Advantages: Important and interesting historic monument, great kitsch souvenirs Disadvantages: None
In modern Turkey culture and pride revolve around one man: Kemal Mustafa Ataturk. He was the founder of the Turkish Republic, having proved himself during the First World War as a commander of the Turkish armies during the Gallipoli campaign. All Turkish towns and cities have a statue of Ataturk, all schools have a bust of him by the entrance, as do all army barracks, police stations and other civic buildings.
Nowhere is Ataturk more celebrated than in Ankara, the city chosen by the great man to replace Istanbul and become the capital of the Republic of Turkey. Until then Ankara was a rather modest town with a population of around 30,000; today Ankara is home to some four million people. He chose Ankara because he wanted to leave behind the associations with the Ottomans and Istanbul just had too many reminders of the old regime ...
Advantages: Best reality show in history Disadvantages: where's the Roman blood-lust?
No, this movie most certainly is not 'Gladiator', simply because it is more authentic. Augustus' portrays Rome's first emperor (yes, first, for anyone who thinks, like i once did, that Julius Caesar was) according to the wealth of evidence supplied by various ancient authors. This is the closest i have yet seen Augustus portrayed, and it was made extra special by the fantastic acting abilities of Peter O'Toole. The story goes from the young Octavian's life, to the trials and tribulations he met when he became Augustus, to his fight to win over the people of Rome, all the while battling it out with the senate, traitorous family members and former allies who were meant to be friends, not helped by his daughter's rebellious streak, which posed a bit of a threat (to put it mildly) to his political position, especially when the imperial ...
alba_celt 16.09.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Augustus (DVD)
Advantages: Something for everyone; easy to get around Disadvantages: Very cold in winter; wine is expensive and can double the cost of your meal
We have been travelling to Ankara at least twice a year every year for nearly nine years now, and I have grown to love the city even more than Istanbul. Ankara is very, very different to Istanbul and, in many ways, it is unfair to compare the two.
So, why do I love Ankara? Basically because it provides all the things I want in a city (given that I'm not really a "city person"). Truly, it has something for everyone.
If you want history, it's got it - from Roman ruins, to the Citadel (Castle), to Ataturk and the War of Independence, which lead to the founding of the modern Republic of Turkey.
If you want grandeur, it's got it - even if you don't know the history, who can fail to be moved by Anitkabir, the imposing mausoleum built to honour Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
If you want iconic, modern buildings, it's got them ...
roundthekitchentable 27.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Ankara (Turkey)
