On the 87th anniversary of the passing of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, the Halil Lütfü Dördüncü Business Center in Sirkeci and its Tanevi Cultural Courtyard hosted a meaningful event.

The front page of the Tan Newspaper dated November 11, 1938, which announced Atatürk’s death in its headline in 1938, was reprinted in a giant size and hung on the outer façade of the business center.

This special project not only reminds us of Tan Newspaper, one of the most important symbols of Turkish press history, but also of the deep love and gratitude felt for Atatürk.

The Surname “Dördüncü” from Atatürk Himself…

Halil Lütfü Dördüncü was not only an important press patron of his time but also a person who personally met Atatürk.
As the owner of the Tan Printing House in the early years of the Republic, Halil Lütfü had an unforgettable exchange with Atatürk, through which he received his surname directly from Gazi himself.

One day, when they met at the train station, Atatürk asked Halil Lütfü:

“My dear Lütfü, you own a printing house, you’re wealthy — why are you still traveling in third class?”

Halil Lütfü smiled and replied:

“There is no fourth class, sir — what can I do?”

This witty answer amused Atatürk, who smiled and said:

“Then your surname shall be Dördüncü (Fourth).”

Thus, the name Halil Lütfü Dördüncü was immortalized through Atatürk’s smile.
Today, the business center that bears his name continues to keep this meaningful story alive.

A Meaningful Commemoration from Tanevi Cultural Courtyard

Speaking about the event, Mustafa Onat, the representative of the Tanevi Cultural Courtyard, stated:

“As every year, this year too, in memory of November 10, we hung the headline of Tan Newspaper dated November 11, 1938, in giant size on the outer façade of our building.
Visitors can both view this meaningful headline and receive a free copy of it.
This event is a reflection of the respect felt for Atatürk’s memory and for Halil Lütfü Dördüncü’s devotion to the Republic.”

The event will continue in the days following November 10, and visitors will keep receiving copies of Tan Newspaper’s historic headline as a gift.

Event Information

📍 Location: Halil Lütfü Dördüncü Business Center – Tanevi Cultural Courtyard, Sirkeci / Istanbul
📅 Date: November 10–13, 2025
🕘 Visiting Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
🎁 Event: Exhibition of Tan Newspaper’s November 11, 1938 headline and free distribution of replica copies to visitors