Kaplan pointed to the close historical ties between Russia and Turkey. “At a time when the foundations of the republic of Turkey were being laid, Lenin provided substantial financial support to the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,” the owner said.
He further said, “We want to present Mr. Putin with a gift, Russian bank notes, which we have kept for 25 years. I hope that I will be able to transfer the money through the mediation of Mr. President, Erdogan.”
Kaplan said that in his museum there are about a dozen banknotes both from Tsarist Russia and the Soviet period.
“My biggest dream is to personally present these banknotes as a gift to Mr. Putin. It would be a great honor for me. I would also like to prepare an exhibition in Russia, where everyone could see a collection of the historical banknotes. Hopefully, this would contribute to the further strengthening of friendship between our countries,” Kaplan concluded.
