MILITARY MUSEUM (HARBIYE ASKERI MÜZE)

Originally conceived as a military school in 1841 - the role it retains until 1936 - it was rebuilt in 1862 as a result of a fire, and welcomes Atatürk as a pupil of 1899-1905. The idea of making it a museum appears in 1966 but it only becomes concrete in 1985, while undergoing changes and further additions. The exhibits and collections presented are the direct inheritance of the Ottoman Empire, more specifically the church of Sainte-Irène, transformed into arsenal after conquest of Constantinople. Naturally, over time, old military weapons and equipment accumulate, replacing with new ones. Sultan Ahmed III (1703-1730) orders an inventory to be carried out to expose them. But it will take the th century, when the museum concept arrives in Istanbul. The pieces are constantly being enriched, and they are transferred in 1949, not far from the current building. With more than 45 000 pieces, a spacious building becomes imperative, even if at present only 5 000 pieces are exposed (which is already not bad), among those found interesting. The 28 spacious rooms are divided by themes and periods. The choice is quite sensible, since we are not merely putting the weapons first. On the contrary, alongside a rich collection of arms, we find uniforms, tents, cars, flags, arms, correspondence, reconstructions, musical instruments, etc. The visit begins with the history of the museum and continues with the arches (th-century). As a former student of the essential school, Atatürk has a special room, even if it is found elsewhere in other parts. Even treatment for the adored figures of Turkish history, such as Mehmed II the Conqueror. From the eleventh room, themes address more specific topics: the period of Meşrutiyet (constitutional government), the First World War, the war of the Dardanelles, etc. Moreover, the museum being out of the traditional tourist circuits, you will be very comfortable during the visit, except for some days when local groups landed in large numbers (pupils, associations, etc.). And finally, the mehter show revives this famous music that Ottoman armies used in battles (between 15 h and 16 h on opening days). Quite simply impressive: This is the museum show, but it's beautiful!