The Tekirdağ Atatürk Statue is a marble statue located in front of the Government House, made in 1929 by Kenan Ali Yontuç; the last part of Atatürk's Address to Turkish Youth is engraved on its pedestal, and admission is free.
This marble statue, standing in the square in front of the Government House in the very center of Tekirdağ, was made in 1929 by Kenan Ali Yontuç. Yontuç is considered among Turkey's first native sculptors, and this work is one of the rare pieces that depict Atatürk with his exact measurements. The statue presents an Atatürk figure standing bareheaded, in a frock coat, with his right hand in his pocket and his left hand on a marble column. The last part of Atatürk's Address to Turkish Youth is engraved on the pedestal of the work, which is entirely made of marble, including its base.
Visitors draw attention to the historical background of the statue: they emphasize that it is one of Turkey's first domestically produced statues as an independent design, giving it a special significance. In 2012, the original statue was removed for maintenance and repair and replaced with a copy; it is stated that the original, after its maintenance, is exhibited at the Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Cultural Center. There are also many visitors who say not to leave the city without seeing the statue up close, which takes on a very different appearance with special lighting at night. Historical structures such as Namık Kemal House, Rüstem Paşa Mosque, Historical Rüstempaşa Madrasah, Abide-i Hürriyet Monument, and Bedesten Passage are located around the square; it is possible to see many points together in a single walk.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Tekirdağ historical places, Museum of Music Technologies.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
Since the statue is located in an open area, it can be seen at any time of the year. The mild spring and autumn months of Thrace are the most comfortable seasons for exploring the historical square around it. In summer, temperatures can rise considerably at noon; choosing morning or evening will make your trip much more enjoyable. Evening visits also have a special charm when the night lighting is active; visitors say that photos taken at these hours yield much better results than during the day.
How to Get There?
The Tekirdağ Atatürk Statue is located in the very center of the city, in front of the Government House. Those departing from Istanbul can reach Tekirdağ in approximately 1.5-2 hours using the E5 highway. From the bus terminal to the city center, it's a few minutes by dolmuş or taxi. Once in the center, the statue is within walking distance; paid open-air parking lots are also available nearby.
Photo Spots
Wide-angle photos taken from the front of the statue are the most suitable option to also frame the Address to Turkish Youth inscription on the pedestal. The special lighting that comes on in the evening creates interesting light-shadow plays on the marble surface and offers a great opportunity for night photography. When the surrounding historical structures, Rüstem Paşa Mosque, and the Government House are used as a background, the composition is significantly enriched. This area, which foreign visitors frequently point out as a must-see, is very convenient for those who want to capture the historical texture of the city in a single shot.
Suggested Route Nearby
The Atatürk Statue is located right in the middle of a dense cultural cluster in Tekirdağ's historical center. Points you can reach on foot starting from the statue include: Namık Kemal House, Rüstem Paşa Mosque and Madrasah, Abide-i Hürriyet Monument, Süleymanpaşa Statue, Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Monument, and Bedesten Passage. Those who wish to see the original statue can also add the Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Cultural Center to their route; the original marble work is exhibited there. All these points can be visited in a few hours of a leisurely walk.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
Tekirdağ offers the most distinctive flavors of Thracian cuisine. Tekirdağ meatballs, synonymous with the city's name, are a reason to visit in themselves; there are many well-established restaurants specializing in meatballs in the center. Local wines from Thracian vineyards and various cheese types should also definitely be tried. There are also breakfast places and patisseries on the streets around the statue.
Where to Stay?
There are various hotel options in Tekirdağ city center and along the coastline. Boutique hotels located close to the center are a practical choice for those who want to explore historical areas on foot. For those looking for a quieter accommodation instead of the lively atmosphere of the city center, Şarköy and its surroundings offer a good alternative.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The statue seen in the square is a copy of the original work that was removed for maintenance and repair in 2012. According to Tekirdağ Culture and Tourism Directorate sources, the original marble statue is exhibited at the Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Cultural Center. Those who wish to see both works can fit these two points into the same day. Since the square is on a busy street, attention should be paid to vehicle traffic.
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