Istanbul Military Museum (Turkish: Askeri
Müze) is dedicated to one thousand years of Turkish military
history. It is one of the leading museums of its kind in the
world.The museum initially opened in Saint Irene Church. Later
in 1950, it was moved to the First Army Headquarters building in
Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Harbiye, not far from the Taksim Square in
Istanbul. Harbiye district (an Ottoman derivation from the
Arabic word harb for warfare) was the site of the Ottoman
imperial military academy, the empire's "West Point" or "Sandhurst"
and is still an important military reserve. The Harbiye Military
Museum is located in downtown Istanbul and is within walking
distance to many local attractions and shopping centers. Old
part of the city, where Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar and many
other historic sites are within 20 min. taxi drive. A leisurely
walk to the Taksim takes about 10 min. Bosphorus shore about 15
min.
