Ankara castle

After our two educational visits we were given the opportunity to shop a bit at a local bazaar.  David and I chose to explore the local neighborhood (on the top of high hill) and hike to the remains of Ankara castle.  It was a great diversion!  The view from the top was great and it felt good to just sit around and gaze at the vista without having to engage with anyone or remember details.

Ankara castle dates back more than 1200 years to the time of the Hittites although dating evidence is uncertain.  It has been rebuilt and restored many times by the Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks..  The outer wall surrounds the old town in Ankara.  It sits high atop a hill in the city.  There are 42 towers on the surrounding walls.

Narrow alley approach to the top of the hill.  (I got to see a wedding party procession from a distance)

Great city view!  The houses directly below were pretty run down, but the panorama was great.

My favorite part was watching the local kids play soccer in an enclosed courtyard area.