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The Bandirma Ferry Museum, one of the symbolic vessels linked to the founding journey of the Republic of Türkiye, was moved 3.5 kilometers (2.17 miles) by land in Samsun and placed next to Tutun Pier, where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk stepped ashore to launch the National Struggle.
The 47-meter-long, 240-ton museum ship was carried out from its former location in Dogupark at 6:30 a.m. as part of Samsun Metropolitan Municipality's Open-Air Istiklal Square Museum Project. Using special equipment and security measures along the coastal route, teams brought the vessel to its new location by 9:30 a.m.
The museum ship was welcomed with mehter marches, traditional Ottoman military band music, as residents gathered with Turkish flags to witness the relocation.
Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary-General Necmi Camas said the ferry had been moved to a location that better reflected its historical meaning. He said that 117 years ago, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk stepped ashore at the same point, adding: "Bandirma Vapuru was moved to the place it deserves."
Camas said he felt emotional and excited, describing Samsun as a special city where the history of the Turkish nation was rewritten. He also said national memory should be passed down to future generations.
The relocation followed nearly eight months of technical preparation. Camas said the new area would cover around 70,000 square meters and bring together the Bandirma Ferry, the National Struggle Open-Air Museum, the Istiklal Medal Museum and Istiklal Square.
He said the project would create an important cultural and tourism destination for Samsun, adding that the city was proud to see the Bandirma Ferry now placed where it belongs.
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