Our Road Scholar tour to Turkey began on September 12, with a lecture on the ancient Hittites. We did not realize it at the time, but this lecture was the foundation of our epic journey through the history of Turkey. We would see these Hittites again and again, as well as the civilizations that replaced them over the centuries.
Our first outing was a drive to the mausoleum of Kemal Attaturk, the father of modern Turkey. It was monumental to say the least.
First off was a small reminder that we were not in Kansas anymore, so to speak.
The old part of Ankara, with the new beyond, spread out beneath us as we entered the mausoleum complex.
Below is the actual mausoleum building, with the tomb at the far left corner, with flowers below it.
Outside was an epically large entrance bordered by lions and flowers.
We happened upon the changing of the guards, approaching in the distance.
Two from each service.
Beneath the massive mausoleum is an extensive museum complex, with exhibits of art, history and culture, as well as exhibits on each aspect of life affected by Ataturk -- language, health, education, money, business and foreign relations, to name just a few. No photos allowed, but I did manage to slip into another area with his boat and car where there were no signs prohibiting photos...so here they are!
We left the mausoleum for a wonderful lunch, the first of many on the tour. Lunches were our opportunity to sample regional cuisines and cultures. This one was in a rooftop patio.
As we saw in various places around Turkey, women were making bread for our table as we were eating. And it was delicious, every time!
Then we were swept away to the Museum of Anatolian Civilization. They have a few amphora outside.
Just a few.
The interior of the museum was impressive, but sadly, less than half the pieces were on exhibit, with the majority of the space was under renovation. Several of the pieces our lecturer had talked about were on display, but some were not. But what we did see was impressive.
The pot above is interesting, with the detailed design at the top....
...a filter for tea!
And below, more gold.
Our day concluded with a lecture about Contemporary Turkey, which was especially interesting because of the "unrest" in the country at the time, and the announcement just then that Turkey had again lost its bid to host the Olympics. The night of our arrival we had heard sounds we later understood to be demonstrations, and as we drove through the city we saw water canon being readied for use by the police. So we were filled with questions, and despite our fatigue, were fascinated by the responses.
Time to rest up for the next step in our adventure.
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