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Istanbul Naval Museum

İstanbul Deniz Müzesi, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Turkey // Islamic Art & Architecture· Istanbul Turkey· maritime history· military· museums & galleries Location: [post_gps_latitude], [post_gps_longitude]

If I was picking a name for this museum, I wouldn’t use the word “naval.” Istanbul Maritime History Museum would be a better fit. Or better yet: Royal Water Taxi Museum. But what impressive water taxis they are!

While there are exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the Turkish Navy, the star attractions of the museum are 14 imperial caiques (royal barges), most of which date to the 19th century.

The caiques—made of wood and long, thin, and powered by a contingent of rowers—are laid out side by side. They take up the two main floors of the museum. Scattered in amongst them is a small number of other assorted rowing boats such as some used by Ataturk.

Imperial caiques were used by the Sultan and his family for day trips in coastal waters. Designed as much to symbolize power as for their function. Some have a kiosk on the stern, inevitably ornately decorated. Some don’t. Many of them have some kind of bird on the bow, representing the empire. Those decorated with coat-of-arms, crescents, and flags were those used by the Sultan. Those decorated with images of leaves, flowers, and fruits were those used by the Harem.

Ranging from the massive wooden imperial caiques to much smaller but no less impressive for the intricacy of their wood inlay and painted decorations, many of the barges are coated in so much gold that it’s a wonder they stayed afloat.

The museum was established in 1897 but has changed location several times since. Since 2013 it has reopened in an impressive new space overlooking the Bosphorus, with walls lined with copper panels and two-story floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the water.

Downstairs, in a basement area, is a collection of ornate figureheads and ship decorations. Unlike the tradition in most other European maritime forces of the time that often used figureheads of mermaids or women, Turkish figureheads typically featured strong, scary, or speedy animals like lions or eagles.

And a couple of smaller rooms off to the side are some ship models, a few exhibits about maritime history, and a section of the famous chain used to block the Golden Horn during Mehmet the Conqueror’s efforts to invade Constantinople in the mid-15th century (sections of the chain are also on display at several other museums in the city).

Photos of Istanbul’s Naval Museum

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Decorative cladding from the Orhaniye. Constructed in England in 1862, she served in the Turkish Navy from 1866 to 1909. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

An imperial caique belonging to the reign of Sultan Resat (1909-1918). Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

The Inebolu Caique was a kind of rowboat used to transport ordnance in the Black Sea during the Turkish War of Independence. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Inside the imperial caique belonging to the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz (1861-1876). Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Depicting the stern of the ship, this model is compiled of original artifacts from a galleon built in the Imperial Dockyard and that served in the Turkish Navy from 1858 to 1903. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

A throne used by Sultans when attending the examinations of naval officers. This throne was used during examinations at the Heybeliada Naval Academy from 1851-1852. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

An imperial caique belonging to the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz (1861-1876). Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum Imperial caïques

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul Naval Museum

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

What to Know Before You Go

  • The Istanbul Naval Museum is an easy walk along the Bosphorus from the Dolmabahçe Palace.
  • It’s in the Besiktas neighborhood (next to Beyoglu). There’s easy access via tram–catch the T1 to Kabatas and then it’s a short walk past the Dolmabahçe Palace. Or if you prefer to arrive by water–and why not?–it’s next to the ferry stops at Kadikoy Pier, with ferries departing from Eminonu.
  • The museum isn’t huge. Budgeting for an hour or so should be plenty. In terms of location, it makes a good pairing with the Dolmabahçe Palace next door.
  • There’s no cafe on site–there’s a vending machine–but there are basic takeout food options across the street in the area nearby.
  • Entry is TL6 for adults; children and students enter free. It’s self-guided–you just wander around at your leisure. Exhibit explanations are somewhat sparing but available in Turkish and English.
  • Check the official website for current opening hours, but in general it’s open 9 to 5 but closed on Mondays, public holidays, and the first days of religious holidays.

Where to Next?

  • National Palaces Painting Museum at Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul
    National Palaces Painting Museum
  • Karakoy Restaurant on the Banks of the Golden Horn
    The Karakoy Waterfront
  • Fishermen on Galata Bridge Istanbul
    Galata Bridge
  • Tourists at the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey
    Istanbul's Ancient Basilica Cistern
  • Topkapi Palace Imperial Council Hall
    The Imperial Council Hall at Topkapi Palace
  • Prayer Hall of Nuruosmaniye Mosque Istanbul
    Nuruosmaniye Mosque
  • Models of Fishing Boats at the Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum) in Lisbon Portugal
    Portugal's Maritime History Museum
  • Seafaring Culture Exhibit at the Maritime Museum of Denmark
    Maritime Museum of Denmark
  • Historic Prison at the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia Argentina
    Ushuaia's Maritime Museum


Travel Advice for Turkey

You can find the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories and information for Turkey (such as entry visa requirements and vaccination requirements) here.

The British and Australian governments offer their own country-specific travel information. You can find the British Government's travel advice for Turkey here and the Australian Government's here.

Health & Vaccinations

The CDC makes country-specific recommendations for vaccinations and health for travelers. You can find their latest information for Turkey here.

David Coleman Photography

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.


Location: Istanbul Naval Museum
Country: Turkey
Coordinates:
      Latitude: 41.041196
      Longitude: 29.005601

      # Islamic Art & Architecture
      # Istanbul Turkey
      # maritime history
      # military
      # museums & galleries



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find my photography gear reviews and tips at havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer.

David Coleman Photography

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

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Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images.
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