Turkey’s first national private bank became a museum

Turkey’s first national private bank became a museum after 111 years

SAKARYA – The structure of the institution, which was established on March 9, 1913 under the name of Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank and later changed its name to Turkish Trade Bank, opened its doors as Adapazarı Trade Museum after 111 years.

The 103rd anniversary of Adapazarı’s liberation from enemy occupation was celebrated with various events. The events included a cortege march from Ağa Mosque to Orhan Mosque in memory of June 21. Carnations were given as gifts to the citizens during the march accompanied by the Mehter band. After the Independence Cortege and Mehter Show, a salute, flag hoisting and refreshments were held at the Historical Orhan Mosque at 13.45. In addition, the structure of the institution, which was established on March 9, 1913 under the name of Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank and later changed its name to Turkish Trade Bank, was opened with a ceremony as Adapazarı Trade Museum, with the contributions of Adapazarı Municipality, after 111 years. Speaking at the ceremony, Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Yusuf Alemdar touched upon the liberation of Adapazarı from enemy occupation and emphasized that the opening of the Adapazarı Trade Museum on the day of victory was a great source of pride.

“Each item will show us the trade spirit of Adapazarı”

Speaking at the ceremony, Adapazarı Mayor Mutlu Işıksu said, “Adapazarı has been a city where trade and cultural riches meet throughout history. Today, we meet in the restored historical building of Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank, one of the most valuable symbols of this rich heritage. This building is not just a building, it is a symbol of the past.” Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank was established in 1913 with great effort and great dedication as a resistance against economic slavery. We gratefully remember the valuable names among its founders, Adapazarı, the first private bank of Turkey. The historical building of the Islamic Trade Bank is now gaining a new identity as the Adapazarı Trade Museum. This museum will not only be an exhibition area, but also a center that carries the values ​​of the past to the future, inspires young generations and keeps the spirit of commerce alive. With its contributions, this museum will offer a unique experience to its visitors by housing the most valuable examples of our economic history and trade culture. This historical building will reflect Adapazarı’s rich trade history and cultural heritage from an even broader perspective. Each work to be exhibited here is a valuable souvenir that bears witness to the trade history of Adapazarı and contributes to the economic and cultural development of our city. “Each item will show us the trade spirit of Adapazarı,” he said.

“The step taken here in 1913 is the first step towards our economic independence.”

Sakarya Governor Yaşar Karadeniz said, “The museum is actually one of the first steps taken towards gaining our economic independence as well as our political independence a century ago. I think it is very important in this respect. Because, as you know, our country was both occupied after 1918 and was already economically occupied by many “With the international agreements made, many economic opportunities were in the hands of foreigners. Plus, the minorities living in our country had much different opportunities than our other citizens and Muslim subjects. In this process, the step taken here in 1913 is the first step towards our economic independence,” he said.