Abstract:
Museums are always very significant elements in construction of identity. During the formation of the nation-states after World War I museums were used very functionally in making of national identity. During the early years of the Republican Turkey museum had a significant role in the state’s agenda of homogenizing and nationalizing the society. İzmir was one of the cosmopolitan centers of Ottoman Empire. The war and the following fire transformed both the demographic and urban character of the city. İzmir Archeology Museum was constituted in this transformed city. This study aims to explore the founding of İzmir Archeology Museum, the relation between museum’s role and significance and the transformation and nationalization of the city.
