace as they walk.
Which stones were used in the structure?
Marble and travertine were brought from across Turkey — Afyon, Bilecik, Hatay, Adana, Çanakkale and Kayseri among them. The choice rests on the idea that the monument should represent the whole country.
Why go?
- Easy to add to your route
- Good photo stop
- Popular local highlight
