Atatürk Portrait Removed from Turkish Foreign Ministry

An Atatürk portrait and the motto "Peace at Home, Peace in the World" have vanished from the Turkish Foreign Ministry's press briefing room following its renovation, sparking debate about the country's historical symbolism.

The changes were first noticed on July 1, when journalists were invited into the newly updated space. The absence of the Atatürk portrait and the foreign policy slogan, which encapsulates his vision, was conspicuous. Ministry sources at the time attributed the situation to ongoing renovations, stating that the room was not yet in its final state and that the missing elements would be reinstated.

“

The renovation is ongoing, and this is not the final state of the room.

However, 36 days later, during a joint press conference on August 7, 2026, featuring the Turkish Foreign Minister and his Syrian counterpart, the press room remained unchanged. The Atatürk figures were still absent, replaced by a plain brown wooden wall. The memorial for fallen Foreign Ministry staff, previously located in the corridor leading to the room, was also missing.

Despite assurances from ministry sources that "missing items will arrive," the prolonged delay in restoring Atatürk's imagery has fueled speculation. The fact that press conferences continued in the interim, and the figures were not replaced even after more than a month, has led observers to question whether the removal is a deliberate, permanent alteration rather than a temporary oversight due to construction.

“

Missing items will arrive.