Naval Museum

The Naval Museum is one of the most superior museum in Turkey, in terms of richness of its collections thus a very important culturel museum in the World. The collection of the museum consists of 4 galleries, 2 exhibition rooms, kid's room, cinevision, 2 art galleries and 2 foyers. Exhibition includes The Navy in Turkey and Cartography and Navigational Instruments.

Summary Of Naval Museum History

In 1897, Naval Museum was established under the name of "The Museum and Library Administration Office" in a small building in the Imperial Dockyard with Sultan Abdulhamit II's permission. The museum served in various buildings regarding to conditions of that time. Finally, in 1961, the Museum was moved to a building in Beşiktaş. The historical boats collection consisting of the galley and the imperail caiques was transferred to this building. The collection was opened to public in "The Gallery of Historical Caiques" in 1971.  At the building of the museum had been designed as depot, there had been problems with preserving and exhibiting the collection.

By 2005 it was decided to renovate the building. The construction of restoration completed in 2013 and the whole collection transferred to the building again. The new museum began to welcome its visitors by October 2013.

What will you see at your visit to Naval Museum in Istanbul with kids?

On your visit to Naval Museum in Istanbul with children, you will find the uniforms of Turkish sailors, models of Turkish naval vessels, and paintings, engravings and maps related to Turkish maritime history. I am sure you will most like the Imperial caiques which are on display at the lover floor, which are very oriental dated.

As you stepped down the stairs, you will notice the busts of very best known Turkish commanders of Naval history of the world on your right hand side, such as the Magnifecent Suleyman, Piri Reis and Barboras Hayrettin Paşa (as known Barbarossa). On the left you will see the photos of Ataturk the founder of Turkish Republic on the sea as well as the caiques he used to sail.

Just at the end of the stairs you will find the only sample of on earth historic galiot from 15th century, which had been renovated by Sultan Mehmet. From my point of view this is a must see an epical gally with its 24 pair of paddles and 40metres long.

At the lover floor you will find the big Imperial caiques and at upper floor small ones are exhibited.

The Naval Museum shows us how the Naval Army used to be in the former times and is also the exhibition of local and imperial families lived and enjoyed the Golden Horn and Bosphorus shoreline.

How can Families get to Naval Museum?

The museum is located on the Bosphorus shore close to Besiktas bus station and ferry dock. There are dolmuses (minibuses) run up to Taksim Square and to Harbiye, where Turkey's major military museum is located.

Location: Sinanpaşa Mahallesi, Beşiktaş Cd. 6/1, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Google maps: See the link please

Where can Families eat after  Naval Museum visit?

The Naval Museum is located in Beşiktaş village which is a very crowdy one of Istanbul. You can find doner in the market street, which is across the museum. If you are visiting the museum in summer time, you can have toast with the traditional Turkish tea by shoreline. There are tea houses close to ferry dock.

Local tip: However my all time favourite sandwich with sausage and lemonade for drink. You can easily find the bufet by the bus station and it will be inexpensive and time saving snack on your travel.

A second local tip :

The Ottoman Military Band known as the Mehter performs there most days between 3pm and 4 pm.

Children will love to run through the gigantic caiques and boats and will be memorable  moments for your family!

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Come see Istanbul everyone !