Atatürk's Silver Sugar Bowl Donated to Anıtkabir After Public Debate
A silver-plated sugar bowl, once used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on his yacht Savarona and bearing his initials, has been officially donated to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Türkiye's founding leader. The donation resolved a public debate sparked by an online auction attempt.
The sugar bowl initially appeared in an online auction with a starting price of 20,000 Turkish Liras (about $480). Bids reached up to 30,000 Liras ($720). However, Türkiye's protection laws for cultural assets raised questions about the legality of the sale. These laws generally prohibit selling historically significant items outside government oversight, granting the state the right of first purchase.
Experts debated the issue. Some argued the sugar bowl should remain part of Türkiye's national heritage, while others noted it could be unlawful if officially registered as part of Savarona's inventory. The silver container, inscribed with Atatürk's initials, was officially donated to the Anıtkabir Mausoleum by Fuat Eczacıbaşı in 1973. The owner, a shipowner and collector, had acquired similar pieces at auctions in the past but decided to donate this one to the Anıtkabir Museum Command following media coverage.
The donation ensures the sugar bowl is preserved as part of Türkiye's shared cultural heritage, ending the public debate over its potential sale. The mausoleum, a symbol of Atatürk's legacy, will now house this historic artifact.
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