Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir is the monumental tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Türkiye. It is located on a high hill called Rasattepe in the Çankaya district of Ankara. It is not merely a tomb but also a significant structure representing the Turkish nation’s respect and affection for Atatürk.

The Construction History of Anıtkabir

After Atatürk’s death on 10 November 1938, it was decided that a permanent and fitting monumental tomb should be built for him. In 1941, a competition was held, and 49 designs were submitted from Türkiye and around the world. The competition was won by Turkish architects Emin Onat and Orhan Arda.

Construction of Anıtkabir began on 9 October 1944 and was completed in exactly nine years. During construction, stones were collected from all corners of Türkiye. Thus, Anıtkabir became, in essence, “the work of the entire Türkiye,” built from stones representing its different regions.

Sections of Anıtkabir

• Lion Avenue

The path leading into Anıtkabir is lined on both sides with 24 lion statues. These lions symbolize strength and peace. The stones of the path are arranged at five-centimeter intervals, ensuring that visitors walk slowly and with reverence.

• Ceremony Square

At the end of Lion Avenue lies a large open area known as the Ceremony Square. Official ceremonies are held here. The square can accommodate up to 15,000 people.

• Mausoleum (Hall of Honor)

This is a large hall surrounded by tall columns, housing the sarcophagus of Atatürk. Beneath the sarcophagus lies the Grave Chamber, where the actual remains rest. Around the Grave Chamber are soils brought from all provinces of Türkiye and from Cyprus.

• Park of Peace

The expansive park surrounding Anıtkabir reflects Atatürk’s famous phrase, “Peace at home, peace in the world.” It contains 48 different species of plants and trees brought from 24 countries.

• Museum of Atatürk and the War of Independence

Inside Anıtkabir, personal belongings, clothing, and books of Atatürk are displayed, along with documents related to the War of Independence. Additionally, reconstructions of major battles such as the Battle of Çanakkale and the Great Offensive are presented.

A Journey Through Time

Anıtkabir was completed more than 70 years ago. On 10 November 1953, Atatürk’s remains were ceremonially transferred from the Ethnography Museum in Istanbul to their final resting place here. Since then, millions of people have visited Anıtkabir.