The Moving House (Yürüyen Köşk) is a structure that has become a symbol of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, and his sensitivity towards the environment and nature. Located within the borders of the Yalova province, this building attracts attention not only for its architectural and historical features but also for an intervention by Atatürk that reflects his love for nature. Over time, the mansion has been recognized both as a visitor attraction and as one of the symbolic structures representing environmental awareness.

^{Construction Process of the Mansion ( Kültür Portalı)}

Location and Structural Features of the Mansion

The Moving House is located approximately 3 kilometers from the city center of Yalova, on the shores of the Marmara Sea. The mansion was built as a single-story, rectangular-plan structure. Wood was chosen as the building material, and the roof has a hipped form. The facades of the mansion are characterized by simplicity, and the windows are wide. Inside, there is a living room, a bedroom, a dining room, and a small kitchen.

During its construction, simplicity and functionality, in line with the architectural understanding of the period, were prioritized. In this sense, the building also reflects Atatürk’s simple lifestyle. Today, the surroundings of the mansion have been landscaped into a recreational area.

The Story of the “Moving” Structure

The reason why the mansion is called “moving” dates back to 1930. The branches of a plane tree located right next to the mansion began to extend toward the building, creating physical contact between the structure and the tree. When suggestions were made to cut down the tree to prevent damage to the mansion, Atatürk opposed them and instead ordered that the mansion be placed on rails and moved a few meters east.

Following Atatürk’s decision, a technical team was called from Istanbul, and the structure was moved approximately 4.80 meters eastward using rails placed beneath it. This process was recorded as one of the first examples in Türkiye of an architectural structure being relocated. The technical details of the event are also remarkable in terms of the engineering capabilities of the period. Thus, both the mansion and the plane tree were preserved.

^{Relocation Process of the Mansion (Kültür Portalı)}

Preservation Process and Transformation into a Museum

In 2006, The Moving House was restored by the Yalova Municipality and opened to visitors. Today, the building serves as a museum under the name “Atatürk Köşkü.” Inside the mansion are items used by Atatürk, period photographs, and informative panels. The museum serves not only to present the building itself but also as a documentation space explaining Atatürk’s approach to nature.

During the restoration, the structure was renewed in accordance with its original form, the interior layout was preserved, and the aesthetic integrity of the building was maintained through landscaping. The surrounding plane tree was also placed under protection, and informational signage was added for visitors.

Restoration Process and Current Status

After its construction in 1930,The Moving House remained for many years both a structure attracting public attention and a symbol of Atatürk’s environmental awareness. Over time, natural events and human impact caused wear on the building. For this reason, from the 2000s onwards, restoration efforts were initiated to preserve the structure and transfer it to future generations in a healthy state.

The restoration process was based on the principle of preserving the original fabric and materials. Accordingly, the building’s structural system, roof, and wooden cladding were examined, and where necessary, reinforcement was carried out. The exterior painting and plastering were renewed in line with the original. Work was also carried out to preserve the interior layout and original furniture of the mansion.

After the restoration, the building was repurposed as a museum and opened to the public. Inside are items used by Atatürk, objects reflecting the architectural style of the period, and various informative panels. Visitors are provided with visual and documentary explanations about both the architectural features of the building and the relocation process, explaining the historical context. Today, The Moving House is considered not only a visitor attraction but also a symbolic example of environmental awareness and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Place of The Moving House in Türkiye’s Architectural and Museum History

The Moving House is an important example in terms of the early architectural history of the Republic of Türkiye. Built with simple lines reflecting the architectural style of the period and prioritizing functionality, the building holds a unique place in architectural history as a tangible manifestation of the modernization policies of the 1930s and Atatürk’s respect for nature.

The technical application demonstrated during the relocation of the building is a remarkable engineering solution, considering the technological conditions of the period. This event is an example not only for architectural history but also for engineering history. Being regarded as one of the first environmentally sensitive interventions in Tuürkiye, the building forms the historical basis for sustainable architectural approaches.

From a museological perspective, the functional transformation of The Moving House into a memorial building and its opening to the public is important for the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of public awareness. Being one of the early-period private properties later granted museum status also makes it significant in museum history. The mansion stands as a symbolic structure representing Atatürk’s environmental awareness, respect for nature, and ideal of modernization.

^{Current State of the Mansion ( Kültür Portalı)}

Symbolic Meaning of The Moving House

The Moving House is one of the symbolic examples of the early environmental conservation approach of the Republic of Türkiye. This event, a concrete reflection of Atatürk’s respect for nature, also constitutes an important historical document in terms of environmental awareness. Today, the mansion is evaluated not only as a historical structure but also as a teaching tool in the fields of environmental ethics, engineering history, and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the building is cited as an example in education and awareness-raising activities and is featured in various publications and programs. Academic studies on The Moving House examine these aspects in detail.

^{Current State of the Mansion ( Kültür Portalı)}