Follow
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.
Kayseri, one of the oldest cities in Anatolia, has a 6000 year history. Because of its geographical position, it always kept its necessity. It is located on the Silky Way.
Kayseri is situated at the side of the mountain and when you first visit Kayseri, you will see this beautiful sight. In the inner city you will be amazed by the minarets and mosques. It is 2 hours away from Ankara, Turkey’s capital city. The city is full of Turkish Baths, fountains, tombs, inns and mosques. It is an ancient place and a good tourist center. In Kayseri you can taste the wonderful cuisine including pastirma, which is beef with a spicy paste. During the history, Kayseri was known as a trade center and nowadays, it is becoming industrialized. It draws people’s attention because of its historical and natural places.
Sultan Sazligi ( Sultan Reedy), which is a bird zoo that has more than 301 kinds of birds, is in Kayseri. Aladaglar National Park is also in Kayseri and it has lots of visitors every year. Famous Kapuzbasi Waterfalls, Hacer forests, and Yedigoller (sevenlakes) are different kinds of natural places in Kayseri. With famous carpets and kilims which have Anatolian motifs on them. With its big mosques, caravanserays, domes, 6000 year old history, natural resources, and delicious cuisine, Kayseri is one of the most famous cities in Anatolia.
A. HISTORY
If we look at the historical works, we’ll understand that first settlement in Kayseri was built in B.C 3000. It is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia. We learn lots of special information about the settlers from the archeological excavations in Kultepe Tumulus. The
literary which came to Anatolia in B.C 2000 was found in the same area. After the Malazgirt Victory of Seljuklu (1071), Bizantians failed and lots of Turkish principalities developed in the Anatolia.In 1169, Kayseri became a part of Anatolian Seljuklu.
In 1330, it became a part of a Turkish principality. Then in 1463, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire.
After the years of national struggle, Kayseri became a city in 1924.
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
1. MOSQUES
a. Hunat Mosque
It was built in 1238 by I. Alaaddin Keykubat (king of Seljuklu). It is wooden.
b. Haci Kilic Mosque
It was built in 1249 by II. Giyaseddin Keyhusrev.
c. Kursunlu Mosque
It was built in the 16. century by Haci Ahmet Pasha.
d. Ulu Mosque ( The Big Mosque)
It was built in 1142 by Melik Mehmet Gazi.
2. DOMES
a. Ali Cafer Dome
It was built after 13. century and it is located in Melikgazi.
b. Double Dome
It was built in 1247 by I. Alaaddin Keykubat.
c. Circle Dome
It was built by Sah Cihan Princess.