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

The building belonging to the bank established in Adapazarı on March 9, 1913, under the name of Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank and later renamed as Turkish Trade Bank, opened its doors as Adapazarı Trade Museum after 111 years.

The 103rd anniversary of the liberation of Adapazarı from enemy occupation was celebrated with various activities. The events started with a procession from Aga Mosque to Orhan Mosque accompanied by a Janissary band, where carnations were given to the citizens. Following the liberation procession and Janissary show, at 13:45, a call to prayer, flag hoisting, and treats were held at the historic Orhan Mosque. Additionally, the building belonging to the institution established as Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank on March 9, 1913, and later renamed Turkish Trade Bank, opened as Adapazarı Trade Museum with a ceremony after 111 years with the contributions of Adapazarı Municipality.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Yusuf Alemdar emphasized that the opening of Adapazarı Trade Museum on the day of victory is a source of great pride.

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

Adapazarı Mayor Mutlu Işıksu stated, “Adapazarı has been a city where trade and cultural riches have intersected throughout history. Today, we come together 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 structure, but a treasure that reflects the memories of the past, traces of trade, and sheds light on the future. Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank was established in 1913 with great effort and dedication in resistance to economic subjugation. We gratefully remember the valuable names among its founders. The historical building of Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank, the first private bank in Turkey, now acquires a new identity as Adapazarı Trade Museum. This museum will not only be an exhibition space but also a center that carries the values of the past to the future, inspires young generations, and keeps the spirit of trade alive. Moreover, with the contributions of Turkish Trade Bank, this museum will offer visitors a unique experience 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 in a broader perspective. Each artifact exhibited here is a valuable memory that contributes to the economic and cultural development of our city, witnessing Adapazarı’s trade history. Each item will show us the trading spirit of Adapazarı.”

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

Sakarya Governor Yaşar Karadeniz stated, “The museum is actually one of the first steps taken towards gaining our economic independence, in addition to gaining our political independence a century ago. I think it is quite important in this respect. As you know, our country was occupied after 1918, and economically, many international agreements had already placed many opportunities in the hands of foreigners. Moreover, the minorities living in our country had much different opportunities compared to other citizens, to the Muslim population. In this process, the step taken here in 1913 is the first step towards our economic independence.”