Pembe Köşk (The Pink Mansion)

İsmet İnönü purchased Pembe Köşk, originally a vineyard house, from its former owner Mehmet Uzunzade on 10 September 1923. He moved in with his family in 1925 and lived here for the next 48 years, until 1973. As one of Ankara’s oldest surviving houses, Pembe Köşk became a central stage for many of the “firsts” in the social and cultural life of the new capital.

Important meetings chaired by Atatürk and key reform initiatives took place within these walls. On 22 February 1927, Ankara’s very first ball was held here. The mansion also hosted the city’s earliest concerts, exhibitions, scholarly gatherings, equestrian events, and obstacle-jumping competitions. Experiments on cultivating flowers, trees, and especially pine species suited to Ankara’s harsh climate were carried out in its garden—reflecting İsmet Paşa’s wide-ranging personal interests.

İsmet İnönü had a deep appreciation for the fine arts, painting, sculpture, and polyphonic music. He took cello lessons in his youth and played an active role in the establishment and development of the State Conservatories. He never wished to miss a concert, theatre play, opera performance, or art exhibition. He was also passionate about sports, horse riding, and agriculture; he was particularly knowledgeable in identifying tree species, especially pines. A lifelong reader, he built a personal library of approximately 8,000 volumes.

One of the most significant aspects of Pembe Köşk was that it represented the daily life, values, and harmony of a modern, tradition-respecting Turkish family. İsmet Paşa married Mevhibe Hanım in 1916 in Istanbul. Due to the wars that followed, the couple lived apart for many years. After 1925, Pembe Köşk became the warm family home where they finally found stability and peace. Their surviving eldest son Ömer was born in İzmir, while their second son Erdal and daughter Özden were born in this house.

Mevhibe İnönü, an exemplary modern Turkish woman, was among the first to use the Latin alphabet at home, adopt contemporary clothing, and openly advocate for women’s rights—all while remaining devoted to her family traditions and supporting her husband.

The Dining Room, one of the most remarkable parts of the house, was both frequently used and designed with significant input from Atatürk. He had a habit of calling İsmet Paşa in the evenings to say he wished to visit—sometimes with 10 or even 20 guests. However, he would always ask whether there was enough food ready at home; if not, he brought it along himself. Around this very table, Atatürk and his close circle discussed and resolved many of the pressing issues of their time.

Today, Pembe Köşk comprises the following sections and is open to visitors only during specific periods of the year:

Ground Floor

· Entrance

· Aide-de-Camp Room

· Reception Room

· Dining Room

· Ballroom

· Billiard Room

Upper Floor

· Three Bedrooms

· Breakfast Room

· Library