The house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was a tenant during the National Struggle, now serves as a museum for all residents of Istanbul.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk resided in this house between December 1918 until May 16, 1919. It can ve seen as the home where the first steps were taken towards the liberation of a nation. Mustafa Kemal Pasha was accompanied by his colleagues İsmet (İnönü) Pasha, Ali Fuat (Cebesoy) Pasha, Kazım (Karabekir) Pasha and Rauf Orbay.
On November 14, 1925, a plaque was ceremoniously hung on the facade of the house, reading: “Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha prepared the liberation of the homeland in this house in 1335 (1919).”
The house was bought by the Şehremaneti (Istanbul Municipality) on May 28th, 1928. It was opened as the Atatürk Revolution Museum on June 15th, 1942 by the Governor and Mayor of Istanbul, Lütfi Kırdar. The museum was repaired after a fire hazard on January 9th, 1962, and reopened on March 4th the same year. It was restored again in 1977 by the Turing Automobile Corporation and Isbank and was reopened on May 19th, 1981. After being closed for repairs in 1989, it was reopened in 1991. The most recent and extensive restoration occurred between 2014 and 2015, in which the arrangement and displays were renewed, ensuring the museum’s longevity for future generations.
Atatürk's personal belongings, clothes, uniforms, photographs of his military and civilian life, various documents written in his own handwriting, medals, and souvenirs constitute an important part of the Atatürk Museum's collection. The items donated to the museum by his sister Makbule Atadan include civilian clothes belonging to Atatürk, handkerchiefs, underwear, and shirts bearing the "Mustafa Kemal" coat of arms. His Marshall uniform and the outfit he wore at the Sivas Congress are also exhibited in this museum.
Key items of memorabilia include the desk set, cigarette cases, medals, wooden-furnished radio-turntables (a gift from President Roosevelt), oil paintings by painters İbrahim Çallı and Sami Yetik, and 10 watercolour paintings by V. Pisani depicting the Greek soldiers' occupation of İzmir. The museum also has a small library containing works written about Atatürk.
Since Atatürk's aide-de-camp, Cevat Abbas, also had a residence in the same house, his personal belongings were purchased from his family and are included in the display.
The museum organises events on the following anniversaries:
The Şişli District Governorship, Şişli District Directorate of National Education, and Şişli Municipality attend these events.
