Construction of playground near Atatürk’s mausoleum draws angry reaction

The Ankara Chamber of Architects has issued a statement concerning the installment of the playground inside the Anıtkabir mausoleum, with head Tezcan Karakuş Candan saying they have filed a written request with the Protection Council and the Anıtkabir Commandership for the removal of the playground and will file a criminal complaint against those who have committed such “disrespect.” 

“Anıtkabir is a place of memory and respect. We all know the love of children that this country’s founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had. But it is disrespect to put up playground materials here, regardless of time and space. We tell our children to develop their behavior based on the time and space. In times and spaces for respect, children should be respectful. Anıtkabir is not a place for plastic slides,” said Karakuş Candan.