The history of Ankara Castle can be traced back to the Ancient Era. The castle can be found in the Altindag neighborhood of Ankara and provides a panoramic view of the entire city.
In point of fact, the date of construction cannot be pinpointed with absolute certainty. On the other hand, it was speculated that the enormous structure was built by the Hittites when they established a military garrison around the city.
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Ankara Castle has played host to many different civilizations throughout its history, including the Hittites, the Phrygians, the Persians, the Byzantines, the Arabs, and the Ottomans.
Every people group left their mark on that enchanting structure in order to make it a representation of their own history, way of life, and preferred architectural aesthetic.
At the moment, in addition to showcasing a variety of artistic and musical masterworks, the castle is also used as a venue for concert festivals, particularly during the summer months.
In addition, it was modeled after historical homes in Ankara, which typically have few windows, a narrow floor plan, and are constructed out of brick or adobe.
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History of Ankara Castle
A tower with an adobe wall is said to have existed in the beginning, according to a rumor; however, it is said that later on, it was advanced and changed by the other kingdoms so that they could be building their architectural style.
In addition, there is a second myth that surrounds the castle. Once upon a time, Phrygian King Midas rebuilt it when he was in control of Ankara.
Caracalla, the Byzantine Emperor, issued the order that caused the city walls of Ankara to be repaired after the Romans had conquered Galatia (Ankara) in the second century B.C. In the year 688 A.D., the bailey was constructed after Emperor Konstantinos II.
Other Roman kings, including Leon IV, Nicephorus, and Basileios, were responsible for the reconstruction and enhancement of the glorious building’s interior walls. It is clear that they had a significant impact on the creation of that masterpiece, given that it unmistakably exemplifies the Byzantine Architectural Style.
After In the year 1073, the Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Keykavus I added some parts here overtook the castle and took possession of it. Then, during the time of the Ottoman Empire, Ibrahim Pasha settled here once more. Ibrahim Pasha was the son of M. Ali Pasha, the governor of Egypt.
Things to Do in Ankara Castle
Sultan Alaaddin Mosque
This mosque can be found right next to the gate leading into the inner castle. Due to the fact that it was constructed in 1178, making it Ankara’s oldest mosque, it holds a significant place in the city’s history. Additionally, the antique column heads and repair inscriptions on the door are interesting to view.
It was produced during a period of time when Muslims made up a smaller percentage of the population in that region. It was during Sultan Alaaddin’s rule that the structure was repaired, so the name derives from that time period. According to the sources, the mosque’s historical significance was removed during the restoration work that took place in the 13th and 14th centuries.
There are some sources that call this mosque the “Muradiye mosque,” but the name is never used by the locals. In terms of both cultural and religious tourism, this prayer building, specifically this mosque, is of great significance.
Ankara Clock Tower
It was constructed in the 19th century on top of the historical structures and ruins that were already there when it was built on the Hisar door. Its history can be traced back to very ancient times, somewhere around the year 200 B.C.
It is composed of three levels. According to what is written in the inscription that is located on the tower, it was constructed in Strasbourg in the year 1884 by Louis Edel at the command of Sırrı Pasha, the governor of Ankara.
At that point in time, the primary function of the Clock Tower was to act as a clock for the surrounding shopping area. Back in those days, ” Saman Bazaar” was the most important shopping district. This tower served an important purpose and was necessary because wristwatches were not commonly used during that time period.
In 2007, it underwent restoration work. Since 1987, it has been officially recognized as a third-degree urban site improvement project. The entrance to the clock tower is located inside an old house in Ankara.
Eti Museum in Ankara Castle
The “Eti Museum” is yet another museum that can be found within the castle. Atatürk requested that this museum be constructed in Akkale in 1921, and it was completed the following year.
This museum eventually became known as the Anatolian Civilizations Museum after undergoing some renovations. Since 1948, that portion has been put to use as a storage facility, and it is currently sealed off with all of the components still inside.
The Eti Museum was the very first museum to open its doors in the new republic of Turkey. You can apply for a Turkey visa for Australian citizens in order to visit Eti Museum in Ankara castle.
Architecture
Ankara Castel was renovated on multiple occasions by the Romans, the Seljuks, and the Ottomans. It is made up of a citadel and bailey (both inside and outside of the castle), in addition to 20 separate towers.
The citadels encompass a field that is approximately 43.000 km2 in size. In addition, there are 42 towers with pentagon corners located on the walls that are between 14 and 16 meters in height. The walls on the south and west sides of the interior of the castle form right angles.
Akkale can be found on the interior of the building, which is the highest point of that structure. Stone from Ankara was used to construct the inner structure that had four levels. It has two massive doors on either side. Those doors were named Hisar and Outside doors.
In addition to those characteristics, there is also a magnificent inscription that dates back to the Seljuk period. The lower sections of the walls were constructed using a unique marble and basaltic.
Visit Ankara Castle
Location: Kale, 06240 Altındag/Ankara, Turkey
Entrance Fee: The Ankara Castle can be visited at no cost because there is no entrance fee.
Opening Hours: From 9 am to 6 pm
When to Visit Ankara Castle: The whole year round is the perfect time to pay a visit.
My name is Rashid Nawaz. I have completed my degree in Mass Communication from South Asia University, Lahore, Pakistan. I have started my career as a News reporter and editor from the local Newspaper and now I am writing for different News websites, The Daily News Times is one of those great sites.
