Turkey: Mayor replaces giant robot statue with T-Rex

The robot enjoyed an excellent view of Turkey's new presidential palace

The mayor of Turkey's capital city has responded to complaints over a giant robot statue by replacing it with a huge T-Rex.

The robot first appeared in the middle of a roundabout in Ankara at the start of April, causing some people to assume it was an elaborate April Fool's joke. But it was actually erected to promote a new amusement park, a pet project of the city's long-time mayor Melih Gokcek. Mr Gokcek - who is often described as a colourful character - supported the park's construction over the objection of Turkey's Chamber of Architects and Engineers. The chamber is now suing him for spending taxpayers' money on the statue.

They may have more complaints now though, as the huge, Transformer-like creation has been replaced by the equally arresting sight of a 3m-high model dinosaur, Today's Zaman reports. The T-Rex, teeth bared and seemingly on the prowl, was selected after the mayor asked for Twitter users' suggestions on which dinosaur to choose. It has been greeting drivers at the intersection since Wednesday. And it might not be the last statue to grace the site. "I will also replace the dinosaur with something else," Mr Gokcek says, although he hasn't given any clues as to what may come next.

The 10m-long dinosaur has been rather unimaginatively named T-Rex

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