Column of Julian, Ankara

The Column of Julianus, also known as Belkıs Minaresi, is a tall obelisk located in the Ulus district of Ankara. This impressive structure was built to honor Julianus, the last pagan Roman emperor, who declared war on the Persians in 362 and passed through Ankara on his way to the expedition. The people of the city were excited to hear that the emperor would stay there, and so they built the Julianus Column to commemorate his visit.

The column stands over 15 meters tall and is made of stone. Its unique ring shape has a fluted body and a Corinthian capital, although the north-facing side of the capital has suffered damage over time. The base and body of the column are relatively simple in design, but the headboard is adorned with intricate reliefs in the form of acanthus leaves.

Although there is no inscription or known creator of the column, it is widely believed to have been built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate from 361 to 363 AD. Its Byzantine-style construction indicates that it dates back to the 4th century. Nowadays, the column is a popular subject for photographers due to the stork's nest that often adorns it. Despite the damaged capital, the Column of Julian remains a significant cultural landmark that bears witness to the region's rich history.