Ahmet Piriştina City Archive and Museum, Izmir

Located in a historic Art Deco building that served as a fire station from 1932 until 2001, the Ahmet Piriştina City Archive and Museum (APIKAM) stands as a testament to Izmir’s rich urban heritage. The building, designed by architect Mesut Özok, is a notable example of the “Early Republic Period” architectural style, reflecting the modernist aspirations of the era. Following its closure as a fire station, the structure was repurposed by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and officially inaugurated as the City Archive and Museum on January 10, 2004.

APIKAM, named in honor of Ahmet Piriştina, Izmir’s beloved mayor who championed the establishment of the museum and tragically passed away in 2004, serves as both an official institution and a vibrant cultural hub. The museum’s dual function as a city archive and exhibition space allows it to engage the public with a wide range of visual materials, displays, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the evolution of Izmir’s sea and land transport systems, the development of local industries such as olive oil production, and even view a restored façade of an Ottoman-era apothecary, originally part of Izmir’s historic marketplace.

The archive unit at APIKAM is particularly valuable for those interested in delving deeper into the city’s past. The digital archives house a comprehensive collection of photographs, images, posters, and documents that portray everyday life in Izmir across different periods. Many of these items were donated by local families, making the archive a collaborative effort to preserve the city’s collective memory.

With its role in promoting urban awareness and hosting various exhibitions, meetings, and publications on Izmir’s culture and history, APIKAM is more than a museum-it is a living chronicle of the city’s heritage, ensuring that the stories and contributions of its residents remain part of the public consciousness for generations to come.