Trabzon Ataturk Palace

The Trabzon Ataturk Palace is located in the city of Trabzon, nestled in a pine forest and overlooking the city and the Black Sea.

It was built as a summer residence by the Greek merchant and banker Konstantinos Kabayanidis from Trabzon. Construction began in 1890 and was completed in 1912. The four-story palace, built using stone, brick, and wood, shows the influence of Western Renaissance architecture, including the basement.

After the population exchange, its ownership was transferred to the treasury in 1923. In 1930, it was purchased by the Trabzon Provincial Administration and, with the 361st decision of the Provincial Permanent Council of 18 May 1931, it was given to President Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha. Atatürk, who was greatly impressed by this palace, lived in it during his visits to Trabzon. On the night of 11 June 1937, he decided to donate all his property to the Turkish nation and instructed the Prime Minister to take the necessary measures.

After Atatürk's death, the palace, which was not mentioned in his will, was transferred to his legal heir, his sister, Mekbule Boisan, by the decision of the Ankara First Instance Civil Court dated 7 December 1938, number 1627. Later, by the decision of the Trabzon First Instance Civil Court dated 6 August 1942, number 476/286, it was purchased by the Trabzon Municipality to house the Atatürk Museum. On 30 March 1943, Mekbule Boisan was given an expropriation fee of 10,000 liras (US$116,543). The building was registered in the name of the Municipality by the Trabzon Enforcement Service decision numbered 0604/642 of 1943. That same year, it was decorated with items used at the time and opened to the public under the name "Ataturk Museum".

Currently, the Trabzon Municipality ensures its maintenance and the palace is open to visitors every day of the week.