The Hidden Heritage of Ankara Citadel: an Ambigous Future between Conservation and Transformation

Abstract

Although Ankara gained international attention mainly after its declaration as Capital of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the city hosts many buildings and monuments from different historical eras. The remains of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Empires discovered in the center of the city, clearly bear witness to the rich and diverse heritage of the capital. However, this heritage appears as less documented, studied and even not properly conserved. The citadel of Ankara, which dominates the narrow streets of the old city has withstood its long history very well and today houses a small neighborhood made up of valuable Ottoman wooden buildings. The link to the Roman and Medieval periods is still tangible. The Roman theatre remains at the foot of the hill are still observable, while the stone columns and beams used in the construction of the walls in a later era. The aim of this paper is to document and present the different historical eras of the castle, focusing on the remains of the medieval era. Analyzing the key features of the castle and the previous intervention on it will support the identification of the potentials of the site. Finally, recommendations for future work of architectural preservation will be elaborated on the basis of national and international conservation guidelines.