29.10.2023
5 Dakika
Every year, on the 29th of October, Türkiye celebrates a significant historical event – the declaration of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This day holds a deep cultural and historical significance for Türkiye, and more so this year, since it is the Republic’s 100th birthday.
This is a time for the country to reflect on its past, celebrate its journey, and contemplate its future. Türkiye's museums play a pivotal role in preserving and sharing this history. These museums, each a repository of Türkiye's diverse heritage, offer a unique opportunity to explore the cultural texture that makes Türkiye so fascinating, and to deeply appreciate the historical context of 29th October Republic Day. Here are some exceptional museums in the capital Ankara where you can trace our great founding father Atatürk’s footsteps on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye!
The Ankara Museum of the Republic offers a captivating journey through the nation's rich history, and the building is home to Atatürk’s reforms and ideas. The building was originally constructed as the gathering venue of the Republican People’s Party in 1923, but shortly after that it came to be used as the Assembly Building.
The museum showcases the nation's history through some personal and professional belongings of its first three presidents, along with the first manuscripts of key decrees and laws from the era. Sections like Hall of Ataturk’s Principles and Revolutions, offer immersive insights to the founding of the Republic. With the live presentations held in the main assembly hall where Atatürk read the full text of his Great Speech, and with wax statues, the well-preserved museum brings history to life, making it accessible to all.
The Ankara Museum of the War of Independence, originally designed by the order of Enver Pasha, later came to hold great significance as the first building of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. During the War of Independence the building accommodated within its walls many notable figures of the era.
The first Assembly was held in this building on the 23th of April, 1923 and Mustafa Kemal Pasha was elected as the first Speaker of the Assembly right here; and even these two historical moments alone marks the Assembly's crucial value. Under its roof, pivotal declarations were made, including the Constitution of 1921, awarding Atatürk with the title of Gazi (“veteran”), the abolition of the Sultanate, and the Proclamation of the Republic. Now serving as a museum, the whole structure stands as a symbol of Türkiye's historic journey.
Originally constructed in 1890, the Atatürk House Museum became the residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during the early years of the Republic. Restored in 1981, it now serves as a museum honoring the life and legacy of Atatürk.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms, viewing Atatürk's personal belongings and taking in the historical context of his time. The museum offers invaluable insights into the character of Türkiye’s founding father and his pivotal role in shaping the nation's modern identity. Preserving the memory of an iconic leader, the museum is a place where you can wander through history itself.
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, we honor our rich heritage by preserving and constantly improving our museums that shelter the past, inspire us in the present, and help us shape our future. You can follow all developments regarding our ever-thriving Turkish Museums on our Instagram page @officialturkishmuseums!
