🚢 Bandırma Ferry and National Struggle Park Open-Air Museum
📍 General Information
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Location: Doğupark, İlkadım District, Samsun, Turkey
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Opening Year: 2006
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Managed by: Samsun Metropolitan Municipality
The Bandırma Ferry and National Struggle Park commemorate May 19, 1919, the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in Samsun to begin the Turkish War of Independence.
At the heart of the museum stands a full-scale replica of the Bandırma Ferry, symbolizing the start of Turkey’s modern national awakening.
🛳️ The Bandırma Ferry (Replica)
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The original Bandırma Ferry was built in 1878 in Scotland under the name Trocadero.
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Purchased by the Ottoman Navy in 1894, it was renamed Bandırma.
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The original ship was scrapped in 1925, but the museum version was rebuilt to exact historical specifications.
Inside the Ferry Museum:
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🕴️ Wax statues of Atatürk and his 18 comrades-in-arms
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🗺️ Navigation maps, maritime tools, and authentic documents
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⚓ Captain’s cabin, crew quarters, and engine room recreated in period detail
🏞️ National Struggle Park & Open-Air Museum
Surrounding the ferry is a large thematic park designed to preserve the spirit of the Turkish Independence Movement.
Highlights of the Park:
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🇹🇷 National Struggle Monument: Symbolizing Atatürk’s landing in Samsun and the fight for freedom
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🗿 Statues of Atatürk and 18 Comrades: Life-size bronze sculptures representing the historic moment
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📜 Memorial Wall: Bas-reliefs depicting key milestones of the War of Independence
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🌳 Walking paths and scenic terraces overlooking the Black Sea
🕒 Visitor Information (2025)
| ℹ️ Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Open Days | Every day |
| ⏰ Visiting Hours | 08:30 – 19:00 |
| 🎟️ Entrance Fee | 50 TL (Students: 25 TL) |
| 📍 Location | Doğupark, İlkadım, Samsun |
| 🚗 Access | Easily accessible via tram, bus, or private car from Samsun city center |
🌟 Cultural and Historical Significance
The Bandırma Ferry and National Struggle Park are not merely a museum, but a national symbol of independence and unity.
Through its exhibits, sculptures, and atmosphere, the site recreates the moment Atatürk set foot in Samsun, igniting the movement that led to the founding of the Republic of Turkey.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to feel the spirit of freedom and the beginning of modern Turkish history.
