Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in Turkey:
1Rumelihisarı
SarıyerRumeli 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. 2Çimenlik Castle
CanakkaleÇimenlik 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. 3Istanbul Aviation Museum
BakırköyThe 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. 4Istanbul Military Museum
ŞişliThe 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. 5Panorama 1453 History Museum
ZeytinburnuThe 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. 6Sinop Fortress Prison
SinopThe 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. 7Museum of Independence, Eskişehir
EskisehirThe 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. 8USS Gudgeon (SS-567)
İzmitThe 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
Haritacılık Müzesi
AnkaraThe 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. 10Istanbul Naval Museum
BeşiktaşThe 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. 11USS Eversole (DD-789)
İzmitThe 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. 12İnciraltı Sea Museum
BalçovaThe 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. 13Bolu Museum
BoluThe 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. 14Museum of the Nationalist Forces in Balıkesir
KaresiLocated 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. 15Mudanya Armistice House
MudanyaThe 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. 16Anadolu Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Tarihi Müzesi
EskisehirThe 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. 17Panorama 1453 History Museum
Beyoğlu Station, Tünel LineThe 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. 18Yedikule Fortress
IstanbulFor 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. 19Turkish State Cemetery
YenimahalleThe 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. 20Çubuk Şehir Müzesi
ÇubukThe 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. 21Batı Cephesi Karargahı müzesi
AkşehirThe 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. 22Çeşme Museum
ÇeşmeThe 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
Çanakkale Destanı Tanıtım Merkezi
EceabatKabatepe, 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
Kırıkkale MKE Weapons Industry Museum
KırıkkaleThe 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
Ankara Aviation Museum
YenimahalleThe 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.