| September 7, 2007 Lesson Four: Friendships know no national borders In addition to the international students, I began to form friendships with the Turkish students who served as orientation assistants. Their helpfulness with finding places to eat, explaining the bus system and conversations about local culture eased our immersion process. The group took fieldtrips to important sites in Ankara, such as Ataturk’s memorial, the Anatolian Archeology Museum and the walled citadel in Ulus (Old City). These short day excursions immediately enriched our appreciation for the historical importance of Ankara and increased our familiarity of the city. Kemal Mustafa Ataturk’s memorial is one of the most interesting places we visited and holds great significance in the hearts of all Turks. My Turkish friend, Can (pronounced John), said Ataturk is the man of the century because he created the modern state of Turkey. He influenced every aspect of Turkish life, leaving a timeless legacy. Nearly a century later, his presence remains everywhere. Practically every building has his statue or picture prominently displayed, classrooms contain his portrait and many streets bear his name. Appropriately, his memorial is quite a presentation.
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It's comprised of a huge open forum, a covered temple-like space that sits above his tomb and a museum documenting the life and accomplishments of the national hero.
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