Atat眉rk Museum, Thessaloniki
The Atat眉rk Museum in Thessaloniki is an important historical site as it marks the birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atat眉rk, the renowned figure behind the establishment of modern Turkey, born there in 1881. The building itself, consisting of three floors and a courtyard, dates back to before 1870.
In 1935, the Thessaloniki City Council handed over the property to the Turkish State, which opted to transform it into a museum. Unfortunately, in September 1955, a bomb blast near the nearby Turkish consulate caused some damage to the museum building. Though the damage was relatively minor, it triggered an anti-Greek violence wave in Istanbul. Later on, Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes was ousted, and his government was held responsible for orchestrating the bombing by a Turkish court. Menderes, acknowledging the wrongdoing, offered apologies and compensation, yet he was sentenced to death, with one of the charges being his alleged encouragement of the Istanbul violence. Consequently, the street in front of the house, originally named after Kemal Ataturk, underwent a name change.
The museum underwent restoration in 1981, during which it was repainted its original pink hue. Much of the furniture on display inside is authentic, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The first floor showcases various rooms including a reception area, a sitting room, Kemal's mother's room, and the kitchen. On the second floor, visitors can view the actual room where Kemal was born, along with another room exhibiting some of his personal belongings such as formal attire, smoking accessories, utensils, cups, and more.
The walls are adorned with documents from Kemal's school years and photographs spanning his lifetime. Additionally, a pomegranate tree planted by Kemal's father still stands in the courtyard, adding to the historical ambiance. Additionally, in 1981, a replica of the house was constructed in Ankara, further honoring Kemal Atat眉rk's legacy.
In 1935, the Thessaloniki City Council handed over the property to the Turkish State, which opted to transform it into a museum. Unfortunately, in September 1955, a bomb blast near the nearby Turkish consulate caused some damage to the museum building. Though the damage was relatively minor, it triggered an anti-Greek violence wave in Istanbul. Later on, Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes was ousted, and his government was held responsible for orchestrating the bombing by a Turkish court. Menderes, acknowledging the wrongdoing, offered apologies and compensation, yet he was sentenced to death, with one of the charges being his alleged encouragement of the Istanbul violence. Consequently, the street in front of the house, originally named after Kemal Ataturk, underwent a name change.
The museum underwent restoration in 1981, during which it was repainted its original pink hue. Much of the furniture on display inside is authentic, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The first floor showcases various rooms including a reception area, a sitting room, Kemal's mother's room, and the kitchen. On the second floor, visitors can view the actual room where Kemal was born, along with another room exhibiting some of his personal belongings such as formal attire, smoking accessories, utensils, cups, and more.
The walls are adorned with documents from Kemal's school years and photographs spanning his lifetime. Additionally, a pomegranate tree planted by Kemal's father still stands in the courtyard, adding to the historical ambiance. Additionally, in 1981, a replica of the house was constructed in Ankara, further honoring Kemal Atat眉rk's legacy.
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Atat眉rk Museum on Map
Sight Name: Atat眉rk Museum
Sight Location: Thessaloniki, Greece (See walking tours in Thessaloniki)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Thessaloniki, Greece (See walking tours in Thessaloniki)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Thessaloniki, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Thessaloniki
Creating your own self-guided walk in Thessaloniki is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Thessaloniki Introduction Walking Tour
Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city as well as its second major political, industrial, commercial, and economic center.
Historically, Thessaloniki co-ruled the Byzantine Empire along with Constantinople. But its history goes back even further than that. Cassander of Macedon originally founded the city in 315 BC. Cassander named the city after his wife, Thessalonike. Thessalonike... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Historically, Thessaloniki co-ruled the Byzantine Empire along with Constantinople. But its history goes back even further than that. Cassander of Macedon originally founded the city in 315 BC. Cassander named the city after his wife, Thessalonike. Thessalonike... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Thessaloniki Upper Town Walking Tour
Thessaloniki's Upper Town (Ano Poli) is the most ancient part of the city, aged approximately 2,300 years. Being also the highest part of Thessaloniki, dominated by the Acropolis with the Byzantine-/Ottoman-era fort known as Heptapyrgion (Eptapyrgio), from here on a clear day you can see way across the gulf, as far as Mount Olympus, some 80 km (50 miles) away, towering over the horizon in all... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Thessaloniki Waterfront Tour
The Mediterranean has always been an integral part of Thessaloniki鈥檚 appeal. The city's orientation toward the sea is largely due to the vision of Ernest H茅brard, the French urban planner and architect, who redesigned the downtown area after the devastating fire of 1917.
To really get the taste of Thessaloniki you need to visit not just its historical landmarks, but also those spots... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
To really get the taste of Thessaloniki you need to visit not just its historical landmarks, but also those spots... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles