Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Turkey for Christmas - Part 1

Ankara Kalesi (Castle)

John has been on temporary duty in Ankara, so we decided to go to Turkey for Christmas. Not that Christmas (or at least "western" Christian Christmas, as opposed to eastern Orthodox Christmas) is celebrated in Islamic Turkey.

Yesterday we visited Ankara Kalesi (Ankara Castle). It's an Ottoman fortress on a hill in the oldest part of town. Visitors can climb all over the castle, and while the view is impressive, it's not for those who don't like heights -- there are no railings, and because it's been below freezing for some time, the stairs and walkways are icy.

Blocks of stone from Roman structures were re-used. This block is clearly upside-down.
The photo below shows four de-faced (literally) figures laid horizontally in a wall.

View from the top of the castle, the inversion layer trapping smoke and smog is clearly visible.
John & Mandi on the top of the castle wall.


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