Anıtkabir Visitor Guide: Sections, Ceremonies and Visiting Rules

A visit to Anıtkabir usually starts with a walk along the Road of Lions, continues across the Ceremonial Plaza to the Hall of Honour, where Atatürk's symbolic sarcophagus stands, and ends at the Atatürk and War of Independence Museum. If a group wants to hold a wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Honour, an appointment must be made in advance. Seeing all the sections at a relaxed pace can take close to half a day.

The sections of Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir stands in the centre of Ankara on the hill formerly known as Rasattepe. More than a tomb, the building is designed to take visitors step by step on a journey of remembrance. You see the sections in this order:

Road of Lions

After the main entrance, you are greeted by a long walkway lined on both sides with stone lion statues. Inspired by Hittite art, the lions are shown lying down in a calm pose, symbolising strength and peace together. At the start of the road you see groups of statues of women and men; they express the deep grief of the Turkish nation at Atatürk's death.

Towers

Around the Road of Lions and the Ceremonial Plaza are towers, each representing a different concept: they bear names such as Independence, Freedom, Mehmetçik, Victory, Peace, 23 April, National Pact (Misak-ı Millî), Revolution, Republic and Defence of Rights (Müdafaa-i Hukuk). The reliefs and inscriptions inside the towers recall key moments of the War of Independence and the founding of the Republic. When visiting with students, asking them about the names of these towers like a "puzzle" boosts their interest.

Ceremonial Plaza

At the end of the Road of Lions you come out into a wide, stone-paved plaza. Its floor is laid with stones of different colours in a way that evokes Turkish kilim patterns. The tomb of İsmet İnönü is on one side of the plaza. Official ceremonies and commemorations begin in this plaza.

Hall of Honour and the symbolic sarcophagus

Reached by wide steps, the Hall of Honour is the heart of Anıtkabir. At the end of the hall is the symbolic sarcophagus, made from a single block of marble. Atatürk's actual burial chamber lies directly beneath this sarcophagus, on the lower floor. The mosaics and inscriptions on the walls of the hall create an atmosphere of quiet respect. It is common for visitors to observe a short moment of silence here.

Atatürk and War of Independence Museum

The museum inside Anıtkabir displays Atatürk's personal belongings, clothes, books and gifts given to him. One section of the museum has large panoramic paintings depicting the main fronts of the War of Independence. Battles such as Sakarya and the Great Offensive are told with sound and light effects. The final sections of the museum cover the reforms carried out in the early years of the Republic.

Peace Park

The wooded area surrounding Anıtkabir is called the Peace Park. The park is said to have been created with saplings sent from different countries. After seeing the main building, it is a good place for a short walk and a breather.

How to plan a group ceremony

Schools, companies and associations can hold a wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Honour at Anıtkabir. This ceremony is held by prior appointment and according to the rules set by the Anıtkabir administration. During the ceremony, the group proceeds to the Hall of Honour in the set order, the wreath is laid, a moment of silence is observed and the İstiklal Marşı (Turkish National Anthem) is sung. Signing the Anıtkabir Special Book on behalf of the institution can also be part of the ceremony.

As the day and time of the ceremony depend on appointment availability, this is the first step in planning. The Ankara Tour programme includes an official ceremony, which is subject to an appointment; once the date is set, the appointment process is planned on behalf of your group.

Visiting rules

• Clothing: Visitors are expected to wear respectful, simple clothing at Anıtkabir. Groups holding a ceremony commonly wear corporate dress or school uniform.
• Behaviour: In the Hall of Honour, people do not talk loudly, hats are removed and hands are kept out of pockets.
• Photography: Photos may be taken in general areas; there may be restrictions in some sections. Follow the staff's instructions.
• Security: There is a security check at the entrance. Large bags and some items may not be allowed in; bring as little as possible.
• Changing of the guard: The changing of the guard by the soldiers on duty at Anıtkabir is one of the moments visitors watch with great interest.

When to go

Anıtkabir can be visited at any time of year. On important days such as 10 November, 29 October, 23 April and 19 May, visitor numbers rise sharply; expect crowds and extra security arrangements on these days. For a quiet visit, choose a date outside them. Because of Ankara's continental climate, winters are cold and windy and summers hot and dry; as the Road of Lions and the Ceremonial Plaza are open spaces, come prepared for the season.

After Anıtkabir

Groups from Istanbul usually visit Anıtkabir as part of a broader Ankara programme. On the Ankara Tour, Anıtkabir is followed by the War of Independence Museum and the First and Second Parliament buildings, and in the afternoon by the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the Ethnography Museum. You can find details of these stops in our post The First Parliament and Ankara's museums.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to visit Anıtkabir?

Seeing the Road of Lions, the Ceremonial Plaza, the Hall of Honour and the museum at a relaxed pace takes a few hours. We recommend allowing extra time for the panoramas and exhibitions in the museum.

How is a wreath-laying ceremony held at Anıtkabir?

The wreath-laying ceremony is held by prior appointment, in the order set by the Anıtkabir administration. The Ankara Tour programme includes an official ceremony; we plan the appointment process on behalf of your group once the date is set.

Where is Atatürk's actual tomb?

The marble sarcophagus in the Hall of Honour is symbolic. Atatürk's actual burial chamber is directly beneath it, on the lower floor.

What should you wear to Anıtkabir?

Simple, respectful clothing is appropriate. School and corporate groups holding a ceremony usually wear uniform or corporate dress.