Naval Museum, Maritime military museum in Beşiktaş district, Turkey
The Istanbul Naval Museum is a military institution displaying thousands of ship models, maritime equipment, and historical naval artifacts across three levels. The collection documents centuries of Ottoman and Turkish maritime history with comprehensive exhibits.
The institution was established in 1897 by an Ottoman official and occupied various locations over the decades before undergoing major modernization and reopening in 2013. The renovation brought updated exhibition spaces and contemporary installations.
The museum houses an Ottoman galley from the late 16th century with one of the oldest surviving wooden hulls, showing the craftsmanship of Turkish shipbuilders of that era. Visitors can observe how these vessels were constructed and equipped during that period.
The museum is located near the ferry terminal and opens Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours on weekends. Visitors should be prepared for multiple staircases, as exhibits are spread across three floors.
The basement displays sections of a Byzantine chain historically used to block enemy vessels from entering the Golden Horn. This rare artifact offers direct insight into medieval defense techniques.
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