The Şişli Atatürk House is one of the residences where Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, lived during his time in Istanbul. This building, which witnessed pivotal decisions during the preparatory period of the Turkish War of Independence, currently serves as a museum.

Historical Background and Usage

Following his arrival in Istanbul in December 1918, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk settled in this house in the Şişli district along with his mother, Zübeyde Hanım, and his sister, Makbule Hanım. Atatürk resided in this residence until his departure for Samsun aboard the Bandırma Ferry on May 16, 1919. During this period, the house functioned as a headquarters where the initial plans and strategies of the National Struggle were devised.

Conversion into a Museum

After Atatürk’s passing, the house was purchased by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and, under the leadership of the then-Governor and Mayor of Istanbul, Dr. Lütfü Kırdar, it was inaugurated as the Atatürk Revolution Museum on June 15, 1942. Thus, it became one of Turkey’s historic house museums.

Restoration and Conservation Works

Due to the deterioration caused by the passage of time, the building underwent a comprehensive two-year restoration project initiated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. During this process, 179 personal belongings of Atatürk were carefully repaired, and 11 oil paintings by Turkish artists were also restored to their original state.

Museum Collection

The museum houses a rich collection, including:

• Atatürk’s clothing and uniforms
• Photographs documenting his military and civilian life
• Handwritten documents
• Medals and personal memorabilia

Additionally, items donated by his sister, Makbule Hanım, such as:

• Civilian clothing
• Handkerchiefs, shirts, and undergarments embroidered with the monogram “Mustafa Kemal”

are also part of the collection.

Among the most prominent exhibits are:

• Atatürk’s marshal uniform
• The outfit he wore during the Sivas Congress
• A radio-phonograph with wooden furniture, a gift from U.S. President Roosevelt
• Paintings by İbrahim Çallı, Zeki Kocamemi, and Vittorio Pisani

^{Şişli Atatürk House and the Wax Statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - (AA)}