Ankara

Morning at Ankara, the modern capital city of Turkey and the sun is out!

The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations at Ankara is Turkey's most outstanding museum, displaying the achievements of Anatolia's many diverse cultures.

Ancient earrings. Over 2000 years old.

A stone contract in a stone envelope.

An oil or wine pot.

Three Warriors, Neo-Hittite, around 9th Century BC.

A remarkable glass vase.

Ataturk's Mausoleum, completed in 1953, is also in Ankara. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938) liberated the Turkish people from Western invasion at the end of WW1 and founded the modern Turkish Republic. He enacted sweeping reforms that made Turkey more European than Asian. He is much revered in Turkey.

There were many guards around as the Prime Minister of India was also visiting.

They frog marched off when he left.

Looking over the square.

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This guide was babysitting these bemused little children.

Decorations inside the monument. There was also an extensive and very interesting museum on Ataturk and the wars, but no photos allowed.

This noisy and windy helicopter was part of a film and flew in low over the Mauseleum. Unfortunately an ambulance had to be called, as the helicopter's great wind knocked over a hoarding, which knocked over a tourist. It also sent someone else tumbling down the stairs. Also, the afore mentioned little children were traumatised, probably for life.

Later we drove to Haci Bektas to visit the tomb of the Moslem Sufi philosopher and spiritual leader who has given his name to the town.

Outside the tomb.

The gardens were attractive.

The courtyard.

The tomb.