Turkish Intelligence Museum Exhibits Listening Device Placed in Erdogan’s Residence

A listening device secretly placed in an electrical socket at President Recep Tayyip’s residence has been put on display as a key exhibit at the Museum of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), shedding light on past security breaches and espionage tactics.

Located in the Turkish capital, Ankara, MIT’s new campus, called “KALE” (The Castle), houses the Intelligence Museum, offering a unique perspective on the history of intelligence in Turkey.

The opening of the MIT Museum was attended by Erdogan and presents 97 years of accumulated history that was born around three fundamental concepts: “Homeland, Tradition, and Future.”

Historical Stations: Trace, Memory, Path, Eye, Goal and Pride

The museum features six separate exhibits dedicated to significant MIT intelligence activities and techniques from the past to the present.

Each station shares details with visitors through historical documents, classified communications devices, and operational insights. The walls are displayed with concise quotes and leadership principles from key figures in MIT history.

Secret techniques, equipment used in operations

One of the most fascinating sections of the museum showcases the secret communications and surveillance techniques used by intelligence agents in the past.

Details such as listening devices hidden in shoe heels, cameras disguised as tie pins, and encrypted messages written on soap and rocks provide a colorful behind-the-scenes look at the world of intelligence.

Exclusive Videos and Documentary: July 15, Operation Ocalan

The museum reveals MIT’s technological evolution throughout its history. According to Hurriyet, the most striking artifact in the museum is a wiretapping device. The device was found in President Erdogan’s office in his Kecioren residence when he was prime minister. The artifacts range from historical technological threats to digital espionage equipment used today.

From Bugs to Digital Threats: The Evolution of Technology MIT

The museum showcases MIT’s technological evolution throughout its history. Exhibits range from historical technological threats, such as radio transmitters found in President Erdogan’s office during his term, to modern digital espionage equipment used today.

Cultural and architectural depth: the Kale campus

Designed with Ottoman-inspired architecture, MIT’s new Kale campus seamlessly combines Turkish-Islamic aesthetics with modern technology tailored to MIT’s security and operational needs. Every detail underscores Türkiye’s strategic importance.

The MIT Museum not only offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Turkey’s intelligence history, but also highlights the country’s contributions to security and intelligence. This museum is a testament not only to the past, but also to an institution dedicated to protecting the future.

What is the history of MIT?

Founded in 1913 to protect the homeland, the Special Organization (Teskilat-i Mahsusa) laid the foundations for MIT.

Although it was disbanded during World War I, this decision remained only on paper, as many large and small intelligence organizations were established to organize the Revolutionary War.

The Turkish intelligence services played a key role in winning the independence struggle by establishing many clandestine resistance organizations such as the Karakol Society, the Yavuz Group, the Mujahid Group, and the Armed National Defense Group (MimMim).

Following the establishment of the Republic, this fragmented structure was officially consolidated in 1927 under the name of the National Security Service (MEH/MAH) and later, in 1967, as the National Intelligence Organization (MIT).

In 2017, MIT assumed the presidency.

On Monday, March 5, visitors will be able to see an exhibition of weapons and swords used by the Special Organization in the Ottoman era.