Fodor's Expert Review Cumhuriyet Müzesi

In Turkey's first parliament building, which now houses the Museum of the Republic, politicians debated principles and policies that would shape the Turkish Republic as a modern secular nation. The great hall where parliament convened from 1924 to 1960 is decorated in Seljuk and Ottoman styles, with an ornately inlaid wooden ceiling, enormous crystal chandelier, and a loggia-like gallery from which dignitaries addressed the assembly. The museum includes a small exhibit on the early years of the Republic. Although signs are only in Turkish, a free—and very informative—English audio guide is available.