Anıtkabir’s Mausoleum: Symbol of Turkish Nationalism and Pride

Mausoleums are a dignified, elegant burial place to honor and remember the lives of those whom we have loved and lost.

They also memorialize those who have left a lasting impact on their nation, serving as a symbol of cultural nationalism and pride for historic figures in a country’s history.

Anitkabir’s Mausoleum and Peace Park — dedicated to the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk — is such a symbol. This beautiful monument is a place of great emotional significance for the Turkish people, symbolizing their national identity, pride, and respect for their founder’s vision and achievements.

A Closer Look at the Anitkabir Mausoleum

The Anitkabir Mausoleum is located in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. It stands on an imposing hill called Rasattepe in Anitkabir Park, covering an impressive 700,000 square meters.

Its architecture reflects a blend of various styles symbolic of different periods in Turkish history, including Art Deco, Seljuk, and Ottoman architectural styles. In addition to the buildings and monuments, the Anitkabir complex also houses a wooded area known as the Peace Park.

The Anitkabir was born from the desire of the Turkish people to pay respects to their leader and revolutionary soldier, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Construction began in 1944 when Professor Emin Onat became the architect after winning an international competition.

The mausoleum construction took nine years, coming to an end in 1953. On November 10, 1953, Atatürk’s casket was ceremoniously moved from the Ethnographical Museum to the Anitkabir Mausoleum.

Since then, the mausoleum has been a significant national symbol and a place of homage for Turkish society and international visitors.

Key Sights at the Anitkabir Mausoleum

An array of architectural marvels greet visitors to Anitkabir, such as ten towers, symbolic sculptures, and the wooded beauty of Peace Park. Each tells a story of the struggle and triumph of the Turkish nation, allowing you to delve deeper into the heart of the identity, values, and legacy of the Turkish people.

Independence and Freedom Tower

The Independence Tower and Freedom Tower are the first of the ten towers you see when you enter Anitkabir.

The Independence Tower symbolizes Turkey’s hard-fought struggle for independence, led by its founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. You can find a relief of a Turkish youth with a sword and the Seljuk coat of arms that depict scenes from the Turkish War of Independence on its facade, giving a visual narrative of the nation’s struggle for sovereignty. 

On the other hand, the Freedom Tower embodies the liberty and autonomy the Turkish nation achieved after the successful establishment of the Turkish Republic. The Freedom Tower symbolizes the new beginnings and democratic values that define the modern Turkish government.

The tower’s artwork and symbols — such as a young female angel holding a Declaration of Freedom, a horse, and a group statue with three Turkish youth figures —  reflect the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice that Atatürk advocated for. 

Road of Lions

The Road of Lions is a ceremonial pathway that leads you straight to the heart of the mausoleum. It gets its name from the 12 pairs of lion statues — 24 in total — that flank the road and represent the protective spirit of Turkey’s ancestors over the nation’s peace and prosperity.

This road symbolizes the strength, courage, and guardianship that Atatürk and his companions displayed during the founding of the Turkish Republic. 

Ceremonial Plaza

The Ceremonial Plaza is a large open meeting area at the end of the Lion’s Road that allows visitors to see the core principles that shaped the Turkish Republic.

Towers stand as sentinels encircling the ceremonial plaza, each bearing a unique testimony to the values and struggles that define Turkey’s path to nationhood:

• Defense of Rights Tower: This tower symbolizes Turkey’s determination to defend its rights and sovereignty against all odds. You’ll see inscriptions and reliefs — such as a soldier leaving home to go to war and Atatürk’s quotes about women and soldiers — that depict Turkey’s unwavering stance during critical negotiations and conflicts after World War I.
• Victory Tower: The Victory Tower holds the wagon that carried Atatürk’s casket from Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul to Sarayburnu.
• Mehmetcik Tower: Named after the affectionate term for a Turkish soldier, this tower is dedicated to the Turkish military’s valor and sacrifice. It features a statue of a soldier in honor of those who served the country.
• Peace Tower: Embodying Atatürk’s famous maxim, “Peace at Home, Peace in the World,” the Peace Tower celebrates Turkey’s commitment to peace and stability. You’ll see a relief of Turkish soldiers keeping village farmers safe and inscriptions of Atatürk’s quotes about peace and war’s futility on the walls.
• The Grand National Assembly Tower: Also known as the 23rd April Tower, this tower celebrates the holiday of April 23, 1920, the opening date of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. It signifies the establishment of the independent Turkish government and the role of democratic governance. It features inscriptions of quotes from Atatürk, the Turkish flag hanging on a 33-meter tall flagpole, and reliefs such as a sword of attack, torch of civilization, oak branch of victory, helmet of defense, and an olive branch representing peace. 

The ceremonial plaza also has a long courtyard in the middle of the meeting area. This courtyard holds a castle built in honor of the second President of Turkey and close war companion of Atatürk, Ismet İnönü, along with his stone coffin.

Hall of Honour

The Hall of Honour is the central focus of the Anıtkabir Mausoleum. It houses Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s tomb and serves as both a resting place and a symbol of the reverence and admiration the Turkish nation holds for him.

The marble and stone construction of Atatürk’s tomb create the grand and solemn atmosphere characteristic of the Hall of Honour. The stone coffin is made of a single block of marble and lies atop a symbolic raised platform surrounded by adornments and inscriptions that speak to Atatürk’s principles and achievements.

Atatürk’s Museum

Atatürk’s Museum is right next to the mausoleum complex. It offers an in-depth look into his life and time through a wide variety of exhibits displaying items such as:

• Clothing
• Photographs
• Personal belongings
• Gifts from various world leaders
• Original furnishings from his presidential residence
• Documents

These items all chronicle his journey from a revolutionary leader to the founder of the Republic of Turkey.

The museum also gives insight into the significant reforms that he implemented, which transformed the Turkish nation into the modern, secular state it is today.

Preserving Your Legacy for Generations to Come

As we look at the Anitkabir Mausoleum and Peace Park, it’s clear that the true essence of a mausoleum transcends its physical form. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a nation and its people, representing memories, ideals, and the undying respect for those who have shaped history. It can serve as a source of nationalism, pride, and eternal inspiration for future generations, encouraging us to reflect on the legacy we wish to leave behind.

If you’re inspired by the monumental beauty and profound significance of Anitkabir, Forever Legacy offers Eternal Mausoleums so you can create a lasting tribute to your loved ones or yourself. As the premier provider of custom-built private granite mausoleums in the continental United States, we bring the finest mausoleum materials, artisans, and an eternal guarantee of a superior experience from inception to completion.

Request a consultation with Forever Legacy today to learn how we can help you craft a private or family mausoleum to preserve your legacy.