| subscribe | magstore.nz/boatingnewzealand Boating New Zealand 49
Entirely refurbished in 2013, this museum captures the Ottoman
Navy’s splendour – and has a particularly good collection of the
imperial caiques that belonged to various Ottoman Sultans. he
most important of them is the 40m Kadirga, a ceremonial galley
used for parades.
She was powered by 24 rowers, resplendent in colourful
uniforms. At the stern is the canopy for the sovereign, inlaid with
mother-of-pearl. he exact age of the Kadirga is uncertain, but
radiocarbon tests place her oldest parts from the 17th century.
he remaining caiques date to the 19th century, often described
as the most romantic and melancholic period in Ottoman history.
his large leet of ceremonial caiques is also interpreted as an attempt
to disguise the decline of the House of Osman and the growing
dependence of the Ottoman Empire on foreign powers.Many other vessels are on display – including a small rowing boat
that belonged to Kemal Atatürk – the Turkish general so efective in
the Gallipoli campaign. he exhibition boasts scale models of various
Ottoman ships, semi-hulls, navigation instruments, uniforms,
engravings, paintings and decorations that belonged to the last ships
of the Ottoman leet, and many irearms.
Among the latter is a small but mysterious Habsburg culverin
(cannon), captured by the Turks at the gates of Vienna. It features
a curious, dragon-like muzzle.NAVAL MUSEUM
Sinanpasa Mahallesi
Besiktas Cd. 6/1
34353 Besiktas/Istanbul
Opening time: 9am-5pm; weekends 10am-6pm.THE NAVAL MUSEUM, ISTANBUL
TURKEYBLACK SEABosphorusMEDITERRANEAN SEA