Istanbul Naval Museum
The Istanbul Naval Museum is one of the most prominent cultural destinations in the city, showcasing the history of Ottoman naval navigation through its vast collection of maritime artifacts and models. Established in 1897, the museum features a unique collection of historical ships and naval weaponry, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich Ottoman maritime heritage and the significance of the sea in the region's history.
History of the Naval Museum in Turkey
The Istanbul Naval Museum was founded in 1897 thanks to Ottoman Navy Minister Bozcaadalı Hasan Hüsnü Pasha, under the orders of Sultan Abdul Hamid II. The museum initially operated in a small building within a shipyard but was relocated to the Anatolian side during World War II to protect its collection from potential damage.
Interior Design of the Museum
The Istanbul Naval Museum consists of two main buildings. The first building houses a diverse collection of Turkish naval ship models, as well as ships gifted to the Turkish Navy by other countries and vessels that Turkey fought against and captured. Be sure to explore these models and learn about their history through the accompanying informative panels.
This building also features ships used by the Janissaries in Ottoman wars, which undergo periodic restoration to preserve them from the effects of weather and humidity. These unique historical ships will leave you in awe.
The second building contains items related to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, who ended the Ottoman reign in the early 20th century. This section also includes sailors' belongings, maritime maps, and pieces from yachts, giving you a comprehensive insight into modern Turkish naval history.
Don't forget to visit the museum's basement, where ship figureheads and decorations are displayed.
Key Exhibits in the Naval Museum
The Istanbul Naval Museum houses over 20,000 items, including sultanic caiques, weapons, uniforms, insignias, sultan signatures, patents, coins, stamps, manuscripts, furniture, and many other artifacts. Throughout the year, the museum hosts various exhibitions and specialized sections, such as the Maritime History Archive and the Maritime Expertise Library, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to delve into the maritime history of Turkey and the Ottoman Empire.
After your tour, you can continue your historical journey by visiting the nearby Sinan Pasha Mosque, built in the mid-16th century, located directly across from the museum—a perfect conclusion to a culturally enriching experience.
Visiting Hours of the Istanbul Naval Museum
The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends. The last admission is at 4 PM on weekdays and 5 PM on weekends. The museum remains open every day except for January 1, the first day of religious holidays, and Mondays.
Entrance Fees
As of 2023, the entrance fee to the Istanbul Naval Museum is 200 Turkish Lira. If you wish to take photographs inside the museum, an additional fee applies alongside the ticket price. For video recording, the charges are slightly higher. The museum also offers audio guides in several languages, including Turkish, German, Japanese, English, Spanish, and Arabic, with an extra charge for each language.
Location and How to Reach the Naval Museum
The Naval Museum is located in the Beşiktaş district on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. To reach the museum, you can take public buses 63, 58A, 41E, 29D, 29C, and 27E, and get off at the Beşiktaş Meydan stop.