Celal Bayar Museum, opened in 1970 by restoring the birthplace of Turkey's 3rd President Celal Bayar in Umurbey town of Bursa's Gemlik district, is an example of 19th-century Ottoman wooden architecture, exhibiting personal belongings, documents, and a library of over 20,000 books, with free admission.
In the Umurbey town of Bursa's Gemlik district, the house where Celal Bayar, the 3rd President of the Republic of Turkey, was born was restored and converted into a museum in 1970. The structure, bearing the typical features of 19th-century Ottoman wooden architecture, holds significant heritage value both architecturally and historically. The museum is operated by the Celal Bayar Foundation; as it is considered part of national and historical heritage, admission is free.
Inside the museum, photographs from Bayar's working years, memorabilia, and personal documents are exhibited. It also houses a rich library consisting of over 20,000 books, manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals, and photographs. This collection serves as a true resource for those researching 20th-century Turkish political and social history. Celal Bayar's monumental tomb is also located within the museum grounds.
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Guide's Note
Celal Bayar Museum is located in the Umurbey neighborhood, which holds historical significance as the birthplace of Turkey's 3rd President, Celal Bayar. Visitors generally appreciate the calm and dignified atmosphere of the place; they find the monumental tomb historically valuable and recommend visiting it. Umurbey can be reached by public transport after an approximately 3 km climb from Gemlik.
While restoration work carried out in the past was positively received by some visitors, the demolition of the museum building and library became a serious subject of debate. Some visitors criticized the demolition of structures that did not require restoration, while others hopefully awaited the completion of renovation work. It is stated that the museum is normally free of charge.
Some points to consider before your visit:
- The museum and library building have been demolished, and no clear information has been shared by the authorities regarding when the reconstruction or restoration process will be completed.
- The monumental tomb is open to visitors, but multiple visitors have drawn attention to maintenance issues; the relevant municipality is expected to show more care in this regard.
- To reach the site, you need to turn towards Umurbey from the Bursa-Gemlik-Yalova road.
About the Museum
The Celal Bayar Museum was established by restoring the house where Celal Bayar, Turkey's 3rd President, was born in 1883 in the town of Umurbey. Opened to visitors in 1970, the museum is managed by the Celal Bayar Foundation. The structure still preserves the original features of 19th-century Ottoman wooden house architecture.
The exhibition areas feature documents, photographs, and personal belongings from Bayar's political life. The library affiliated with the museum, with over 20,000 books, manuscripts, newspapers, and photographs, is one of Turkey's most comprehensive collections in this field.
When to Visit?
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; it is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all other days. For those wishing to explore Gemlik and its surroundings, spring and autumn months are the most suitable period: the weather is very favorable for both sightseeing and photography.
During the summer months, the coastal area of Gemlik becomes crowded; visiting the museum in the early morning offers a much calmer experience. It is also good to keep in mind that weekday mornings, often preferred by school groups, can be crowded.
How to Get There?
The museum is located approximately 40 km from Bursa city center, in the Umurbey town of Gemlik district. There are regular bus and minibus services from Bursa bus terminal to Gemlik. After reaching Gemlik, it is possible to continue to Umurbey town by local dolmuş or taxi.
For those coming by private car, it is sufficient to follow the Bursa – Gemlik highway and turn towards Umurbey. The museum is well-known in the town; it is also easy to get directions from local people.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
An average of 1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient for the museum's exhibition areas and library. Those who wish to explore the area at a slow pace, including the monumental tomb, should allow approximately 2 hours.
For those wishing to examine the library collection for research purposes, this time naturally extends. It is also quite possible to combine the museum with Gemlik beach or other historical sites in the vicinity to create a full-day trip plan.
Photo Spots
The most striking photo area of the museum is the exterior of the restored wooden house. The authentic details of 19th-century Ottoman wooden architecture offer beautiful shots, especially with natural light at midday. The area around the monumental tomb also stands out as a meaningful and respectful photo spot.
The museum garden is very suitable for photographs reflecting the green texture of the town. We would like to remind you that when taking photos indoors, it is necessary to comply with museum rules and respect the exhibited works.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
Since Umurbey town itself is a small settlement, it is more practical to go to Gemlik district center for comprehensive food and drink options. Gemlik is a district known for its olive oil dishes and olives; it is possible to find local tastes of Bursa cuisine in local restaurants.
Cafes and fish restaurants along the Gemlik bay are nice spots that can be preferred for relaxation after a museum visit. The region's olive oil olives have gained fame throughout Turkey; local markets are a good option for those who want to buy them as souvenirs.
Budget Planning
Admission to the museum is completely free. Transportation from Bursa to Gemlik by public transport is quite cost-effective. If you are using a private car, it is sufficient to account for fuel and possible parking costs.
A full-day trip including lunch and tea/coffee expenses in Gemlik, as well as the museum visit, can be completed very economically. For budget-conscious travelers, this museum is one of the most advantageous cultural stops around Bursa.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; those planning a trip to Gemlik on these days need to adjust their schedules accordingly. Since visiting hours end at 5:00 PM, it is recommended that those coming from Bursa for a day trip depart before noon.
As the museum is a national and historical heritage site, a respectful attitude is expected in front of the monumental tomb. For those wishing to use the library collection for research purposes, contacting the foundation in advance will provide a much healthier visiting experience.
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