The Gazi Museum, located on Mecidiye Street in Samsun, is the historical hotel where Atatürk established his headquarters on May 19, 1919, now converted into a museum; it houses Atatürk's personal belongings, wax figures, and documents from the War of Independence, with free admission.
Standing on Mecidiye Street in the heart of Samsun, the Gazi Museum is the very place where one of the turning points in Turkish history took place. Built as a hotel in 1902 by Jean İonnis Mantika, this two-story building went down in history as the headquarters where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his 12 comrades-in-arms established themselves upon his arrival in Samsun on May 19, 1919. Converted into a museum in 1940 through the initiative of Samsun Municipality, the building was reorganized in 1995 to take its current form.
When you enter the museum, you see wax figures of Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, his personal belongings (shoes, pajamas, clothes), and historical photographs and quotes inscribed on the walls. Visitors state that they feel as if they are transported back to those days with each room they pass through; they particularly mention that encountering the wax figures creates an emotional moment. The building's ornate facade and central location make the museum a first stop for those visiting Samsun for the first time.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Samsun historical places, Monument of Honor.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
You can visit the Gazi Museum at any time of the year; spring and autumn months are the most suitable periods, both in terms of Samsun's climate and tourist density. The museum is open every day of the week. On weekends, especially during midday, the number of visitors increases; for a quieter visit, you can prefer weekday mornings. During the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, events intensify around the museum, and the area becomes quite crowded.
How to Get There?
The Gazi Museum is located in Samsun's İlkadım district, on Mecidiye Street, at the entrance of Mecidiye Bazaar. The distance from Samsun Airport to the museum is approximately 23 km, and from the intercity bus terminal, it is 4 km. You can easily reach the city center by city bus lines. The museum is also accessible on foot; if you are exploring Samsun's historical center, you can walk there. A note for those coming by car: finding parking around the museum can sometimes be difficult, so you might need to park a bit further away and walk.
About the Museum
Built as a hotel in 1902, this two-story building is situated on an area of 509 square meters. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, after his arrival in Samsun on May 19, 1919, established his headquarters here with 12 comrades-in-arms. Converted into a museum under the leadership of Samsun Municipality in 1940, the building was reorganized and opened to visitors in 1995.
The museum exhibits Atatürk's personal belongings (shoes, pajamas, clothes). The wax figure group depicts Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms; visitors emphasize that this section is particularly impressive. Historical photographs and quotes by Atatürk are displayed on the walls. Each room opens a small window to the days when the first sparks of the War of Independence were ignited.
Photo Spots
The historical facade of the museum offers a very impressive view on Mecidiye Street and provides a good frame for photos taken from outside. Inside, the section with wax figures is the area where visitors take the most photos. The historical photographs and Atatürk quotes on the walls are also suitable for documentary-style shots. Remember to pay attention to museum rules regarding flash usage.
What to Eat Nearby?
The museum is located right at the entrance of Mecidiye Bazaar, one of Samsun's busiest shopping and dining areas. There are many restaurants in the vicinity offering pide, kuymak, and Samsun-specific anchovy dishes. With a short walk, you can also reach Samsun's famous bakery products and breakfast spots.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
The Gazi Museum is a place that can be comfortably visited in 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to see Samsun's historical center in general, you can combine the museum with Mecidiye Bazaar and other historical points in the vicinity for a half-day program. The museum alone does not require a full-day program; it is most logical to consider it as part of your Samsun visit.
Things to Consider
For those coming to the museum by car, finding parking in the surrounding streets can be difficult; it would be good to plan your time accordingly. Opening hours show slight differences depending on the sources; it is healthiest to confirm the current information from the official website of Samsun Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism before visiting. Since the museum is free, no ticket or reservation is required.
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