The Antalya Atatürk House and Museum is the historic mansion where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, stayed during his visits to Antalya, later converted into a museum. It is located in the city center of Antalya on Işıklar Street, overlooking Karaalioğlu Park. The museum provides visitors with important information about Atatürk’s visits to Antalya and the early years of the Republic.

^{Antalya Atatürk House and Museum(Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}

Atatürk’s Visits to Antalya

Following the proclamation of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited Antalya three times as part of his inspection and study tours across the country. His first visit was on March 6, 1930, followed by visits in 1931 and 1935, during which he examined developments in the city. Atatürk admired the city’s natural beauty, particularly the view of the sea and snow-capped Bey Mountains from the Erenkuş area on Lara Road, remarking, “Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.”

History of the Mansion and Conversion into a Museum

The mansion where Atatürk stayed was built in the early 20th century as a two-story stone and brick structure. It was later used as a governor’s office for a period. Upon learning of Atatürk’s visit, local residents quickly cleaned and furnished the mansion as a gift for him. After Atatürk’s death, the building was allocated to various institutions and, in 1984, transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to be converted into a museum. Following city planning requirements, the building was demolished and rebuilt by the Kepez Electricity Company in a manner faithful to the original structure, slightly set back from its original location. The museum has been open since 1986.

Architectural Features

The mansion has a rectangular plan and two stories, constructed from stone and brick, with a hipped tile roof. The main entrance features regional arched windows and a wooden bay window (cumba). Inside, a long corridor runs through the ground floor, with a hall, rooms, kitchen, and bathroom on the right, and two halls and a staircase to the upper floor on the left. The upper floor contains seven rooms, one of which has a balcony.

Museum Content and Exhibitions

The ground floor displays newspaper articles and photographs related to Atatürk’s visits to Antalya. A projection room presents documentaries about Atatürk and Antalya. The upper floor houses rooms exhibiting Atatürk’s personal belongings, including his bedroom and study. Coins, paper money, and commemorative coins from the Republic’s founding to the present are displayed in a special section.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Antalya Atatürk House and Museum demonstrates Atatürk’s connection to Antalya and reflects the adoption of Republican reforms across the country. It sheds light not only on Atatürk’s personal history but also on the social and cultural development of Antalya during the Republican period. Every year on March 6, ceremonies commemorate Atatürk’s visit to Antalya, with the museum playing a central role in these events.

Visitor Information and Services

Since 1986, the museum has been managed by the Antalya Directorate of Culture and Tourism and is open to the public free of charge. In addition to providing historical information to local and international visitors, the museum organizes educational programs and guided tours. Visiting hours and information about special events are announced by the Antalya Directorate of Culture.