Did you know that nestled in the lush green hills of Trabzon, there is a pristine white mansion that witnessed one of the most significant decisions in history? This is not just a structure of stone and wood; it's a living time capsule whose walls whisper with memories, a place where a nation's destiny was written. Perched like a pearl on the pine-scented slopes of Soğuksu, visiting this mansion will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your Trabzon trip. In this article, we will present a list of things to do in the Atatürk Mansionthat promises much more than a simple museum visit. Let's embark on this historical journey together and uncover the secrets hidden in every corner of the mansion.

Visit this elegant mansion among the pine trees in the Soğuksu district

As you begin to climb from the bustling center of Trabzon towards Soğuksu, you'll feel the air cool and the city noise give way to the rustle of pine trees. It is in the midst of this peaceful atmosphere that an elegant structure peeks out from between the trees with its brilliant white facade: the Atatürk Mansion. Even this first encounter is enough to make you understand why the mansion is so special.   

The mansion was built in the early 1900s as a summer house by Konstantin Kabayanidis, one of the wealthy Greek bankers of the period. When you look at its architecture, you see a building adorned with large, magnificent European symbols, bearing traces of Western Renaissance and Art Nouveau movements. This architectural choice is proof of how cosmopolitan a port city Trabzon was at the time, a center where different cultures coexisted. The stone exterior, the Bağdadi technique used on the interior walls, the mosaic floor tiles, and the plaster ceiling decorations make it one of the most remarkable buildings of its era.   

However, the mansion's story is much deeper than just being a family's summer home. When the Kabayanidis family left Trabzon following the Treaty of Lausanne and the subsequent population exchange, this elegant structure was first transferred to the Treasury and later gifted by the people of Trabzon, with great love and respect, to the founder of the nation, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Thus, the mansion's fate, much like the country's, was completely transformed. This private property, once belonging to a wealthy minority family of the Ottoman Empire, was now a national monument hosting the greatest symbol of the newly established Republic of Turkey.   

See the rooms where Atatürk stayed and wrote part of his will

The true historical importance of the mansion lies in the memories that echo within its walls. Atatürk visited Trabzon three times—in 1924, 1930, and 1937—and stayed at the mansion during these visits. However, the most unforgettable of these was his visit in June 1937. It was during this time that the mansion witnessed one of history's most poignant moments.   

On the night of June 11, 1937, in one of the rooms of this mansion, Atatürk made his historic decision: he would donate all his personal assets to the Turkish nation he loved so dearly. The words he penned in his will that night are the purest expression of a leader's devotion to his nation:   

"Wealth and property are a burden to me. I feel relief in giving them to my nation. A person's wealth should be in their spiritual character.". This act is the most concrete symbol of the transition from an old order, where a sultan or king considered his personal wealth the state's treasury, to a new understanding where a president dedicates everything to his people.   

As you tour the upper floors of the mansion, you feel as if you are traveling through time. Atatürk's study, bedroom, meeting rooms, and reception halls are preserved as they were in his day. Walking among his desk, bed, and personal belongings, it is impossible not to feel the atmosphere of that historic night. Particularly striking are the map of Turkey hanging on the wall, where Atatürk's pencil marks are said to still be visible, and the flags representing the historical Turkic states displayed in the room, details that deeply affect visitors.   

Photograph the mansion's Republican-era furniture and beautiful garden

The Atatürk Mansion is not just a historical memorial but also a living museum that reflects the aesthetic understanding of the early 20th century and the Republican era. The 344 pieces of ethnographic artifacts on display transport you to the elegance and lifestyle of that period. Period furniture, porcelain, valuable carpets, crystal dinnerware, and an old radio add a unique spirit to each room of the mansion. The massive table in the dining room, capable of seating 24 people, and the Art Deco style furniture in the study particularly showcase the aesthetic taste of the era.   

After completing this historical journey inside, step out into the mansion's magnificent garden. This garden, arranged with wonderful landscape architecture, is an oasis of peace with its colorful flowers, a charming pool, and century-old pine trees that frame the mansion like a painting. It is the perfect place to both catch your breath and take the most beautiful photos to remember your Trabzon trip. Don't forget to capture that iconic view of the white mansion set against the green pines.   

After experiencing the tranquility and visual feast of the mansion's garden, you'll want to discover the other beauties Trabzon has to offer. You can easily plan your trip with our comprehensive (https://www.yerelrehber.com/en/city/trabzon/tours) guide.

While You're Here...

Your tour doesn't end after visiting the Atatürk Mansion! Since you've come all the way up to the beautiful hills of Soğuksu, don't leave without exploring Trabzon's other gems. You can head to Boztepe, which is quite close to the mansion, and enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the panoramic view of the entire city and the Black Sea below. If your interest in history continues, be sure to add the Hagia Sophia Museum of Trabzon, a former church with a rich past just like this mansion, to your list.   

If you have more time and want to delve deeper into your Black Sea adventure, we highly recommend checking out our site for an (https://www.yerelrehber.com/en) plan, which includes the legendary Sümela Monastery carved into steep cliffs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We've answered some questions you might have about visiting the mansion:

1. What are the entrance fee and visiting hours for the Atatürk Mansion? The Atatürk Mansion is open every day of the week. Visiting hours are generally from 09:00 in the morning to 19:00 in the evening. As of 2024, the current ticket prices are 85 TL for civilian visitors and 30 TL for students. Admission is free for veterans, families of martyrs, disabled individuals, and children under 6.   

2. How can I get to the Atatürk Mansion? The mansion is located in Soğuksu, one of Trabzon's central districts, making it very easy to reach. You can use the municipal buses ("Köşk buses") that depart from Atatürk Square in the city center and go directly to the mansion. You can also easily reach it with your private car or a taxi by following the signs for Soğuksu.   

3. What is the best time to visit the mansion? The mansion can be visited year-round, but it offers a visual feast, especially in the spring and summer months when all the flowers in its garden are in full bloom. These periods are the ideal times for taking photographs and enjoying the mansion's surroundings. In winter, it offers a different kind of beauty for those who wish to delve into history in a quieter, more serene atmosphere.   

References: Entrance fees and visiting hours may change over time. For the most current and accurate information, we recommend visiting the official website of the (https://www.trabzon.bel.tr/Web/Icerik/tarihi-mekanlar).