History in Muratpaşa: Antalya Atatürk House Museum

Located in the Muratpaşa district of Antalya, the Atatürk House is known as the residence where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed for one week during his visit to Antalya on March 6, 1930. During this visit, Atatürk toured various parts of the city, closely observed Antalya, and expressed his famous words that later became synonymous with the city:

“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.”

Atatürk also stayed in this house during his subsequent visits to Antalya in February 1931 and on February 18, 1935.

Architectural Features of the Museum

The museum building is a two-story structure with masonry stone walls. Although it was once used as the Governor’s Office, the building was prepared and presented to Atatürk after it was learned that he would be visiting Antalya.

The ground floor consists of a long entrance hall; to the right of the hall are a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. On the upper floor, there is a hall opening onto a balcony, a bedroom, a study room, a seating corner with traditional sofas, and an exhibition area displaying coins and stamps issued throughout the history of the Republic of Türkiye.

Atatürk’s 1930 Visit to Antalya

In March 1930, Atatürk was in İzmir. Due to the cold weather, he wished to rest for a while in Antalya’s mild climate. On March 4, 1930, he departed from İzmir and traveled through Aydın, Denizli, Isparta, and Burdur, arriving in Antalya at 4:00 PM on March 6, 1930.

Atatürk was welcomed with great enthusiasm. Cheers of “Welcome, long live Gazi!” echoed throughout the city. In response to the overwhelming public interest, Atatürk stepped onto the balcony of the mansion and greeted the people of Antalya.

A dinner was organized in his honor in the evening; however, the public continued to gather around the residence. After the dinner, Atatürk delivered a short speech addressing the people of Antalya.

On March 7, he visited Tophane Road, the Ice Factory, the Turkish Hearth (Türk Ocağı), the Hearth Library, cinemas, and various social venues, gaining detailed information about the city.

On March 8, Atatürk visited the Mursi Farm in Arapsuyu. As there was no road to Konyaaltı at the time, the journey was made by sea aboard the Rüstemiye ship. During this excursion, Atatürk enjoyed the Mediterranean coastline, visited the large waterfalls, and stopped at the Rumkuş area along Lara Road, where he watched the sea and gazed at the Beydağları Mountains for a long time. It was here that he uttered his famous words:

“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.”

In line with his vision of Turkifying place names, he also instructed that the name Rumkuş be changed to Erenkuş.

Aspendos Visit and Cultural Heritage

On Sunday, March 9, Atatürk wished to visit the ancient city of Aspendos. Passing through Büyükbelkıs Village, he arrived in Aspendos amid enthusiastic public celebrations. The Director of the Antalya Museum, Mr. Fikret, served as his guide. Atatürk gave instructions for the restoration of the theater, one of the rarest examples of its kind in the world. On the return journey, he visited Osman Ağa’s citrus orchard.

On March 10, Atatürk spent time examining handwritten historical manuscripts and copies of the Qur’an at the Antalya Museum.
On March 11, he planned his upcoming domestic tours and chose to return via the Burdur land route instead of traveling by sea.
On March 12, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was bid farewell as he departed for Ankara, promising the people of Antalya that he would return.

True to his word, Atatürk revisited Antalya on January 26, 1931, and March 18, 1935. He wished to visit once more in 1938; however, his health no longer permitted it.

Transformation into a Museum

After Atatürk’s passing, the building was transferred to the Special Provincial Administration and was used for a period as an Evening Girls’ Vocational School. In 1952, it was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and served as the office of the Technical Agriculture Directorate. In 1984, the building was transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism but was demolished due to the city’s new zoning plan.

A replica faithful to the original structure was rebuilt slightly further back by the Kepez Electricity Company, and in 1986, it was opened to the public as the Atatürk House and Museum.

Visiting Information

The Atatürk House is located very close to Kaleiçi (Old Town) and is only a few minutes’ walk from Karaalioğlu Park. The museum is open every day, free of charge, and can be visited between 08:30 AM and 5:00 PM. You can use this location to visit the Atatürk Museum.