Ankara

Leaving Istanbul gave all of us a different perspective on Turkey. Seeing sights in Konya and parts of Cappadocia added to our tourist credibility. But I think visiting Ankara gave me a clearer sense of modern Turkey and the scope of reforms introduced by the father of the Turkish Republic: Mustafa Kamel Ataturk.

Our road trip took us through more countryside. Along with cultivated fields, I saw volcanic mountains responsible for the ash that gives Cappadocia its curious rock formations. After lunch at an interesting truck stop we also drove along the shore of a large salt lake.


Ankara was once a small village. But Ataturk chose it as the capital for modern Turkey and the village quickly became a city to accommodate the new government. The monument built to honor Ataturk sits on high ground overlooking the city that resulted from his decision.
I witnessed the changing of the guards and experimented with something new: a video clip. Hoping this works. Watch their distinctive gait.

A capital city requires more than a few pictures. Before our flight back to Istanbul, we stopped for one more museum (yawn) and a chance to hike up the ancient Ankara Citadel. Chelsey joined me on the walk and we were happy when Carlos and Matt caught up with us.