The building was designed and constructed in 1923 by architect Vedat Tek as a Gathering Venue for the People’s Republic Party. However, due to the insufficiency of the first building of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, it was converted into a Parliament Building and put into service on 18 October 1924. The building, constructed with ashlar stonework, has two storeys. Grand National Assembly of Turkey building reflects the characteristics of the 1st National Architecture Movement through its arched windows, tiled facades, wide eaves, and wooden ceilings decorated with hand-drawn Ottoman and Seljuk motifs. The building of the II. Grand National Assembly of Turkey played a significant role in Turkish political history and remained operational for 36 years until May 27, 1960. In 1961, the parliament moved to its newly built building. The old building was allocated to the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and served as CENTO Headquarters from 1961 to 1979. Following the abolition of CENTO, it was transferred to the Ministry of Culture. The building opened to visitors on 30 October 1981 as the Republic Museum after restorations were completed. The museum explains the history of the building through photographs in the Second Grand National Assembly Room. It also covers Atatürk's principles, political and social revolutions, and developments in the economy and industry through various objects exhibited in panels and showcases. The General Assembly Hall The General Assembly Hall, situated opposite the museum entrance hall, served as the General Assembly Hall of the Turkey Grand National Assembly from 1924 to 1960. During election periods, the number of deputies reached up to 610. The hall contains 116 rows of seats for the deputies. Atatürk's principles and revolutions were adopted in this hall between 1924 and 1960. Modern laws were enacted, important treaties were made, and the transition to a multi-party system was achieved. In this hall, Atatürk delivered his Nutuk (The Great Speech) which lasted for six days, 36 hours, and 33 minutes from 15 to 20 October 1927. The rooms to the right of the entrance exhibit the personal belongings of the first three presidents who served during the 36-year period: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Mustafa İsmet İnönü, and Mahmut Celal Bayar. The second floor of the museum The floor accomodates several significant rooms, including the Prime Ministry Study Room, Presidential Study Room, Presidential Reception Hall, the Presidency of the Assembly Chamber, and administrative rooms. The ceilings of these rooms are decorated with hand-drawn motifs and chandeliers, which are noteworthy. The arrangement of the rooms was based on photographs from the period.
MUSEUM OF REPUBLIC OF ANKARA
