Istanbul's Askerî Müze (Military Museum) in a Dozen Photos

Front Gate and Outdoor Exhibits
(The Large Cannon Once Defended the Dardanelles)

A highlight for me on my visits to Istanbul were visits to the Askeri Müze and Kültür Sitesi (national Military Museum and Culture Site). It was built as a Military Academy in 1841 and served as such until 1936.  Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Republic of Turkey, studied here from 1899 to 1905. The building was restored in 1966 turned into a modern military museum, preserving its historical and architectural character. In 1993 historical and cultural artifacts were transferred from other museums. This expanded collection covers Turkish and Ottoman history from the migrations from Central Asia of the Turkic people up to the post World War One War of Independence. By the way, I found the quality and enthusiasm of the guides equal to that of the young Canadians who staff Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel.

Here is a set photos to give you a sense of this fine museum.  Of course, visit it if you can some day.

Click on Images to Enlarge

Entrance to the Main Building

Attila the Hun, Who Failed to Capture Constantinople 

Diorama of the Siege of 1453

Items Captured at Gallipoli

Mustafa Kemal Instructing His Officers

Diorama (Detail) of Helles Landing, 25 April 1915

Painting (Detail): Mustafa Kemal Directs the Defense at Anzac,
25 April 1915

Limousine of  Ahmed Cemal Pasha, Minister of the Navy 

Turkish Uniforms of the WWI Period

Mustafa Kemal's Sidearm 

Mehter Takımı, the Traditional Military Band, Gives Concerts Each Day