Atatürk Museum, Thessaloniki

The Atatürk Museum in Thessaloniki is an important historical site as it marks the birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the renowned figure behind the establishment of modern Turkey, born there in 1881. The building itself, consisting of three floors and a courtyard, dates back to before 1870.

In 1935, the Thessaloniki City Council handed over the property to the Turkish State, which opted to transform it into a museum. Unfortunately, in September 1955, a bomb blast near the nearby Turkish consulate caused some damage to the museum building. Though the damage was relatively minor, it triggered an anti-Greek violence wave in Istanbul. Later on, Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes was ousted, and his government was held responsible for orchestrating the bombing by a Turkish court. Menderes, acknowledging the wrongdoing, offered apologies and compensation, yet he was sentenced to death, with one of the charges being his alleged encouragement of the Istanbul violence. Consequently, the street in front of the house, originally named after Kemal Ataturk, underwent a name change.

The museum underwent restoration in 1981, during which it was repainted its original pink hue. Much of the furniture on display inside is authentic, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The first floor showcases various rooms including a reception area, a sitting room, Kemal's mother's room, and the kitchen. On the second floor, visitors can view the actual room where Kemal was born, along with another room exhibiting some of his personal belongings such as formal attire, smoking accessories, utensils, cups, and more.

The walls are adorned with documents from Kemal's school years and photographs spanning his lifetime. Additionally, a pomegranate tree planted by Kemal's father still stands in the courtyard, adding to the historical ambiance. Additionally, in 1981, a replica of the house was constructed in Ankara, further honoring Kemal Atatürk's legacy.