Çamlık Open-Air Steam Locomotive Museum

Çamlık Open-Air Steam Locomotive Museum is located in the Çamlık Neighborhood of the Selçuk District in İzmir Province, Türkiye, on the site of the former Aziziye Station along the İzmir-Aydın Railway, Türkiye’s first railway line. The museum covers an area of approximately 160 dunams and was established in 1991, opening to the public in 1997.

Çamlık Train Museum(Selçuk Municipality)

Founder and Ownership Status

The idea for the museum originated with Hüsamettin Mısırlıoğlu, a signalman at Aziziye Station. His vision was realized by his son Atilla Mısırlıoğlu, and the museum operates under a 99-year lease. The land, buildings and collections remain the property of the Turkish Republic State Railways (TCDD).

Connection to Atatürk and the Special Coach

In 1937, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived at Aziziye by the White Train to observe the Aegean Maneuvers and spent one night there. The area was named “Çamlık” due to Atatürk’s admiration for the pine trees. The museum displays the fully equipped coach used by Atatürk, complete with a meeting room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. A dedicated exhibition area also features photographs taken during Atatürk’s train journeys.

Collection and Locomotives

The museum houses one of Europe’s largest collections of steam locomotives. A total of 37 locomotives manufactured in Germany, Britain, France, the United States, Sweden and Czechoslovakia are on display. The collection includes rare items such as a British-built Stephenson locomotive powered by wood and a three-cylinder locomotive commissioned by Hitler during the Second World War. All locomotives were manufactured between 1887 and 1952 and have been maintained.

Other Artifacts in the Museum Area

In addition to the locomotives, the museum features four aging cranes, motorized water pumps, a water press, a repair workshop, diesel storage tanks, one open and one enclosed passenger coach, freight wagons, a water tower, a historic toilet dating from 1850 and a 900-meter-long old tunnel. These structures and equipment provide a comprehensive view of railway history.

Touristic and Cultural Significance

The Çamlık Railway Museum attracts both domestic and international tourists due to its proximity to major tourist destinations such as Kuşadası, the Ancient City of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Enriched by Türkiye’s first railway line and its historical artifacts, the museum plays a vital role in preserving and promoting railway culture.