 The
central Anatolian plateau, ochre-hued, cleft
by ravines and dominated by volcanic peaks,
forms the heart and of Turkey. Covered with
wheat fields and outlined with ranks of poplars
the boldly contoured steppe has a solitary
majesty.
This plateau was one of the cradles of human
civilisation. At Catalhoyuk remains of settlements
from as early as the eighth millennium B.C.
have been unearthed. The homeland of many
people and the historic battleground of
East and West, here the Hattis, Hittites,
Phrygians, Galatians, Romans, Byzantines,
Seljuks and Ottomans all fought for their
sovereignty and established their rule.
Ankara
The seat of Turkey's government in the
strategic heart of central Anatolia,  Ankara
is the city selected by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
the republic's founder, to house the capital
of the newly politically defined country.
Though thoroughly modern in appearance Ankara's
history and that of the surrounding area
dates back to the Bronze Age and the Hatti
civilisation. In the second millennium B.C.
the Hittites followed as lords of the land
and were succeeded in turn by the Phrygians,
Lydians and Persians.
 Outside
the citadel the 13th century Arslanhane
Mosque and the 14th century Ahi Elvan Mosque
are worth visiting.
Near the citadel excavations of a Roman
theatre continue. In the same vicinity stands
the 15th century Mosque and Mausoleum of
Haci Bayram.
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