Erzurum Atatürk House Museum

In the city center of Erzurum, the Atatürk House Museum is a historical mansion believed to have been constructed in the late 19th century, although its exact construction date remains unknown. This building has become a historical monument due to its role as the venue for critical events during the Turkish National Struggle.

Erzurum Atatürk House (Anadolu Agency)

Historical Process and Phases of Use

The mansion’s first prominent function was serving as the German Consulate from 1915 to 1916 for approximately nine months. Following the liberation of Erzurum on 12 March 1918, it was assigned as the official residence of the Erzurum Governorate. After Governor Mahir Akkaya resided there until 3 July 1919, the mansion remained vacant for a brief period.

Mustafa Kemal Paşa’s stay in the mansion during the Erzurum Congress solidified its importance in the history of the National Struggle. On 9 July 1919, Mustafa Kemal Paşa, accompanied by Hüseyin Rauf Bey and his associates, moved into the mansion and remained there for 52 days until 29 August 1919, conducting the proceedings of the Erzurum Congress. During this period, the fundamental strategies of the National Struggle were established and crucial decisions were made. These decisions included Mustafa Kemal Paşa’s resignation from military service and his transition to civilian life within this house, the transfer of his population registration from Salonica to Erzurum, and his election as a member of the Chamber of Deputies for the first time by being nominated from Erzurum. Additionally, critical turning points such as his role as delegate and president of the Erzurum Congress and his leadership of the Representation Committee that would attend the Sivas Congress also took place in this mansion.

The future revolutionary plans of Mustafa Kemal Paşa, including the establishment of a republic and the abolition of the fez after victory, as noted by him to Mazhar Müfit Kansu, were also articulated within the walls of this house. After Mustafa Kemal Paşa departed from Erzurum, the residence was reopened as the Governor’s Mansion.

Erzurum Atatürk House (museum.gov.tr)

Donation of the Mansion and Subsequent Periods

After the proclamation of the Republic, on 13 September 1924, during his second visit to Erzurum, Mustafa Kemal Paşa was presented with a specially crafted golden key and the title deed of the house by Mayor Nazif Bey on behalf of the city. The reason for this gift was that the plan to liberate the homeland had been formulated in this very house. According to land registry records, on 31 December 1925, the Erzurum Provincial General Council decided to purchase the house from the treasury on behalf of the Erzurum Provincial Special Administration, and on 8 February 1926, it was officially registered in the name of Mustafa Kemal Paşa. At the donation ceremony, a special delegation from Erzurum presented the key to Mustafa Kemal Paşa to express their sorrow over reactionary incidents and to honor the struggle waged in this house for the salvation of the homeland.

Mustafa Kemal Paşa donated the houses he received in Erzurum and Samsun in 1926 for use by the local Republican People’s Parties. However, it is also documented that the Erzurum mansion was used as a residence for the commanders of the Erzurum Corps between 1930 and 1934.

After Atatürk’s death, the mansion passed to his legal heir, his sister Makbule Hanım. Following Makbule Hanım’s death, in accordance with her will, it was transferred to the Child Protection Institution on 12 October 1944. The building served this institution until 1980, after which it was transferred from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Culture on 8 May 1984.

Exhibited Items in the Museum (museum.gov.tr)

Opening as a Museum and Exhibited Artifacts

After comprehensive restoration and repair works, the historical building, comprising the basement, ground floor, first floor, and attic, was opened to the public on 3 October 1984 as the “Atatürk House Museum,” under the Erzurum Museum Directorate. On the ground floor, documents, photographs, clothing, and personal belongings of prominent figures of the National Struggle—Kazım Karabekir, Rauf Dinç, and Kazım Yurdalan—are displayed. Additionally, a special room exhibits the printing press used to publish the newspaper Türk Gazetesi Envari Şarkiye, the Albayrak Gazetesi, and the official reports of the Erzurum Congress.

The first floor features photographs and biographies of the delegates who attended the Erzurum Congress. From the corridor on this floor, visitors can access Mustafa Kemal Paşa’s study room, reception hall, and bedroom.