Independence War Museum First Grand National Assembly
Step back in time at the First Grand National Assembly Museum, where Turkey's foundational history unfolded. See the original parliament hall and war ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Independence War Museum First Grand National Assembly
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the First Grand National Assembly Museum, where Turkey's foundational history unfolded. See the original parliament hall and war artifacts.
"A must-visit for history buffs, offering a powerful glimpse into Turkey's foundation."
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Your ticket covers both the 1st and 2nd Parliament Museums. A great deal for history buffs!
⏳ Allow 30-45 Minutes
A quick visit is possible, but allow ample time to absorb the history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Assembly Hall
Main Exhibition Area
Step into the original assembly room, preserved with school benches, where the first parliament convened. Feel the history.
War of Independence Artifacts
Exhibition Rooms
See weaponry and artifacts that tell the story of Turkey's fight for independence. A powerful glimpse into the past.
Architectural Significance
Exterior and Interior
Appreciate the imposing stone building, originally a school, that housed the nascent Turkish parliament. Its history is palpable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Second Parliament
Understand the Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Your ticket covers both the 1st and 2nd Parliament Museums. A great deal for history buffs!
⏳ Allow 30-45 Minutes
A quick visit is possible, but allow ample time to absorb the history.
Recommendations for first visit to Ankara!
🗣️ Limited English Descriptions
Some exhibits may lack English text, so consider a guide or prior research.
📍 Central Location
Easily accessible in downtown Ankara, making it a convenient stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Your ticket covers both the 1st and 2nd Parliament Museums. A great deal for history buffs!
⏳ Allow 30-45 Minutes
A quick visit is possible, but allow ample time to absorb the history.
🗣️ Limited English Descriptions
Some exhibits may lack English text, so consider a guide or prior research.
📍 Central Location
Easily accessible in downtown Ankara, making it a convenient stop.
🏛️ Visit the Second Parliament
Just 100m down the street, the Second Parliament Museum is a must-see too!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the museum for its historical significance and the tangible connection it offers to Turkey's founding. The preserved assembly hall and artifacts are highlights, with many appreciating the combined ticket for access to the nearby Second Parliament Museum. Some note the limited English descriptions as a drawback.
"As we were visiting Ankara, this place was on our list. If you visited the other museum nearby, you don't need tickets for this place. I loved everything I saw here. I loved the space where the parliament used to meet. It shows a beautiful period of history. Everything in this place is worth to see. It was a nice visit. Keep up the good work."
Antoun Boustani
"This is a must visit place when you are in Ankara. As foreigners you would pay (6 Euros) which will allow you to visit the second parliament museum as well which is on the same street.
This museum has a lot of history to offer. Starting from how the first parliament worked."
Adeel Khan
"War of Independence is essential to understand how a constitutional nation must gather itself under a roof of the Parliament. This place is full of memories of the foundation of Türkiye. Also, everyone can feel the spirit in these stone walls and wooden furniture."
Alper DALKIRAN
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Ankara, making it easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive by bus or taxi. If you're exploring the city center, it's also a pleasant walk from other landmarks.
Street parking can be challenging in the central Ankara area. It's often more convenient to use public transportation or a taxi to reach the museum.
Yes, Ulus Square is very close to the museum. It's a short and easy walk, allowing you to soak in the city atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are very reasonable, typically around 3-4 Euros. Your ticket often includes access to the Second Parliament Museum as well, offering great value.
No, usually one ticket grants you access to both the First Grand National Assembly Museum and the Second Parliament Museum, which are located very close to each other.
Student museum cards can be renewed for a very affordable price, offering access to many museums for a year. Check for current student rates.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daytime hours on weekdays and weekends. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The original assembly room, where the first Turkish Parliament met, is a highlight. Seeing the preserved space with its original seating arrangements is a powerful experience.
While it's a historical site, the exhibits on weaponry and the story of independence can be engaging for older children. However, the lack of extensive English descriptions might be a challenge for younger visitors.
Most visitors spend around 30-45 minutes exploring the museum. If you plan to visit the Second Parliament Museum as well, allocate more time.
English descriptions can be limited. It's recommended to do some prior research on the War of Independence and the early days of the Turkish Republic to fully appreciate the exhibits.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage within the museum or ask a staff member if photography is permitted, especially without flash.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, historical museums like this do not have on-site dining facilities. However, the museum is located in a central area with many restaurants and cafes nearby.
The area around Ulus and the museum offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Turkish cuisine to more casual eateries. You'll find plenty of places to grab a bite.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the stone building offers a grand architectural shot. Inside, the preserved assembly hall is a unique and historically significant spot for photos, if permitted.
If photography is allowed, the artifacts themselves can make for compelling shots. Focus on the details of the weaponry and historical items.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds, making it easier to navigate with children. The central location means you can easily find family-friendly restaurants nearby for a break. While the historical significance is immense, focus on the tangible aspects like the assembly hall and the artifacts to keep younger minds interested.
💰 Budget Travelers
Its central location means you can easily walk or use inexpensive public transport to get there, saving on taxi fares. The surrounding area also provides numerous budget-friendly dining options, allowing you to keep overall travel costs down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the First Grand National Assembly
Visitors can immerse themselves in this pivotal era by exploring the preserved rooms, most notably the assembly hall. The sight of the original school benches, still arranged as they were during parliamentary sessions, offers a tangible connection to the past. The museum also displays weaponry and artifacts from the War of Independence, providing a visual narrative of the struggles and triumphs that shaped Turkey.
Understanding the historical context is key to appreciating the museum's importance. Following World War I, the Ottoman Empire was facing division by Allied powers. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, leading the resistance from Ankara, established this assembly to rally the nation and fight for sovereignty. The museum serves as a powerful testament to this spirit of resilience and determination.
Navigating Your Visit: Tickets and Nearby Attractions
When planning your visit, consider that while the museum is central and easily accessible, English descriptions for exhibits can be limited. To enhance your understanding, it's beneficial to research the Turkish War of Independence and the early republic beforehand. This preparation will allow you to fully grasp the significance of the artifacts and the historical context of the assembly hall.
The museum itself is relatively compact, with most visitors spending between 30 to 45 minutes. However, combining it with the Second Parliament Museum will require a longer block of time. The area surrounding the museum, particularly Ulus Square, is bustling with activity and offers numerous dining options, from traditional Turkish eateries to casual cafes, ensuring you can easily find refreshments before or after your historical exploration.
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