Military Museum (Askeri Müze)

Explore Turkey’s Long Military History at The Istanbul Military Museum

Anyone who is interested in Turkey’s military history throughout the ages will find a visit to the Military Museum a great way to spend a few hours. You can easily combine this morning or afternoon out with another nearby attraction, and there is certainly plenty of those to keep you occupied!

The Istanbul Military Museum is located in the Harbiye district of the city, and is spread over two main buildings in close proximity to each other. This area was originally used as a military training base, to help train and educate offices of the army during the Ottoman Empire’s years. In actual fact, the word ‘Harbiye’ actually means ‘military academy’ or close to that description. Nobody is sure whether the district’s name came first, or the actual training centre itself, but either way, it’s a great coincidence and very fitting!

What Can You See at Istanbul’s Military Museum?

Of course, we know that during the Ottoman Empire’s ruling years in particular, there was much need for military intervention of different kinds, but even after that time and through various times in history, the Turkish army has been called into action. The museum dedicates itself to showing visitors various relics and artefacts from military history, as well as educating them on what happened, how it happened, and the training of the officers involved.

The first floor of the museum is your first port of call and will show you various weapons which were used across Turkey’s rich military history. You will also be able to see the various uniforms that were worn during those times too. The history dates back as far as the Byzantine times, right up to the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and into the years when the Republic was formed.

As you venture up towards the second floor, you can learn in more detail about specific events, such as the Gallipoli War, and all about the great Ataturk and his history. Of course, Ataturk is a hugely influential and important figure in Turkish history and it is vital that you learn more about him, the history connected to him, and his legacy, when you visit Istanbul too. This museum will help you do that, and at least give you an introduction, so you can go on to further educate yourself at the other spots across the city which are dedicated to his memory. Remember, the great Dolmabahce Palace has very strong links with Ataturk, and is another spot you simply have to visit. Ironically, this isn’t too far away from the Military Museum too, so you can visit both in the space of one day, and really give yourself an educational time of it!

Within the Military Museum itself there are more than 55,000 different objects from various eras throughout history, and you’ll see specific exhibits which change from time to time, according to history and special anniversaries throughout history. The main exhibition halls contain 5000 different artefacts alone!

Istanbul Military Museum’s Resident Band

Another interesting feature in the Military Museum is what could loosely be referred to as the ‘resident band’. This is a traditional marching band, referred to as a ‘mehter’. This is an old Ottoman Janissary band.

The company which performs this is called the Mehteran company and they are the oldest band of the same type in the world. You can see the band at the museum, and there are two performances throughout the day. Check when you attend to find out the exact timings, as these change according to need and the specific day. This company also travel nationally and internationally, keeping the spirit of the time alive, and showing a different side to Turkish history and culture.

Visiting the Istanbul Military Museum

The Military Museum is open from 9am until 5pm on Wednesdays to Sundays, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Remember to check ahead of time on public holidays, as the museum may be closed during these times.

Visiting the museum is easy, as there are regular buses which run to Harbiye from various points of the city. If you’re staying in the Taksim or Besiktas area and it is a nice sunny day, you could even walk, as the distance isn’t too great, and should only take you around 20 to 30 minutes maximum.

The fee to enter the Military Museum is just 5TL, and there are various other sights of interest close by, to complete your day of Istanbul sightseeing!