Malıköy Station Museum, Witness to the War of Independence, Reopens to Visitors
Ankara, January 25 – The Malıköy Train Station Museum, located in the Polatlı district of Ankara and a poignant witness to the Turkish War of Independence, is set to reopen its doors to visitors following a comprehensive restoration by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD). This historical site, where the War of Independence is narrated through the lens of the railways, will offer visitors an enhanced experience, allowing them to view old railway materials accompanied by aircraft and train sound effects.
The Malıköy Train Station, situated on the Ankara-Eskişehir Railway Line, played a pivotal role in the logistical organization and transportation efforts during the War of Independence. It was instrumental in meeting the army’s needs and ensuring a steady supply to the front lines through railway transport. The station served as a strategic logistics base during the Battle of Sakarya. On June 1, 2008, it was transformed into a museum through a collaboration between the General Staff, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and TCDD. After hosting thousands of visitors over the years, the museum underwent restoration in 2025 under the directive of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
Soon to Open for Visitors
The museum houses a monument dedicated to the 5,713 soldiers who were martyred in the Battle of Sakarya, a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in civilian attire, an 1897 German-made locomotive, a 1909 German-made wagon used in the Battle of Sakarya, two replicas of period aircraft, and the station building itself. The museum’s surroundings have been landscaped, and the monument and wagon have been meticulously restored to their original condition. The infirmary and communication room have been reorganized, and an Atatürk Corner has been added. The restoration work is nearing completion, with the opening planned for the coming days. Visitors to this historical venue, which tells the story of the War of Independence through its railways, will be able to experience the old railway materials in better conditions, enhanced by aircraft and train sound effects.
‘A Structure Actively Used During the War of Independence’
Architect Fadime İskender, who was involved in the museum’s restoration, expressed her pleasure at being part of the project for this historical structure. “I have been working as an architect in the real estate department of the Turkish Republic State Railways 2nd Regional Directorate for 16 years. Our work on the project studies, restorations, and maintenance of historical railway buildings continues. The Malıköy Station building, where we are currently located, is one of these structures. We started by working on the project studies here. This is a group of structures that were actively used during the War of Independence. It was used as an infirmary to treat wounded soldiers during the War of Independence. It also served as a logistics base, an ammunition depot, and an airfield. After the project studies, we carried out the necessary work on these buildings, which included minor roof and wall maintenance and repairs,” she stated.
‘Old Railway Materials on Display’
İskender further noted, “Our Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, contributed significantly to these efforts. Our General Manager, Veysi Kurt, personally inspected the work here and contributed to the landscaping efforts. Our work here is not yet complete. Inside the buildings, materials previously used in railways and trains are also on display. Considering that thousands of martyrs who witnessed the War of Independence rest here, being part of such a project was a great source of pride for me. Most of our railway buildings witnessed the Republican era, which is why they are all very important and valuable to us. All of them are registered as historically significant buildings by the Ministry of Culture.”
‘Reflecting This Spirit to Future Generations is Crucial’
İskender mentioned that they began both project studies and minor maintenance, repair, and restoration work in 2025. “Our work is currently ongoing. It is a special joy for us to be able to reflect the spirit of this place to children. When we entered this area, one of the places that affected us the most was the infirmary where wounded soldiers were treated. The War of Independence was fought in times of scarcity; reflecting this spirit to children and future generations is the most important theme for us. In fact, in our exhibition design project, we specifically addressed this issue and considered displaying the artifacts in this direction. Because it was very important to convey this spirit and historical significance through the railways not only to this period but also to future generations,” she concluded. (DHA)
