The establishment of Atatürk University represents the fulfillment of one of the significant initiatives envisioned during the early years of the Turkish Republic.

On November 1, 1937, in his opening address for the legislative year at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emphasized the need for a major university in Eastern Anatolia.

Following Atatürk's death, the initiative lay dormant for twelve years until the third President of Turkey, Celal Bayar, revived the proposal in his parliamentary speech on November 1, 1950.

XIV/5366, dated June 11, 1951) to university administrations, instructing them to form a scientific commission to plan a higher education and cultural center in the eastern region.

Subsequently, the inter-university board convened and established a 15-member scientific commission, with five representatives selected by the senates of each of the three universities existing in Turkey at the time.

Baker, and S.A. Smith, visited Turkey in July 1954 and submitted recommendations for the university’s establishment in a report dated August 10, 1955.

Dining facilities on campus include four main refectories, 40 canteens, five restaurants, and seven cafes, offering a range of affordable meal options.

It houses a wide range of books, historical records, and other resources, and provides both private and communal study spaces for students.