This is the first of a series of occasional posts featuring images of encounters with beauty while traveling. Today’s post features images – of things both ancient and modern – from Ankara, Turkey.

Under the leadership of the founder of modern Turkey, Ataturk, the preservation of historically significant archaeological artifacts was provided for in the renovated remains of an ancient fortress in Ankara. This is where the Hittite Lions, from about the time of the Exodus (pictured above), are now located (in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations).

Upon Ataturk’s death, an architectural design competition was initiated for a proper mausoleum for the remains of the beloved national founder. One feature of the magnificent resulting structure and grounds incorporates an abiding tribute to the Hittite history of lion gates and their statuary (below).

The Ataturk mausoleum is a beautiful mid-twentieth century structure, both modern in design and yet incorporating echoes of historic Turkish architecture. The travertine stone employed for the exterior gives the imposing building complex a warmth it otherwise would not likely have.

The mausoleum complex serves as more than a memorial to the national founder who is interred there, and is a focal point of national pride in remembrance of the Turkish War of Independence, so linked with Ataturk. To this end, evocative statues are located at the end of a long terrace (below).

I found the Ataturk Mausoleum to be a beautiful example of public architecture, a place that well serves large crowds on important occasions while possessing welcoming proportions and pleasing textures.