Ulus

A couple of weeks ago we took the boys to the old part of Ankara, called Ulus, to see the Ankara Castle and walk around. The old city is quaint with cobblestone narrow winding roads and small shops. 

After walking through some streets, we got to the caste. It was small, this was was pretty much it. We walked along the top and enjoyed a panoramic view of the city.

Next, we went to an art shop to look at paintings. Talking to the owner, it turned out the store was part of the Russian federation of artists. After buying a painting from the store, he offered to take us to a house down the street that sells Russian paintings. The painters were trained as artists in Russia and then immigrated to Turkey after the fall of the Soviet Union. Many of the artists were in their 80’s now, and some are still living in Turkey. The government required the shop close for some reason in March due to COVID, so we were the only people there. It was a very interesting place to visit. He said the house was decorated in typical Russian style. There were very ornate and shiny gold decorations around the house, used as stairwell oranaments, and along the ceilings. The walls and ceilings were painted very brightly in shades of reds, blues, and greens. About halfway through the tour,  he told me I could take pictures. It was fascinating.

We went to the roof of the house for another great view of the city. He pointed out a prominent restaurant next door that world political leaders visit when they come to Ankara. 

Afterwards, we indulged in a Turkish breakfast. Lots of bread, meat, cheese, and dips. It was delicious.

Our last stop was to a wood shop. The owner buys old doors from around the country, and he makes them into furniture. We are considering having end-tables made from the panels of these doors from Cappadocia  that are about 100 years old.

It was a fun day exploring downtown!