FIVE NEW TURKISH LIRA

MAUSOLEUM OF ATATURK

Mausoleum of Atatürk called Anıtkabir is in Ankara. Preparation for Anıtkabir began shortly after Atatürk's death. Rasattepe whose name was changed as Anıttepe was chosen for build up to mausoleum since it is the second highest hill after City Citadel. In 1941, 22 domestic and 27 foreign projects were submitted to international competition arranged for construction. The joint project of Emin Onat and Orhan Arda was the winner among the three projects selected by international jury. The construction began on October 9, 1944 and was completed in 9 years. On November 10, 1953 Atatürk's corpse was moved from Etnographical Museum, the former place where it was burried, to Anıtkabir.

The Mausoleum is set up on 15.000 m2 square in which parks and gardens are set up. The Çankırı Stone was used for building, since its aesthetic pale yellow and grey color reconciles very well with the natural pale color of the city. A wide stairs ascends to Mausoleum from the west gate. Among the "Tower of Liberty" and Tower of Indepence", in which some parts of Atatürk's speeches on freedom and independence are written by golden gilding, a road reaches to 250 metres long "Lion Pane". 24 statues of Hittite Lions are situated on both sides of this road leading to "Victory Square" surrounded by eight towers. The Towers, named as "Republic", "Revolution", "Peace" and "Victory" are located on the corners. The Towers of "Defence of National Rights" (Müdafa-i Hukuk) and "Honorable Turkish Soldier" (Mehmetçik) are located at the main entrance. And Towers named as "National Pact" (Misak-ı Milli), "April 23" (the date Turkish Grand National Assembly was founded) are at the exit. The main building of Anıtkabir is seen when you reach the Victory Square form Lion Pane. Outside of the building, Atatürk's speech to Turkish Youth is placed on the right wall and speech for 10th anniversary of foundation of Republic is on the left wall. There are 33 steps From Victory Square to Reception Hall that is 20 metres high, 32 metres wide and 60 metres long. The Hall is surrounded with a gallery formed by stone pillars. Floor and walls of the hall are covered with high quality marble and the roof with golden mosaic. Opposite of the exit, there is a window through which scenery of City Citadel is seen. In front of this window, a symbolic tomb is settled on a stone basement and Atatürk's grave is under this block.

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