Istanbul Atatürk Museum

The Istanbul Atatürk Museum is a museum of cultural and historical significance, located in a historic residence where an important period of the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, was spent. Situated on Halaskargazi Street in the Şişli district of Istanbul, the museum operates in the house where Atatürk prepared for the National Struggle and lived with his close colleagues.

History

This three-story building, constructed in 1908, was rented in December 1918 after Mustafa Kemal’s return from the Syrian Front and served as the residence of Atatürk’s mother Zübeyde Hanım, his sister Makbule Hanım, and his aide Cevat Abbas until his departure for Samsun aboard the Bandırma Vapuru on 16 May 1919. During this period, Atatürk conducted the preparatory work for the War of Independence in this house and held meetings here with prominent figures such as İsmet (İnönü) Pasha, Ali Fuat (Cebesoy) Pasha, Kazım (Karabekir) Pasha, and Rauf Orbay.

Transformation into a Museum

On 14 November 1925, a plaque bearing the inscription “Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha prepared the salvation of the homeland in this house in the year 1335 (1919)” was affixed to the building’s facade; it was purchased by the Istanbul Municipality on 28 May 1928. On 15 June 1942, it was opened to the public by Istanbul Governor and Mayor Lütfi Kırdar under the name “Atatürk Revolution Museum.”

Restorations and Reopenings

The museum suffered a fire hazard on 9 January 1962 and reopened on 4 March of the same year. In 1977, it was restored with contributions from the Turkish Automobile Association and Türkiye İş Bankası, and reopened again on 19 May 1981. The museum closed in 1989 for repairs and reopened in 1991. Between 2014 and 2015, it underwent a comprehensive restoration by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, during which its exhibition and layout plans were also updated.

Collection and Exhibited Artifacts

The museum’s collection includes Atatürk’s personal belongings, civilian and military uniforms, handwritten documents, photographs, medals, and memorabilia. Some of these items were donated by his sister Makbule Atadan. Notably, the marshal’s uniform and the attire he wore during the Sivas Congress attract particular attention.

The collection also includes writing sets, cigarette trays, a wooden radio-phonograph gifted by Franklin D. Roosevelt, oil paintings by İbrahim Çallı and Sami Yetik, and ten watercolor paintings by V. Pisani depicting the occupation of İzmir.

Istanbul Atatürk Museum (Turkish Museums)

Cevat Abbas Collection

Due to the fact that Atatürk’s aide Cevat Abbas also resided in the house during the same period, the museum houses personal items belonging to him. These items were acquired from his family and incorporated into the collection.

Commemorative Days and Events

The museum hosts events in collaboration with the Şişli Subgovernorship, the Şişli District National Education Directorate, and the Şişli Municipality on specific dates:

• 16 May: The date of Atatürk’s departure to Samsun
• 19 May: Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
• 19 September: Veterans Day
• 10 November: Commemoration Day of Atatürk

The museum also includes a library containing works written about Atatürk.

Visit Information

The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, except on Mondays. Admission is free. Advance reservations are required for group visits.