Located in the city center of Samsun, Turkey, within the İlkadım municipality on Mecidiye Cad. in the Kale neighborhood, the Samsun Gazi Museum offers you an intimate look into a crucial turning point of Turkish history. Dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkey, this two-story building features a brick masonry exterior with interior timber-work walls. Originally constructed in 1902 as the non-operational Mantika Palas hotel, the building was reopened to serve as Atatürk's headquarters after his historic arrival in Samsun on May 19, 1919—a date recognized as the starting point of the Turkish War of Independence.
Samsun's residents later donated the building to Atatürk during his September 1924 visit, and he stayed here again during subsequent trips in 1928 and 1930. Transferred from the city municipality to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it opened as a restored museum on November 8, 1998. Following a May 2006 merger with the city's former Atatürk Museum, the exhibits were consolidated right inside Mıntıka Palas.
When you visit, you can view compelling historical displays, including 18 wax sculptures that bring the legacy of Atatürk and the museum's rich past to life.
What to see at Samsun Gazi Museum
- Housed in the historic 1902 Mıntıka Palas hotel, Atatürk's 1919 headquarters
- Site marking the starting point of the Turkish War of Independence
- Features unique architecture with brick masonry and interior timber-work
- Exhibits include 18 detailed wax sculptures transferred during the 2006 museum merger
- Donated directly to Atatürk by the residents of Samsun in 1924
Visiting tips
Plan your visit around the museum's central location in the Kale neighborhood to easily explore its unique brick-and-timber architectural details.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Samsun Gazi Museum is easy to reach on Samsun’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Statue of Honor and SS Bandırma. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Samsun travel guide.
See the full Samsun travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.