TÜLOMSAŞ Museum Devrim and Karakurt Eskişehir

Türkiye Lokomotif ve Motor Sanayi A.Ş. (TÜLOMSAŞ) has been shaping the story of Eskişehir’s industrial development since 1894. A company that has become legendary by pioneering many firsts continues to achieve significant successes today.

Turkey’s First Automobile: DEVRİM

On 16 June 1961, around twenty executives and engineers from the State Railways Factories and Traction Departments were summoned to a meeting in Ankara. During the meeting, an official letter from the Ministry of Transportation was read, assigning TCDD the task of developing a passenger vehicle to meet the army’s needs. A budget of 1,400,000 TL was allocated for the project, with a deadline set for 29 October 1961—only four and a half months away. Producing an automobile within such a short period using existing facilities was considered almost impossible.

At the time, widespread skepticism prevailed across the country—from universities and the press to industrialists and politicians—regarding Turkey’s ability to manufacture its own automobile or engine. Despite these doubts, the seemingly impossible was achieved. On the morning of 29 October 1961, Turkey’s first domestically produced automobile was presented to President Cemal Gürsel in front of the Grand National Assembly. Although its bodywork was not flawless, the Devrim stood proudly on its own wheels, powered by an engine also manufactured in Turkey.

The Devrim carried President Gürsel to Anıtkabir and later took part in the official parade at the Hippodrome. Produced in just four and a half months under the President’s directive, the Devrim weighed 1,250 kg and had a maximum speed of 140 km/h.

Turkey’s First Steam Locomotive: KARAKURT

On 4 April 1957, Prime Minister Adnan Menderes attended the opening ceremony of the Çukurhisar Cement Factory in Eskişehir. The following day, he visited the State Railways Traction Workshop, touring its facilities—particularly the Apprentice School. During his visit, he rode one of the miniature locomotives named “Mehmetçik” and “Efe,” which were being prepared to operate at Ankara’s Gençlik Park to promote railways among the public. Impressed by the experience, he asked, “Could you build a full-sized version of this locomotive?”

In response, the Eskişehir Traction Workshop was reorganized in 1958 as the Eskişehir Railway Factory with the ambitious goal of producing Turkey’s first domestic locomotive. In 1961, this vision became reality. The factory gave life to Karakurt, the first Turkish steam locomotive—a monument to the skill and dedication of Turkish workers and engineers. Karakurt had a power output of 1,915 horsepower, weighed 97 tons, and could reach a speed of 70 km/h.

The Father of Railways: BEHİÇ ERKİN (1876–1961)

Behiç Erkin, who played a vital role in the victory of the Gallipoli Campaign and the Turkish War of Independence, was the founder and first General Director of the State Railways. For this reason, he is remembered as the “Father of Railways.”

In addition to his roles as a politician and diplomat, Behiç Erkin was one of Atatürk’s closest and longest-serving associates, frequently consulted on key matters. In recognition of his outstanding contributions during the War of Independence, he was honored with both the Grand National Assembly Commendation and the Independence Medal.