İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence — Atatürk's Bank

Ankara Attractionsİş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence — Atatürk's Bank

Türkiye İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence: The Bank Where Economic Independence Was Born

On Ulus Square in Ankara, facing the Victory Monument and just a few steps from the Grand National Assembly, stands a five-story building with a distinctive late-Ottoman façade. This is the first headquarters of Türkiye İş Bankası—a bank founded in 1924 on the initiative of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself. Since May 2, 2019, the İktisadi Bağımsızlık Müzesi—the Museum of Economic Independence—has been operating here, telling the story of how the young Turkish Republic built its own banking system and fought for financial sovereignty.

History of the Museum

The building was constructed in 1929 based on a design by Italian architect Giulio Mongeri—one of the masters who shaped the appearance of early Republican Ankara. Mongeri is also known for his designs of the Maltepe Camii mosque and many administrative buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. The structure was originally intended to serve as the headquarters of Türkiye İş Bankası—the first major national bank, founded with Atatürk’s direct involvement in 1924 to ensure the economic independence of the young republic.

For decades, the building served as the bank’s main office. When the bank’s headquarters moved to a modern building, the historic office in Ulus was restored and opened in 2019 as the İktisadi Bağımsızlık Müzesi. During the restoration, the original banking interiors—teller windows, deposit safes, executive offices, and a conference room—were deliberately preserved, giving the museum a particularly atmospheric feel.

Collection and Highlights

Basement: Bank Safes

The basement of the building preserves the original deposit safe deposit boxes with heavy metal doors and numbering. This is a rare opportunity to see what a 1930s bank back office looked like from the inside: polished metal, control systems, and mechanisms thought out down to the smallest detail.

First Floor: Operations Hall

The first floor preserves the atmosphere of the former operations hall: teller counters, customer service counters, and furniture typical of the era. Here, exhibitions are also on display about the bank’s daily operations during the early years of the Turkish Republic.

Meeting room with Ataturk’s history

On the second floor is the famous meeting room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk personally attended during his visits to the bank. The original table, chairs, and photographic documents have been preserved. This is the place where issues regarding the formation of the Turkish national economy were discussed, and therefore it holds special memorial significance.

Floors of Documents and Advertising

The middle floors feature an extensive collection of historical documents, early advertising posters and commercials from Türkiye İş Bankası, as well as examples of the first shares, passbooks, and penny banks that encouraged the public to save. This material tells the economic history of Turkey through visual design.

War of Independence Hall

The fourth floor is entirely dedicated to a permanent exhibition on the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923). This section illustrates how the military victory laid the foundation for economic independence and why it was only after this victory that the establishment of İş Bankası and other state institutions became possible. Also on display here is an original painting depicting Kurt Bullent.

Architecture by Giulio Mongeri

The building itself is an example of the neoclassical style with elements of the “Turkish National Renaissance,” characteristic of the architecture of the early Turkish Republic. Its stone cladding, symmetrical façade, and well-balanced proportions make it one of the most notable architectural landmarks in Ulus.

Interesting Facts

  • Türkiye İş Bankası was founded on August 26, 1924, on the initiative of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and became the first major national bank of the young Turkish Republic.
  • The building’s architect, Giulio Mongeri, was an Italian who worked in Istanbul and Ankara from the late 19th century; he designed the Maltepe Camii mosque and many buildings from the early republic.
  • The museum opened on May 2, 2019—marking the 95th anniversary of the bank’s founding—and has become one of Turkey’s most unusual corporate museums.
  • The basement houses the original bank vaults, making a visit feel like a journey into an authentic 1930s film.
  • Türkiye İş Bankası remains one of Turkey’s largest banks today; the museum at its historic headquarters is a rare example of a corporation preserving its own history while making it a public asset.

How to get there

The museum is located on Ulus Square, opposite the Victory Monument, in the very heart of old Republican Ankara. The nearest metro station is Ulus (Ankaray line), a few minutes’ walk away. It’s a convenient 10-minute ride by metro or minibus from Kızılay.

GPS coordinates: 39.9428° N, 32.8547° E. From Esenboğa Airport (ESB), take the HAVAŞ bus or a taxi to Ulus. Within a 500-meter radius are other important landmarks: the PTT Stamp Museum, Hacı Bayram Mosque, the Column of Julian, as well as Ankara Castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Tips for travelers

Allow about 1.5–2 hours for a leisurely tour. It’s especially worth spending some time in the meeting hall (where Atatürk used to visit) and in the basement section with the bank vaults—these are the most atmospheric parts of the museum. The War of Independence Hall also requires time for a thoughtful exploration.

The museum is open daily except Mondays, usually from 10 :00 to 18 :00—but it’s best to check the exact schedule before your visit. It’s convenient to combine your visit with nearby attractions: the PTT Pul Müzesi is literally across the street, and both sites can easily be explored in a single day. If you have time, head up to the Ankara Kalesi fortress and visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

There is a bookstore at the entrance with publications on Turkish history and banking—a good source of materials in Turkish and English. Photography is generally permitted without a flash. For anyone wishing to understand not only the military but also the economic aspects of the founding of the Republic of Turkey, the Türkiye İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence is a must-see in Ankara.

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Frequently asked questions — İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence — Atatürk's Bank Answers to frequently asked questions about İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence — Atatürk's Bank. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
The Museum of Economic Independence is a museum that opened in 2019 in the historic former headquarters of Türkiye İş Bankası on Ulus Square in Ankara. Unlike traditional history museums, it is housed in a fully preserved 1929 bank building: authentic teller halls, deposit safes, meeting rooms, and executive offices create an immersive experience of the era, rather than simply display cases with exhibits.
Türkiye İş Bankası was founded on August 26, 1924, on the personal initiative of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The bank was established to ensure the financial sovereignty of the young Turkish Republic and to create a national banking system independent of foreign capital. The bank became the country’s first major national bank and remains one of the largest in Turkey to this day.
The building was constructed in 1929 according to a design by the Italian architect Giulio Mongeri. He was one of the key figures who shaped the architectural landscape of early Republican Ankara; he also designed the Maltepe Camii mosque and a number of administrative buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. The building’s style combines neoclassicism with elements of the “Turkish National Renaissance.”
The basement floor features original safe deposit boxes with heavy metal doors and numbering from the 1930s. This is a rare opportunity to see an authentic bank back office from that era: polished metal, mechanical storage systems, and authentic details. Many visitors compare the experience to the atmosphere of a classic film about banks from that time.
Yes. The fourth floor is entirely dedicated to a permanent exhibition on the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923). The section highlights the connection between the military victory and the subsequent establishment of economic sovereignty: it was only after the victory that the creation of Türkiye İş Bankası and other state institutions became possible. Among the exhibits are original paintings from that period.
This is a corporate museum, and according to available information, admission is free or nominal; however, it is best to check the exact current terms and conditions directly before your visit on the official Türkiye İş Bankası website or by phone, as conditions are subject to change.
The museum is open daily, except Mondays, from approximately 10::00 to 6::00. Since the schedule may change on holidays or during special events, we recommend checking the current opening hours before your visit.
The middle floors feature an extensive collection of historical documents, early promotional posters and commercials for Türkiye İş Bankası, as well as examples of the bank’s first shares, passbooks, and penny banks—which, in their day, encouraged the public to save. This section will appeal to those interested in history through the lens of visual design and mass communications.
According to general guidelines, photography is permitted in the museum without the use of a flash. However, it is advisable to check the specific rules for each floor before your visit: restrictions may apply in certain rooms containing historical documents or particularly valuable items.
Yes. The building itself is an architectural landmark: a neoclassical façade with elements of the “Turkish National Renaissance,” symmetrical proportions, and stone cladding. Giulio Mongeri was one of the leading architects of his time in Turkey. The interior spaces—ticket halls, stucco moldings, and furniture—have also been preserved in their original state and are of architectural interest in their own right.
There is a bookstore at the entrance that sells books on Turkish history and banking in both Turkish and English. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to explore the subject further after their visit.
User manual — İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence — Atatürk's Bank İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence — Atatürk's Bank User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
The museum is located on Ulus Square in Ankara, across from the Victory Monument. The nearest metro station is Ulus (Ankaray line), just a few minutes’ walk away. From the Kızılay district, it’s about a 10-minute ride by metro or minibus. If you’re arriving at Esenboğa Airport (ESB), take the HAVAŞ bus or a taxi to the city center, then head to Ulus.
Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for your visit. The museum is closed on Mondays; opening hours are approximately 10::00–6::00. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather in Ankara is pleasant for strolling through Ulus and exploring nearby attractions. Check the schedule the day before, as it may change on holidays.
Head down to the basement first thing: here you’ll find the original deposit safes with their heavy metal doors and 1930s numbering. This section creates an immersive atmosphere and sets the tone for the entire visit—it’s best not to skip it just to save time.
On the ground floor, take a look at the authentic bank hall with its teller counters and period furniture. As you head upstairs, you’ll see historical documents, promotional posters and commercials from Türkiye İş Bankası, as well as examples of the bank’s first shares, passbooks, and piggy banks. Take your time: these visual exhibits are worth a closer look.
On the second floor, look for the meeting room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself used to gather. The original table, chairs, and photographic documents have been preserved in their original condition. This is one of the most significant and atmospheric places in the museum—take a moment here to explore the historical context presented in the photographs.
Head up to the fourth floor, which is entirely dedicated to the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923). This section helps visitors understand why the military victory served as the starting point for the creation of the national banking system. The exhibits include original paintings and documents from that period.
After visiting the museum, make the most of your remaining time in Ulus: the PTT Stamp Museum is literally across the street and takes about 30–40 minutes to explore. Nearby are Hacı Bayram Mosque and the Column of Julian, and within walking distance are Ankara Castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. All of this allows you to spend a full, eventful day in the historic center of Ankara.