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Archive for the Category »Istanbul «
This small museum is easy to find. Follow the main road along the walls of Dolmabahce palace. After the premises of Dolmabahce palace are passed it’s a hundred meters further on your right.
I love to visit this small museum, the naval past of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey is displayed in a fine way.
Thanks to superior seamanship and cartography the Ottoman Navy commanded the Mediterranean during the 16th century. Ottoman ships sailed not only in the Mediterranean but also in, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Indian and Atlantic Ocean.
However, the discoveries made by Spain and Portugal (in fact an effect of the Ottoman hegemony over the spice route), was the prelude to decline. Spain became the upcoming power in the Mediterranean. The first sign was the defeat of the Ottoman fleet (which was soon rebuilt), by a coalition of Spain, Venice and the Papal State in 1571.
During the 17th century the Ottoman navy was still a force to be reckoned with, but the hegemony in the Mediterranean was lost. France, Holland and later the British took over.
The museum consists of two buildings and a garden, looking over the Bosphorus.
In the main building all kinds of naval objects are displayed as, weapons, sextants, compasses, uniforms, ships interiors, charts and maps, tableaux and paintings and the cabin of Ataturk’s yacht the Savarona.
Talking about cartography a replica of a 16th century World map of Piri Reis is displayed and copies are for sale.
* Naval Museum images
***Opening times 09:00-16:30, closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
***Photography is allowed but no flash or tripods (good advice, use a high speed film and a standard lens).
Arasta Bazaar’s row of shops was built to provide rent for the upkeep of the mosque. Some 20 years ago the Arasta had turned into horse stables but is nicely restored. I would advise you to follow the bazaar, or have a drink and a bite first, to the KUCUK AYA SOFYA.
After you’ve passed through the bazaar, at the end you’ll go into the Kucuk Aya Sofya Caddesi. It hardly can’t miss for the Kucuk Aya Sofya Caddesi is nearly straight opposite the end of the bazaar. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes before you reach the mosque it’s on your left hand at the end of the Kucuk Aya Sofya Caddesi.
The military museum (Askeri Muzesi) is at the Cumhuriyet Caddesi, from Taksim Square the distance is about a kilometre.
You’ll first pass some airline offices, hotels and the War Academy. The museum is on the premises of the War Academy, don’t be confused (we were the first time) the War Academy is not the place to be. Walk on a hundred meters and you’ll find the Military Museum (Askeri Muzesi) on you right.
The first you will notice is the big gun in front of the museum. It’s one of the two German Krupps 28 cm guns that were used during the defence of the Dardanelles in 1915.
***For gun lovers it’s a model SKL/40, calibre 283 mm, model 1901.
The museum consists of two parts, you’ll enter the new part. The old (smaller) part was the War Academy in Ottoman times. Ataturk once was a student here, his study results are on display.
The museum accommodates a fine collection of military related objects, weapons, guns, uniforms, vehicles, uniforms, paintings, banners, etc. really worth a visit.
An event that no visitor to this museum should miss is a concert by the Mether. It will make an unforgettable impression.