Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, on a hill in central Ankara. Visit it as a state memorial rather than a museum: there is a security check at the entrance, military guards are posted throughout, and quiet, respectful behaviour is expected.

The route is fixed. You walk along the Road of Lions, lined with stone lion statues, to the broad Ceremonial Plaza. Opposite stands the Hall of Honour with Atatürk's symbolic sarcophagus; hats must be removed here, except by people in uniform. Beneath it, the Atatürk and War of Independence Museum displays his personal belongings, documents and large panoramic paintings of the Gallipoli campaign and the battles of Sakarya and the Great Offensive; photography and filming are not allowed in the museum. The towers around the plaza hold further exhibits, including cars Atatürk used. The wooded grounds around the monument are known as the Peace Park. Allow two to three hours including the museum.

The rules are straightforward: keep your voice down, do not chant or make political statements, do not touch display cases or exhibits, stay behind the marked lines and follow the guards' instructions. The plaza is wide and exposed, hot in summer and windy in winter, so wear comfortable shoes. National holidays and official ceremonies bring big crowds. Check the hours on the official Anıtkabir page.