Turkey: 3-month Ataturk exhibit starts next week

By Sahin Oktay

KOCAELI, Turkey (AA) - A three-month exhibit of the personal effects and photos of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, will start in northwestern Turkey on Oct. 28, according to an official statement on Monday.

The Ataturk exhibition will take place at the historical Izmit train station in the province of Kocaeli, marking the 96th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, said the Kocaeli Governor's Office.

Many historical documents and objects inherited from Salih Bozok, a close aide to Ataturk, will be featured.

In addition, the collection of Eris Ulger, a diplomat and historian who was adopted by Sabiha Gokcen -- one of Ataturk's daughters and the world's first female fighter pilot -- will also be displayed.

The exhibit, which took three-and-a-half years to prepare, will include 150 objects and photos never before seen on display.

Effects from Ataturk's mother and wife will also be included in the show, which is set to run through next Jan. 31.

* Writing by Dilara Hamit