Ankara Anıtkabir

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the great leader of the Turkish War of Independence, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, and the architect of the Turkish Revolutions—devoted his 57-year life to securing the independence of the Turkish nation and guiding it to the level of contemporary civilization. The Great Leader passed away on 10 November 1938.

Atatürk, who transformed Türkiye into a modern nation with institutions aligned with contemporary civilization, is a leader who belongs not only to the Turkish nation but also to the history of humanity. The idea of constructing a mausoleum that would reflect his greatness in every aspect, symbolize his principles and reforms, and represent his vision of modernization emerged as the shared desire of the Turkish people in the deep sorrow of his passing.

In the construction of Anıtkabir, porous and easily shaped travertine in various colors was used as exterior cladding over reinforced concrete, while marble was used in the interior of the mausoleum.

White travertine used in the sculpture groups, lion statues, and the mausoleum columns was brought from Pınarbaşı (Kayseri), while additional white travertine for interior tower walls came from Polatlı and Malıköy. Black and red travertine from Boğazköprü (Kayseri) was used in the paving of the ceremonial square and towers. Yellow travertine from Eskipazar (Çankırı) was used for the victory reliefs, the outer walls of the Hall of Honor, and the surrounding colonnades.

The cream, red, and black marble used in the floor of the Hall of Honor came from Çanakkale, Hatay, and Adana respectively. The tiger-skin patterned marble used on the interior walls was brought from Afyon, and green marble from Bilecik. The monolithic 40-ton sarcophagus stone came from Osmaniye (Adana), and the white marble facing its side walls from Afyon.

ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANITKABIR

The years 1940–1950 in Turkish architecture are known as the “Second National Architectural Period,” characterized by monumental design, symmetry, and the use of cut stone. Anıtkabir reflects the defining features of this period.

Alongside this style, elements of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture and ornamentation appear frequently. For example, the saw-tooth border at the junction of the walls and roofs of the towers reflects Seljuk stone craftsmanship. Stone motifs such as çarkıfelek and rosette found in several towers (e.g., Mehmetçik Tower, Museum Directorate) are also common in Seljuk and Ottoman art.

Covering an area of approximately 750,000 m², Anıtkabir is composed of two main sections: the Peace Park and the Monumental Block.

A. PEACE PARK

Inspired by Atatürk’s principle, “Peace at Home, Peace in the World,” the Peace Park was created using trees and saplings brought from various countries and regions of Türkiye.

Tree species were brought from Afghanistan, the United States, Germany, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, India, Iraq, the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, Sweden, Italy, Japan, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, Norway, Portugal, Yugoslavia, and Greece. Today, the Peace Park contains about 48,500 ornamental trees, shrubs, and plants from 104 different species.

B. MONUMENTAL BLOCK

The Monumental Block consists of three main parts:

1. Lions’ Road

2. Ceremonial Square

3. Mausoleum

INDEPENDENCE TOWER

The inscription on the tower bears Atatürk’s words:
"This nation has lived without independence, cannot live without independence, and will not live without independence. Either independence or death." (1919)

Inside the tower are a scale model of Anıtkabir and illuminated information panels.

LIBERTY TOWER

Located at the left entrance of Lions’ Road, its interior relief depicts an angel holding the “Declaration of Liberty” and a rearing horse symbolizing freedom and independence. The tower also houses photos showing the construction stages of Anıtkabir and samples of stones used in its building.

WOMEN’S STATUE GROUP

Standing before the Independence Tower are three women dressed in traditional clothing. The two on the sides hold a wreath made of wheat sheaves, symbolizing the fertility of the homeland. The woman on the left raises a bowl, praying for mercy for Atatürk, while the central figure covers her face in grief.

MEN’S STATUE GROUP

In front of the Liberty Tower, three men represent various segments of Turkish society: a soldier with a helmet and greatcoat, a young intellectual holding a book, and a villager in traditional attire. Their solemn expressions convey the grief, dignity, and determination of the Turkish nation.

LIONS’ ROAD

This 262-meter path was designed to prepare visitors spiritually for Atatürk’s presence. On each side stand 24 seated lion statues carved in Hittite style—symbolizing power and tranquility—reflecting Atatürk’s deep respect for Anatolian civilizations.

CEREMONIAL SQUARE

Located at the end of Lions’ Road, the 129 × 84.25 m square can accommodate 15,000 people. Its paving consists of 373 carpet- and kilim-patterned travertine panels in black, red, yellow, and white.

MEHMETÇİK TOWER

The outer relief depicts a mother bidding farewell to her son going off to defend the homeland. Inside is the “Atatürk and Turkish Revolution Library,” serving researchers on weekdays.

VICTORY TOWER

Its walls display the dates and quotations from Atatürk’s three major victories. Inside is the gun carriage that transported Atatürk’s coffin from Dolmabahçe Palace on 19 November 1938.

TOMB OF İSMET İNÖNÜ

Between the Peace and Victory Towers lies the symbolic sarcophagus of İsmet İnönü—Atatürk’s closest comrade, Commander of the Western Front, and the second President of Türkiye. He was buried here on 28 December 1973.

PEACE TOWER

Its relief depicts villagers working peacefully, protected by a soldier symbolizing the Turkish army as the guardian of peace. Atatürk’s famous words on peace appear on the walls, and his Lincoln automobiles (1935–1938) are exhibited inside.

APRIL 23rd TOWER

Its relief represents the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on April 23, 1920. Atatürk’s 1936–1938 Cadillac automobile is also displayed here.

FLAGPOLE

Located at the ceremonial square staircase, the 33.53 m steel flagpole is the tallest single-piece pole in Europe. It was produced in the United States and donated to Anıtkabir in 1946. The base relief symbolizes civilization, power, victory, and peace.

NATIONAL PACT (MİSAK-I MİLLİ) TOWER

A relief of four hands gripping a sword hilt symbolizes national unity and determination. This tower contains the special signature book for official delegations and panels showing important ceremonies held at Anıtkabir.

ANITKABİR ATATÜRK MUSEUM

Opened on 21 June 1960, the museum displays Atatürk’s personal belongings, uniforms, gifts, decorations, and items donated by his adopted daughters Afet İnan, Rukiye Erkin, and Sabiha Gökçen.

REFORM TOWER

Dedicated to Atatürk’s reforms, this tower exhibits his clothing and includes a wax statue of Atatürk created by Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Büyükerşen.

REPUBLIC TOWER

This tower houses models of the Manastır Military High School, the Sivas and Erzurum Congress buildings, and the First Turkish Grand National Assembly building, along with period photographs.

ART GALLERY

Located between the Republic and Defense of Rights Towers, the gallery exhibits Atatürk’s personal library and oil paintings depicting him with visiting foreign dignitaries. Documentary films on Atatürk, the War of Independence, and Anıtkabir are also screened here.

DEFENSE OF RIGHTS TOWER

Its exterior relief symbolizes the national unity that formed the foundation of the War of Independence. Inside are periodic exhibitions on the War of Independence and a model of the Military Academy where Atatürk studied.

RELIEF OF THE SAKARYA BATTLE

This large composition depicts the hardships of civilians, the determination of the nation, and the eventual victory under Atatürk’s leadership.

RELIEF OF THE GREAT OFFENSIVE

The scene includes Atatürk giving the historic order “Armies, your goal is the Mediterranean—forward!” along with symbolic representations of the heroism and sacrifice of the Turkish army.

MAUSOLEUM

The most important section of Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum sits atop 42 steps with a ceremonial rostrum at the center. The façade contains Atatürk’s Address to the Youth and the Tenth Anniversary Speech, both inscribed in gilded lettering.

HALL OF HONOR

Visitors enter through bronze doors. Atatürk’s symbolic sarcophagus—made of a single block of red marble weighing 40 tons—stands in the central niche. The hall is richly decorated with marble and mosaic, and illuminated by twelve bronze torches representing eternity.

BURIAL CHAMBER

Atatürk’s remains lie directly beneath the symbolic sarcophagus, in an octagonal chamber designed in Seljuk and Ottoman architectural style. The walls and floor are covered in black, white, and red marble. In the center stands a red marble tombstone surrounded by brass urns containing soil brought from all Turkish provinces and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.