Ankara Alagöz Headquarters Museum

Alagöz Headquarters Museum is a historic building that served as the headquarters of the Western Front Command of the Turkish Army during the Battle of Sakarya. Located in the village of Alagöz, within the district of Polatlı in Ankara Province, this structure holds special significance as it witnessed key decisions made during the Turkish War of Independence.

Ankara Alagöz Headquarters Museum (Türkiye Culture Portal)

History

As enemy forces advanced close to Polatlı during the Battle of Sakarya, the Western Front Command selected the village of Alagöz, situated between Ankara and Polatlı, as its frontline headquarters in August 1921. The farmhouse belonging to Türkoğlu Ali Ağa from the village was repurposed for this use. Mustafa

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent the majority of the 22 days and nights of the Battle of Sakarya, from 23 August to 13 September 1921, directing operations from this headquarters. He formulated military plans and made historic decisions within its walls.

After the war, the building continued to be used as a residence by its owner Ali Türkoğlu and his sons until 1965. In 1965, it was transferred to the Ministry of National Education and in 1967 came under the jurisdiction of the Anıtkabir Museum Directorate, which was then part of the General Directorate of Monuments and Museums. Following restoration, the building was opened to the public as a museum on 10 November 1968. The ground floor was later opened to visitors in 1983 after a new arrangement was implemented.

The Process of Museum Conversion

After the war, the building remained in use as a residence by its owner Ali Türkoğlu and his sons until 1965. At that time, it was transferred to the Ministry of National Education by the heirs and in 1967 was placed under the Anıtkabir Museum Directorate through the General Directorate of Monuments and Museums. After restoration was completed, it was opened to the public as a museum on 10 November 1968. Initially, only the upper floor was exhibited; the ground floor was renovated and opened to visitors in 1983.

Architectural Features and Exhibition Layout

The two-story building exhibits a simple architectural style consistent with its period. The museum comprises a total of 12 rooms:

• Dressing Room
• Library and Memorial Objects Room
• Officers’ Dining Room
• Kitchen
• Communication Room
• Commander-in-Chief’s Office
• General Staff Room
• Rest Room
• Aides’ Room
• Atatürk’s Bedroom
• Atatürk’s Dining Room
• Service Personnel Room

Each room has been arranged to reflect the spirit of the era and to adhere to historical accuracy. Areas such as Atatürk’s bedroom and his command office serve as symbolic spaces that illuminate his leadership and decision-making processes.

Museum Activities

The museum operates under the command of Anıtkabir. Exhibits include documents, artifacts, and furniture relating to the military and daily life of the period. The upper floor was opened to the public in 1968 and the ground floor in 1983.