Historic Atatürk Sugar Bowl Donated to Anıtkabir
A historic silver-plated sugar bowl, once used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on his yacht Savarona and inscribed with his initials, has been officially donated to Anıtkabir. This resolution ends public debate and ensures the artefact's preservation as part of Türkiye's cultural heritage.
The sugar bowl, previously owned by a shipowner and collector, was briefly listed in an online auction. It started at 20,000 Turkish Liras (around $480) and bids reached up to 30,000 Liras ($720). However, the donation to Anıtkabir Museum Command prevents its sale.
Türkiye's cultural heritage laws grant the state the right of first purchase and generally prohibit sales of historically significant items without government oversight. Experts debated the legality of selling the sugar bowl, with some arguing it should remain part of the nation's heritage, while others noted it could be unlawful if registered as part of Savora's inventory.
The silver sugar bowl, once belonging to Şükrü Kaya, is now part of Anıtkabir's collection. Its donation ensures this piece of history remains in Türkiye, preserving Atatürk's legacy for future generations.
