“What principled decisions were made within these walls?” I ask you as we stand before the War of Independence Museum. This building echoes with the voices of a nation reborn. It is more than stone. The War of Independence Museum is a symbol of Turkish resilience.
Let’s step back in time to 1915. Enver Pasha envisioned this andesite building as a clubhouse for the Committee of Union and Progress. Architect Salim Bey designed it. Hasip Bey oversaw construction. But destiny had other plans for this building. Before its completion, the Turkish Grand National Assembly chose it as their home.
Imagine the urgency. The inaugural meeting was fast approaching. Workers rushed to complete the building. Ulus Square buzzed with anticipation. On April 23, 1920, thousands gathered. Serif Bey, the Assembly’s oldest member, stepped forward. His voice resonated with hope. “I declare the principals of absolute independence and self-determination of the nation to the whole world”. Mustafa Kemal followed with a powerful declaration. “There is no power above this Grand Assembly anymore”. He was elected President the next day.
For four years, this building served as the heart of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Here, crucial decisions shaped the nation’s future. In 1921, they approved the First Turkish Constitution. In the same year, they adopted the Turkish National Anthem. In 1922, they abolished the Ottoman Sultanate. The Treaty of Lausanne was approved in 1923. Ankara became the capital city in October 1923. Later that month, the Republic was declared and Mustafa Kemal was elected first president.
Atatürk himself proclaimed. “The Grand National Assembly is the living symbol of the Turkish Nation’s century’s old search for self-determination and consciousness”. The War of Independence Museum witnessed history unfold.
After 1924, the building transitioned through different roles. It served as the Republican People’s Party headquarters. Later, it became the School of Law. In 1952, it was handed over to the Ministry of Education. In 1961, it opened as the Turkish Grand National Assembly Museum. In 1981, it was restored and reopened as the War of Independence Museum.
Today, as we explore the War of Independence Museum, notice the main corridor. Oil paintings depict pivotal events from 1918 to 1923. Visit the masjid which served as a prayer room for the Assembly. Imagine Mustafa Kemal in the Assembly president’s room. His original arrangement has been preserved. The presidential seal is a distinguished artifact. Explore the chambers of the ruling council with the Sivas Congress furniture. The committee room displays documents from key historical moments. The lobby showcases artifacts from significant agreements. See the legislative committee room with its Independence War medals. Finally, stand in the grand assembly hall. The Arabic inscription declares “Sovereignty belongs to the Nation”.
The War of Independence Museum stands as a testament to a nation’s fight for freedom. It is a place where history comes alive. As you leave, remember the spirit of those who shaped modern Turkey within these walls.