All war museums to visit in Turkey

Explore the history and impact of conflicts at 25 war museums in Turkey. These museums offer insights into military history, strategies, and the human experiences of war.

Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in Turkey:

  1. Rumelihisarı1

    Rumelihisarı

     Sarıyer
    Rumeli Hisarı, also known as Rumelian Castle, is a fortress located in the north of the Bebek district in Istanbul, Turkey. This historical site is situated on a hill in the Rumelian part of the Bosphorus and is named after the surrounding neighborhood. The fortress was built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II between 1451 and 1452, prior to the fall of Constantinople.
  2. Çimenlik Castle2

    Çimenlik Castle

     Canakkale
    Çimenlik Castle, also known as Kale-i Sultaniye, is a historical site located on the Asian shore of the Dardanelles in Turkey. Constructed in 1452, the castle now serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history.
  3. Istanbul Aviation Museum3

    Istanbul Aviation Museum

     Bakırköy
    The Istanbul Aviation Museum, also known as the Turkish Air Force Museum, is a unique destination for aviation enthusiasts. Owned and operated by the Turkish Air Force, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the history of aviation in Turkey. Visitors can explore various warplanes, helicopters, and weapons used by the Turkish Air Force, as well as civilian air transport and many samples of Turkish aeronautics history, starting from the Ottoman era.
  4. Istanbul Military Museum4

    Istanbul Military Museum

     Şişli
    The Istanbul Military Museum is a world-renowned institution that showcases a millennium of Turkish military history. This museum is considered one of the leading establishments of its kind globally, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the evolution of military strategies, weaponry, and uniforms over the centuries.
  5. Panorama 1453 History Museum5

    Panorama 1453 History Museum

     Zeytinburnu
    The Panorama 1453 Historical Museum, located in Istanbul, is a significant historical site that opened its doors to the public on 31 January 2009. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the conquest of the city of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror on 29 May 1453.
  6. Sinop Fortress Prison6

    Sinop Fortress Prison

     Sinop
    The Sinop Fortress Prison, located in Sinop, Turkey, is a historical site that was once a state prison. Established in 1887 within the Sinop Fortress, it was one of the oldest prisons in Turkey. The prison was closed down in 1997, and the inmates were transferred to a newly built prison in Sinop.
  7. Museum of Independence, Eskişehir7

    Museum of Independence, Eskişehir

     Eskisehir
    The Museum of Independence, known as Kurtuluş Müzesi in Turkish, is a historical museum located in the city of Eskişehir, Turkey. It was established on October 29, 2016, and is situated in the Odunpazarı district. The museum is dedicated to the Turkish War of Independence, making it a significant site for those interested in Turkish history.
  8. USS  Gudgeon  (SS-567)8

    USS Gudgeon (SS-567)

     İzmit
    The USS Gudgeon holds the distinction of being the first American submarine to circumnavigate the globe. This historic voyage was navigated by Lt. Leon Leroy Stine Jr., who passed away on January 30, 2018. Visitors to the submarine can learn about this remarkable journey and the man who navigated it, adding a historical context to their visit.
  9. 9

    Haritacılık Müzesi

     Ankara
    The Haritacılık Müzesi, or Cartography Museum, is a military museum located in the Cebeci district of Ankara. It is situated within the central barracks of the General Directorate of Maps, an institution affiliated with the Ministry of National Defense. This location gives the museum a unique historical and military context that adds to the richness of its exhibits.
  10. Istanbul Naval Museum10

    Istanbul Naval Museum

     Beşiktaş
    The Istanbul Naval Museum is the largest maritime museum in Turkey and is recognized globally for the diversity of its collection. The museum houses approximately 20,000 items, making it a significant destination for those interested in maritime history and culture.
  11. USS  Eversole  (DD-789)11

    USS Eversole (DD-789)

     İzmit
    The USS Eversole (DD-789) is a Gearing-class destroyer that served in the United States Navy. It was named after Lieutenant (junior grade) John T. Eversole, a naval aviator who lost his life in the Battle of Midway. This historical connection adds a layer of significance to the ship, making it a point of interest for those interested in naval history and World War II.
  12. İnciraltı Sea Museum12

    İnciraltı Sea Museum

     Balçova
    The İnciraltı Sea Museum, also known as the İzmir Museum Ships, is a maritime museum situated in the city of İzmir, Turkey. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the social, historical, and economic development of maritime activities through the exhibits displayed on three museum ships anchored at the İnciraltı Pier in the Balçova district.
  13. Bolu Museum13

    Bolu Museum

     Bolu
    The Bolu Museum is located in the city of Bolu, Turkey. This city was a significant part of the Bithynia kingdom in ancient times. The museum is a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
  14. Museum of the Nationalist Forces in Balıkesir14

    Museum of the Nationalist Forces in Balıkesir

     Karesi
    Located at Anafartalar Cad. 58 in Balıkesir, the Museum of the Nationalist Forces is open to the public every day except Monday, from 8:30 to 17:00 local time. This information is crucial for planning your visit to ensure you can fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  15. Mudanya Armistice House15

    Mudanya Armistice House

     Mudanya
    The Mudanya Armistice House is a significant historical site in Mudanya, Turkey. It is the location where the treaty that acknowledged the Republic of Turkey was signed. This event marked a pivotal moment in the country's history, making the museum a place of great historical significance. Visitors can explore the house and learn about the events that led to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
  16. Anadolu Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Tarihi Müzesi16

    Anadolu Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Tarihi Müzesi

     Eskisehir
    The Eskişehir Republic History Museum, also known as the Anadolu University Republic History Museum, is situated in the Odunpazarı region. This museum was inaugurated by Anadolu University on April 23, 1994. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the Republic era of Turkey.
  17. Panorama 1453 History Museum17

    Panorama 1453 History Museum

     Beyoğlu Station, Tünel Line
    The Panorama 1453 Historical Museum, located in Istanbul, is a significant historical site that opened its doors to the public on 31 January 2009. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the conquest of the city of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror on 29 May 1453.
  18. Yedikule Fortress18

    Yedikule Fortress

     Istanbul
    For centuries, the Golden Gate served as the entrance for victorious armies. After achieving victories in Europe and the Balkans, the commanders and their armies would make their triumphant entry into the city through this gate, then known as the Porta Aurea. This historical fact adds a layer of significance to the gate, making it a symbol of victory and triumph.
  19. Turkish State Cemetery19

    Turkish State Cemetery

     Yenimahalle
    The Turkish State Cemetery, located in Ankara, is a significant national and military cemetery. It is the final resting place of the presidents of Turkey and the high-ranked, close companions-in-arms of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, who fought in the Turkish War of Independence. This cemetery serves as a testament to the country's history and the individuals who played a crucial role in its formation.
  20. Çubuk Şehir Müzesi20

    Çubuk Şehir Müzesi

     Çubuk
    The Çubuk City Museum is situated in the Çubuk district of Ankara. It was established in 2015 in the Bekir Ağalar Mansion, which is one of the few historical buildings in the district. The mansion was restored and arranged to serve as the museum.
  21. Batı Cephesi Karargahı müzesi21

    Batı Cephesi Karargahı müzesi

     Akşehir
    The Akşehir Western Front Headquarters Museum is located in a building that has historical significance. This building played a crucial role during the National War of Independence. It served as the headquarters for the Western Front, where important decisions and plans were made. This makes the museum not only a place of historical interest but also a site of national importance.
  22. Çeşme Museum22

    Çeşme Museum

     Çeşme
    The Çeşme Museum is located within the Çeşme Castle in the district of Çeşme, İzmir Province, Turkey. This general interest museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region within the historic walls of the castle.
  23. 23

    Çanakkale Destanı Tanıtım Merkezi

     Eceabat
    Kabatepe, also known as Gaba Tepe, is a promontory that offers a view of the northern Aegean Sea. It is situated in the Gallipoli Peninsula National Historical Park, which is located in the Gallipoli Peninsula in northwestern Turkey. This location is significant due to its historical relevance and the breathtaking views it offers.
  24. 24

    Kırıkkale MKE Weapons Industry Museum

     Kırıkkale
    The Kırıkkale MKE Weapons Industry Museum, also known as MKE Silahsan Private Museum, was established within the MKE Kırıkkale Weapons Factory on July 15, 1990. After undergoing a renovation, the museum reopened to visitors on November 2, 1993. This museum is a significant part of Kırıkkale's history and culture, offering a unique insight into the evolution of weapons manufacturing in the region.
  25. 25

    Ankara Aviation Museum

     Yenimahalle
    The Ankara Aviation Museum is a military-based museum dedicated to aviation. It is owned and operated by the Turkish Air Force. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the history and development of aviation in Turkey, with a particular focus on military aviation.