Republic Museum (Cumhuriyet Müzesi)

The Republic Museum is housed in a building designed and constructed in 1923 by the renowned architect Vedat Tek as the Republican People’s Party Club (Cumhuriyet Halk Fırkası Mahfeli). However, when the First Grand National Assembly building became insufficient, the structure was repurposed as the new Parliament. It officially opened as the Second Grand National Assembly of Turkey on 18 October 1924.

Built of cut stone, the structure consists of two floors over a basement. Architectural elements such as arched windows, decorative tile panels on the façades, wide eaves, and intricately painted wooden ceilings featuring Ottoman and Seljuk motifs reflect the characteristics of the First National Architectural Movement.

The building served as the Parliament for 36 years, until 27 May 1960, playing a major role in Turkish political history. After the Assembly moved to its newly constructed building in 1961, this structure was allocated to the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and functioned as its headquarters between 1961 and 1979. When CENTO was dissolved, the building was transferred to the Ministry of Culture, and it was decided that the front section would be organized as the Republic Museum, while the rear would serve as offices for the former Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums. After restoration and refurbishment, the museum opened to visitors on 30 October 1981.

Exhibition Layout

II. Grand National Assembly Room

The museum visit begins in the hall to the left of the entrance, where the history of the building is presented with photographs. Exhibits continue into the Atatürk’s Principles and Reforms Room, displaying panels and objects that illustrate the sweeping political, social, economic, and industrial transformations initiated during the early Republic era.

General Assembly Hall

Located directly across from the entrance, this hall served as the General Assembly Hall of the Turkish Grand National Assembly from 1924 to 1960. During election periods, the number of deputies reached up to 610, although the hall contains 116 seats today.

Many defining decisions of the Republic were made here: the implementation of Atatürk’s reforms, enactment of modern laws, key international agreements, and the transition to multiparty life. It was also in this hall that Atatürk delivered his monumental “Great Speech” (Nutuk) between 15–20 October 1927, speaking for a total of 36 hours and 33 minutes over six days.

Rooms to the right of the entrance display the personal belongings of the first three Presidents of Turkey who served during this period: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, İsmet İnönü, and Celâl Bayar.

Second Floor

The upper floor includes the Prime Ministry Office, Presidential Office, Presidential Reception Hall, Office of the Speaker of the Assembly, and various administrative rooms. Their interiors, decorated with striking painted ceilings and original chandeliers, have been arranged based on historical photographs to reflect their appearance during the period.