This is the late Ottoman era-Ziraat Bankasi (Agriculture Bank), one of my favorite buildings in Ankara. The bank just posted a $1.4 billion net profit for 2005 (at least that's what we reported in my paper), so I guess the grandiose surroundings are fitting. For a picture of the entire building, go to http://upload.pbase.com/image/56518132
You present us an interesting part of this building. There are so many architectural details that I have surprised myself browsing from one detail to another. It is sad that the sky wasnt blue when you captured the picture
-Stéphane