Türkiye reopens restored Atatürk House museum in Greece's Thessaloniki

Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has officially reopened the restored Atatürk House in Thessaloniki, Greece, marking a significant cultural and diplomatic milestone. The historic building, birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye, has been returned to its 1953 museum condition following extensive restoration work initiated in 2022.

A Tribute to Atatürk’s Legacy

Minister Ersoy emphasized that honoring Atatürk means safeguarding both the republic and the nation’s future. He described Atatürk not only as a statesman but as a leader permanently engraved in the nation’s heart, adding that the restoration reflects the enduring respect and loyalty Türkiye holds for its founding father. Ersoy also highlighted the ongoing commitment under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to uphold the values of democracy, independence, and freedom.

Museum Restoration and Features

The project involved comprehensive restoration and exhibition planning, reviving the house to its original early 20th-century appearance. The museum now includes renovated period rooms, an ethnographic exhibition, a specialized library, and floors dedicated to the history of the house and Atatürk’s life. The site is presented not merely as a building but as the symbolic location where the first steps toward the Turkish Republic were taken.

Symbol of Turkish-Greek Friendship

Ersoy reiterated that the Thessaloniki Atatürk House stands as a testament to Türkiye’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage and fostering peace with Greece. Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli echoed this sentiment, noting that the reopening offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and promote neighborly cooperation between the two nations.