Istanbul Military Museum

87

In this article, I will talk about the Istanbul Military Museum with an emphasis on the exhibition dedicated to the medieval stories Turkey. Due to the fact that the museum has the largest collection weapons in the world, it will be difficult to tell about the whole museum.

As a theater begins with a hanger, a museum of any army begins with a courtyard: there are usually huge war machines that do not fit into any buildings, do not fit any premises. Somewhere these are rockets, somewhere planes, but in the large courtyard of the museum of the Turkish army there are, or rather, lie huge cannons of the XNUMXth century, which made the Turkish state a world empire. The guns that took the capital of the then world, Constantinople, for the Ottoman state, turning it into Istanbul or Istanbul.




A gun. XNUMXth century Such weapons ensured the victory of the army of Mehmed the Conqueror or Fatih over the empire of the Romans, opening, through the gap in the wall of Theodosius II, the path to hegemony in the Eastern Mediterranean, and over the entire Mediterranean basin as a whole for centuries. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

The gun in the photo weighs 11 tons and fired cannonballs up to 218 kg in weight. The length of the gun is 3,16 m. The diameter of the powder chamber is inferior to the diameter of the barrel. Eight rings fasten the cannon, which is decoratively decorated in the oriental fashion of its period.

Now these guns rightfully stand in the courtyard, at the entrance to the monumental Museum of the Turkish Army.

Right there, at the entrance, next to the tools of the XV and XX centuries. stands the most massive Soviet-made light tank of the 30s of the twentieth century. - T-26. It was based on the light tank Mk.E, created by Vickers-Armstrong and acquired by the USSR. The T-26 was supplied to a number of countries, including Turkey. Only 64 of these were delivered to Turkey tank.


Tank T-26. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

I must say that in almost ten years, when I first visited this museum, serious changes took place in it.

Despite the fact that even then it was kept in perfect order, it still gave the impression of our analogue of the Artillery Museum, with walls that had not been whitewashed for a long time and with an exposition that had not been updated since the 50s of the twentieth century.

The history of this museum in Istanbul is significant. It was opened in the building of the huge Church of St. Irene, located on the territory of the Top-Kapy Palace, next to St. Sophia. The huge temple of St. Irene, slightly inferior in area to St. Sophia, became the main Turkish arsenal of the Ottoman Empire - not only Turkish weapons, but also trophy ones were stored here. In 1846 a weapons museum was opened here.


Church of St. Irene. Today this church is used for symphony concerts. Istanbul. Author's photo

It is quite natural that with the growth of the museum's collection, it was moved to the Taksim region, and in 1993 it was moved to a new building in Taksim, the former building of the Military Academy, where the founder of the modern state in Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, studied.

Its area today is 54 thousand square meters. m, and buildings 18 thousand square meters. m.

Today it is a modern museum, with a clear arrangement of rooms, the same presentation of information, added, well, where without it, interactive. Lots of tables and charts. The museum has many models of warriors, both on horseback and on foot. There is a diorama of the assault and capture of Constantinople in 1453. And, of course, endless collections of weapons, both Turkish and other countries.

My story will be about the thematic halls of the museum related to the stages of the military, and not only, the history of the Turks, and I will also tell you how contacts with our country are presented.


Model warrior of the early Ottoman Empire. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

As if anticipating the exposition, at the entrance of the museum there are all kinds of ceremonial and richly decorated weapons from the early period of the Ottoman Empire to the XNUMXth century.

And the exposition itself begins with the history of the Turks, modern paintings and diagrams, models of warriors are presented here. All this tells about the ancestors of the Turks, the Turkic peoples. Of course, the basis of the exposition is the history of the Huns. The absence of artefacts from this period is compensated by diagrams and interactive.


A bust of Attila stands in a place of honor in the Istanbul Army Museum. Author's photo

The emphasis on pan-Turkism appeared in the museum after a number of expositions were changed when R. Erdogan came to power. Many other changes related to the presentation of the history of Turkey are also associated with it. So, a grandiose panorama of the capture of Constantinople in 1453 was built at the place where a breach was made in the wall of Theodosius II, right at the exit from Istanbul - "Constantinople".

With the release of the epic series "The Magnificent Age", a lot of historical series and films were launched.

From a historical point of view, it can be stated that Erdogan and his policy aimed at raising or, rather, satisfying the claims of national self-consciousness is not accidental. Turkey has become a capitalist country with a 90% urban population, which means that nationalist sentiments and claims, an inseparable part of the mentality of the citizens of any capitalist country, require just such a presentation of information.

In the first hall there are many reconstructions of Hunnic weapons from bows and arrows to complete equipment of a warrior. And you can trace the history from the Xiongnu to the Huns. Of course, there was a story about the defeats that the Huns inflicted on China.


Xiongnu siege of the Chinese capital. Author's photo

The Turkic history continues in the halls, which tells about the formation and history of the Oguzes, the Seljuk Turks. They could not get around in the museum and the story about the songs of the white-bearded old man Dede Gorgud or Kirkut. An important epic for the history of the Turkic peoples, telling about the campaigns, heroes and battles of the steppe tribes, their struggle for a place under the steppe sun.

Interestingly, starting from the painting depicting Dede Kirkut, many new paintings about the historical period of the Turks and Turks were painted by the contemporary Russian artist A. M. Samsonov. Alexander Maratovich Samsonov is a successor to the traditions of Greek battle painting, the son of the famous Soviet battle painter M. I. Samsonov, the creator of paintings about the Great Patriotic War, the restorer of the Borodino panorama and a participant in the creation of Soviet dioramas, such as the Battle of Stalingrad. His paintings adorn the walls of the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of Russia.

And his son's large and high-quality battle paintings adorned the Istanbul Military Museum.

It should be noted that Alexander Maratovich himself created many battle paintings on military topics in the history of our country, including the epic diorama "Baptism of Prince Vladimir's troops in Chersonesos."

And in the next room, the formation of the Seljuks and their seizure of vast land areas in Asia is presented. The swift victories of the Seljuks, which in the 30s of the XI century. only received the right of vassalage under the Ghaznavids, in May 1040 they defeated them at Dandanak or near Merv, near the modern city of Mary. In this battle, the Ghaznavids used elephants, but the light Turkish cavalry exhausted the enemy in a three-day battle, finally turning him to flight.

Interestingly, when writing a picture depicting the victory of the Seljuk Turks at Dandanak, images of the artist Angus McBride from the Osprey publishing house were used.


Battle of Dandanak 1040 Painting. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

And, of course, all these victories of the Seljuks end with the battle of Manzikern in 1071. The museum has a mini diorama depicting three stages of the battle of Manzikern: the attack of the Turkish cavalry, the defeat of the Byzantines and the captive emperor in front of Sultan Alp-Arslan.

It was a landmark battle for the Seljuk Turks, and ill-fated for the Byzantine Empire. The Turks saw that a mighty empire, which they believed to be best avoided, a country with a powerful army and an emperor like a god, turned out to be a colossus with feet of clay. Its commanders are effeminate creatures, and the emperor is a mortal man who can be captured, as Sultan Alp-Arslan did with Roman IV Diogenes.


Battle of Manzikern. 1071 Diorama. The fact of the emperor's capture is depicted on the central part of the diorama. For some reason, captured Byzantines in spangelheims of the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries, and the emperor in a ceremonial helmet, as on coins of the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries. Author's photo

It was this battle that marked the beginning of the end of the Roman Empire. Since in twenty years the entire main territory of the empire in Asia, Asia Minor, will be captured by the Turkish and Oghuz tribes.

The painting by A. M. Samsonov is dedicated to the next famous battle in the history of the Turks. It was the Battle of Mariokefal in 1176. This battle took place between the Seljuk Turks of the Iconian Sultanate and the Byzantine emperor Manuel I Komnenos and put an end to the attempts of the Romans to regain Asia Minor, causing a new influx of Turkish tribes and the final Turkishization and Islamization of the Roman population in these lands.


Battle of Mariokefal. 1176. Artist A. M. Samsonov. Author's photo

But in the picture this battle is depicted exclusively with the crusaders, although the hired knightly cavalry was only part of the Roman army, and they were commanded by Baldwin of Antioch. Crusader warriors are depicted in this battle in topfhelm helmets, in the best traditions of paintings dedicated to the battle on Lake Peipus, although during this period the topfhelm only began to appear, it was not predominant throughout the first half of the XNUMXth century. But since the artist is ours, then the "Western aggressors" should have a helmet-pan on their heads.

As for these battles, which are quite rightly paid attention to in the Istanbul Army Museum, they were significant: in 1071 a formidable blow was dealt, which was consolidated in 1176. The Turks achieved results thanks to the tactics and skill of their riders, who prevailed over superior Byzantine forces.


The founder of the Turkish state, Osman I Gazi. Author's photo

And as a natural result, the next one to whom the museum space is dedicated is the semi-legendary Osman himself or Ataman, Osman I Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The head of the Turkish tribe, who had recently come to Asia Minor and received a place for roaming on the border of Byzantium, converted to Islam. And his tribe began raids - a holy war against the Romans. Osman seriously expanded the territory of his beylik at the expense of Byzantium and laid the foundation for the Ottoman Empire. About the ups and downs of Osman's struggle with the Byzantines, members of secret organizations, Mongols, papal spies, Oguz tribes, a costumed Turkish series "Foundation: Osman" was filmed.

The museum contains a damaged helmet, which is attributed to the son of the founder of the Ottoman state, Osman, Sultan Orhan Gazi (1326-1363). Turkish and related helmets from Western Asia in the XNUMXth century. not so much has come down to us, another thing is Turkish helmets of the XNUMXth century. and even more so the XNUMXth century, which are identified quite clearly.


Helmet of Sultan Orhan Ghazi. Author's photo

Sources give us little detailed information about how events unfolded at this time, it can be said that the expansion of the early Ottoman state proceeded rapidly. And the short-sighted emperors of the Byzantine Empire, which was extremely reduced in size, began to attract Turks as mercenaries to their civil strife. We call them “short-sighted” very conditionally, they didn’t have much options.

With the capture of Asia Minor, the loss of Armenia, which began at the end of the 20th century, there was, in principle, nowhere to take an army. Periodic losses of 40-XNUMX thousand soldiers per battle became irreplaceable. In Byzantium, there were simply no military reserves left, since there were no lands. And the mercenaries, realizing what their strength was, began to seize the lands of the empire themselves, whether they were Turks or Catalans.

With the capture of new lands, the Turks experienced an increase in population, and the wars that went on under the slogan of “fighting the infidels” attracted crowds of “ghazis” and new nomadic Turkish tribes from Central Asia to the Ottoman troops.

The museum has a wonderful picture, which depicts the first independent crossing of the Turks to Europe on rafts and boats. The Ottoman Turks, who were in Asia Minor surrounded by their fellow believers, after the capture of Byzantine possessions, had practically no opportunity to expand their borders.


Crossing to Europe. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

And here, by the way, the Byzantine emperors, who attracted them to the service, where they received a double benefit: payment as mercenaries and loot from the Roman and Bulgarian population, saw the way for their expansion. Thus began the rapid seizure of the lands weakened by the endless strife of the Slavs: the Bulgarians and the Serbs.

The semi-legendary Ottoman commander Haji Gazi Evrenos Bey, semi-legendary, as he allegedly lived for 129 years, took an active part in these battles. However, he participated in the main battles against the Slavic states in Europe, when they were conquered by the Turks.


Armor (chain mail), presumably, as indicated in the museum, belonged to the commander Haji Gazi Evrenos Bey. Early XNUMXth century Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

The museum displays armor or chain mail from the beginning of the XNUMXth century. this commander.

And now we come to a huge exposition of Turkish weapons of the XV-XVII centuries.

It must be said that oriental weapons, by the way, like ancient Russian ones, are often perceived as all in one person, nevertheless, it can be said with confidence that the armor of the XNUMXth century, which is quite rare, was mainly with a small number of inclusions of mirrors or plates, in different from the XNUMXth century. The farther, the more combined armor is found, with the addition of mirrors and plates. The strengthening of armor, as in Europe, is associated with the growth of the capabilities of small arms, of course, primarily firearms.

The second dating factor is the weaving itself. The farther, the weaving and fastening is more difficult, and in the early periods there are no chain mail with clasps at all. Mail weaving varied depending on the masters and was different for different ethnic groups or peoples. For example, the Hungarian weaving of the XNUMXth century consisted of very small rings, there was practically no room for empty spaces, unlike Turkish.


An example of weaving with a fastener, the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

And the last, connected with ringed armor. Sometimes, but not always, it was practiced to use the armor of an earlier period with its subsequent modernization. But modernization in armor was not always welcomed, since there was always a fashion in weapons and equipment, and no one wanted to look “like from the last century”. One can, for example, recall the beret of d'Artagnan, which caused Rochefort to laugh.

For a better "presentation" of weapons in museums and arsenals, which we know for certain, museum workers in the XNUMXth century. combined armor and their details from different periods.

Below I will illustrate these observations with two armors from the Istanbul Museum. As they say, find two differences.


Armor (mail) of Turkish production: on the left is armor dating from the XNUMXth century, on the right - the XNUMXth century. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

Next comes the hall dedicated to the wars in the Balkans, in particular the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. Artifacts of the XIV century. there is very little in the museum, but the XNUMXth century is beautifully presented, including the weapons of Western Europeans.

However, the XNUMXth century for some reason, drops out of artifacts in all museums and arsenals of the world, with rare exceptions.

The museum has a gigantic collection of Western European weapons dating back to the XNUMXth century, but there are absolutely no Byzantine weapons in it. Maybe because the Romans already used the equipment of Western Europeans and Turks? Although some surviving frescoes of the same XIV century. we see warriors in equipment that originates in the early periods of Byzantine history. But the museum contains the real flag of the Roman Empire, as well as the chains or part of the chains that protected the Golden Horn Bay, the other part is in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.

So, all the halls of weapons of the XV century. centered around a small diorama dedicated to the siege and capture of Constantinople in 1453.


A fragment of a diorama of the siege of Constantinople in 1453. The Turks have already captured the tower, through which troops will pour into the city. In the foreground is Mehmed the Conqueror with his retinue. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

And here is what the Janissaries looked like during the fighting and the siege of Constantinople, a reconstruction from the museum shows us:


The photo below shows cannons from the 58,5th century museum that could have taken part in the siege of Constantinople. The size of the guns is from 79 to XNUMX cm.


Turkish guns of the XNUMXth century. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

After the capture of Constantinople, the Turks began active wars in the eastern Mediterranean, hence the huge number of European weapons in the museum.

Here, for example, are presented below in order: sallet Italy of the 1480th century, sallet Germany XNUMXs, barbut from Milan, XNUMXth century, barbut Sev. Italy, XNUMXth century


Western European helmets. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

The museum also has equipment for non-European opponents of the Ottomans, such as the Mamluks:


Mamluk swords XIV-XV centuries. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

What weapons the Turks used to resist the Europeans can be seen in the numerous halls of the museum: swords and sabers that replaced them, beautifully decorated shields and full armament of horsemen and horses, including head protection, are presented here.


Turkish sabers XV-XVI centuries. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

The full equipment of the rider was not much inferior to European equipment, although, as we wrote above, it was ringed protection or armor with metal inserts (mirrors) or metal plates.


Rider and infantryman. XNUMXth century Models. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

This is not the end of our story about Turkish weapons, but we will continue it in the articles of the cycle about the siege of Constantinople.

As for the relationship between Russia and Turkey, as I wrote above, there is a Soviet tank right in front of the entrance to the museum.

It is clear that this is a museum of the army, not history, so if a huge number of halls are dedicated to the success of Turkish weapons, especially since the world's largest collection of weapons is presented there, then later events, especially those not related to victories, are presented episodically.

In the armory, a Russian helmet with damages of the XNUMXth century is unexpectedly found. and a halberd.

But the influence of Turkish and Persian weapons on the Russian military style is a different story.


Russian helmet of the XNUMXth century. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

The events of a number of wars between our countries are presented in the paintings of the museum. This is a painting dedicated to the capture of Malakhov Kurgan and the war of 1877-1878. There is also a captured gun made in St. Petersburg in the museum.


A gun. Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

In conclusion, I would like to talk about the orchestra of the Armed Forces or the Janissary orchestra. He performs at the museum in the evening, but not every day.

First, army veterans are seated in places of honor. And then the audience sits down.

This band performs traditional Turkish army combat music. Reminiscent, as the Europeans thought, "barbaric" music. And indeed, this is some kind of cacophony with menacing screams and insane roar of drums. However, many sitting in the hall sing along with the orchestra.

Moreover, this orchestra is the progenitor of all modern military orchestras. The Austrians, who had been at war with the Turks for a long time, adopted it for their army. Mozart's "Turkish March" is also remembered, of course, having little in common with the traditional orchestral music of the Turkish army.


A military band performs at the Istanbul Military Museum. Author's photo

Istanbul Military Museum, which has a huge collection of weapons, is a modern museum with respect for tradition and the army.
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  1. +5
    7 August 2022 05: 17
    The Turks kept the Russian cannon and did not melt it down for medals and the T-26 is in good condition. And our former brothers in the USSR are demolishing monuments in order to distance themselves from everything Russian.
    1. +1
      7 August 2022 06: 48
      Quote: Borik
      T-26 is in good condition.

      Why not. The T-26 was in service in Turkey, they bought it. And you know the climate there. “It’s good there, there are apples” (although I didn’t see Turkish apples request ).
    2. +6
      7 August 2022 08: 38
      Quote: Borik
      The Turks kept the Russian cannon and did not melt it down for medals

      Firstly, this is a mortar, not a cannon. Secondly, in our numerous wars, the Ottoman army also took trophies, and this mortar was far from the only one, but where are the rest of the samples?
      By the way, I paid attention to the captured helmets, the Russian obviously went through a good alteration, but the Western ones seem to have been taken from the arsenals, no dents, no scratches
      Quote: Borik
      T-26 is in good condition.
      Well done. Back in the 50s of the 20th century, they used them as training ones. And so it’s a good reminder of the huge contribution of the USSR to the revival and formation of Turkey, after the defeat in WWI
      1. +9
        7 August 2022 09: 09
        By the way, I paid attention to the captured helmets, the Russian obviously went through a good alteration, but the Western ones seem to have been taken from the arsenals, no dents, no scratches

        I picked these up, there are still with a bunch of dents and holes. But the format of the article did not allow to expose everything.
        hi
        1. +1
          7 August 2022 09: 46
          hi
          Quote: Eduard Vaschenko
          I picked these up, there are still with a bunch of dents and holes

          Are there Russian helmets brand new, without dents?
      2. +2
        7 August 2022 12: 23
        Back in the 50s of the 20th century, they used them as training ones.


        Wow, this is the first time I've heard of this. Thank you! smile
    3. The comment was deleted.
    4. +2
      7 August 2022 20: 49
      In 2000 he traveled to Turkey. Near their military club, in a small town, a soldier was guarding. In the hands - AK! Well, maybe Chinese, but he's the same. Although it is forbidden, although I know only 10 words, I asked him - how do you like it? Well, a soldier will always understand a soldier ... His words, tin, delight in his eyes were unambiguous - for him this is the best and favorite weapon in the world. These are the miracles wink
      1. -1
        8 August 2022 20: 04
        After the unification of Germany, the Germans handed over a bunch of weapons to the Turks. In general, it is difficult to read articles about the history of Turkey. Conquerors, robbers, oppressors. And they are proud of it.
        1. 0
          8 August 2022 23: 06
          Look thi! Only now I understand! For 22 years now, I have wondered where the Turk got the AK from !! Thanks for the tip, let's check it out! wink
  2. +3
    7 August 2022 05: 34
    Quote: Borik
    And our former brothers in the USSR are demolishing monuments in order to distance themselves from everything Russian

    I'll tell you more! In Odessa, they are generally going to demolish the monument to Catherine II and in its place put up a monument to some vile type with a non-traditional orientation, an actor who starred in gay films ... It seems that "Glorious Future" awaits Skakuasia ... wink
    1. +10
      7 August 2022 05: 41
      We will return Odessa and return Catherine and other monuments that the Ukrofascists demolished.
      1. 0
        11 August 2022 18: 05
        In Donbass, a monument is being restored on Saur-Mogila.
        We will restore everything. We will restore the monument and Vatutin Street in Kyiv.
        And then it will come to the monuments in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, etc. ...
        And they themselves will restore by competing who is faster.
        And the Czechs will remember that it was not the Vlasovites who liberated Prague, but still Konev.
        You can try to kick a sleeping bear, as soon as he woke up.
  3. +5
    7 August 2022 06: 36
    Thank you, Edward. The capture of Constantinople can also be viewed from the Turkish side. But still, this is not the usual option.
    1. +3
      7 August 2022 10: 10
      But still, this is not the usual option.
      Hmmm ...
      Suddenly it became interesting, but what is your usual view of the events of April 13, 1204?
      Hello, Sergey!
      1. +8
        7 August 2022 11: 47
        Anton! Hello!
        April 13 is my birthday, but April 13.04, 1204 is a tragedy for the entire Christian world.
        What prompted the Crusaders to take Constantnople?
        Thirst for profit, I think so, first of all.
        1. +2
          7 August 2022 12: 00
          April 13 is my birthday
          Hi Sasha!
          I remember that next year we will celebrate together!
      2. +5
        7 August 2022 11: 48
        Hello Anton!

        Edward does mention the fall of Constantinople in the XNUMXth century.

        As for the conquest of Constantinople by the Crusaders, there too sympathy is on the side of Byzantium, no matter what Geoffroy de Villehardouin paints.
        1. +5
          7 August 2022 11: 54
          Good morning Sergey,
          since in parallel I am "leading" a cycle of sieges, then about the capture of Constantinople in 1204, the topic of
          hi
          1. +5
            7 August 2022 13: 12
            Good afternoon, Edward!

            Thank you. Very interesting. And in the same Venice, traces of the sack of Constantinople are still visible.
        2. +3
          7 August 2022 12: 03
          As for me, it was inevitable.
          1. +4
            7 August 2022 13: 13
            But that doesn't make it any less disappointing.
            1. +4
              7 August 2022 13: 41
              Does the "Latin Massacre" of 1182 mean a more life-affirming event?
              1. +2
                7 August 2022 15: 05
                One is worth the other. But, if you look for the source of grief, you can reach Cain and Abel.

                The cost of life can be discussed ad infinitum. But the ruined city is worth something.
                1. +2
                  7 August 2022 15: 12
                  By the way, I figured it out here, it turned out that the "Latin Massacre" is the largest mass murder in the entire history of the Middle Ages.
                  1. +2
                    7 August 2022 15: 26
                    Composition rating. Will be popular.
                    1. +2
                      7 August 2022 15: 32
                      Compared to the Reformation, the Middle Ages looks cute and fluffy. Here it is - the reformatting of consciousness, and not what Shpakovsky writes about!
                      1. +2
                        7 August 2022 18: 59
                        Luther was among the characters? If not, then he and Calvin are quite prim.
                    2. +1
                      7 August 2022 20: 25
                      1. "Latin Massacre" - 50-60 thousand victims, almost the entire Catholic population of Constantinople, the survivors (4 thousand) were sold into slavery
                      2. Storming of Jerusalem - 10 thousand almost the entire population of the city.
                      3. Massacre in Beziers - 10-15 thousand. Chroniclers even talk about 28 thousand, but these are chroniclers.
                      4. "Sicilian Supper" 4 thousand, almost the entire French population of the island.
                      5. "Bruges Matins" - 4 thousand, the entire French population of the city and suburbs.
                      Colleagues can continue the list, maybe I missed something.
                      1. +1
                        7 August 2022 20: 54
                        Before the storming of Jerusalem, there was the surrender of Maara in 1098. And the ensuing massacre. Almost 20 thousand were cut out. Although this may be an exaggeration.
                      2. +1
                        7 August 2022 21: 09
                        Dw, Maarra.
                        However, I think that the demographics, as in the case of Beziers, are greatly exaggerated.
                      3. +1
                        7 August 2022 22: 12
                        I agree. Probably there was less population than in Jerusalem.
      3. +4
        7 August 2022 12: 28
        Everyone has their own view. I found this one interesting.



        Hello Anton! smile
    2. +4
      7 August 2022 12: 42
      "The Turks thought, guessed, could not guess ..." (c)

      Hello, Sergey! smile
      1. +3
        7 August 2022 13: 16
        Hi Constantine!

        Vyatka - guys grasping. Seven are not afraid of one, whether he is at least sleepy, at least connected
        1. +3
          7 August 2022 13: 37
          "We are not local - come,
          We have arrived again.
          We came to fight
          Shoot from Nagans "(c)
          1. +3
            7 August 2022 15: 11
            Come on, hit it, who cares.
            Your life is a penny, but my target.
            Which in felts, let's bet:
            I am a hundred meters, and you are point-blank
            1. +3
              7 August 2022 15: 31
              The rifle sent a faithful bullet,
              Lead sang and went.
              1. +3
                7 August 2022 19: 02
                Nine grams in the heart, wait, don't call ...
                I'm not lucky in death, I'm lucky in love!
                1. +5
                  7 August 2022 19: 24
                  Nine grams in the heart


                  Better than 100 grams on an empty stomach! good drinks

                  1. +1
                    7 August 2022 20: 58
                    We see one star, two stars. Better, of course, five stars
                    1. +1
                      7 August 2022 21: 43
                      These stars in the sky are like fish in ponds,
                      Enough for all with a vengeance.
                      1. +1
                        7 August 2022 23: 05
                        The longer I stay, the more I catch.
                        The more I catch, the more satisfying I eat.
                        The more fish I eat, the better I will sleep.
                        The stronger I sleep, the healthier I will be
                        And I will win everyone, and I will win everyone! And I'll run everyone!
                      2. +1
                        7 August 2022 23: 23
                        "I love to sit with a fishing rod over the river in the summer,
                        Always have a bottle of vodka with a glass with you.
                        You sit, and the fish pecks, doubts are far away,
                        Sometimes you get so drunk that it’s not easy to get up "(c)
      2. +2
        7 August 2022 16: 02
        "The Turks thought, guessed, could not guess ..." (c)

        "They collected five oblique ones, they went to the shah with a complaint ..." (c)
        1. +3
          7 August 2022 16: 32
          The Shah gave them good advice:
          To keep wallets intact
          Lock up your pockets
          Yes, padlocks.
  4. +2
    7 August 2022 06: 39
    ... late, especially non-victory events, are presented sporadically.

    These episodes are supposed to be the events of Sinop, Chesmen, Rymnik and a number of others. Just modesty... we also have modest episodes. Too bad I didn't get to visit even though I was close by.
  5. +4
    7 August 2022 06: 40
    In the armory unexpectedly meets Russian helmet damaged in the XNUMXth century. and halberd.
    recourse Mdya ... In the garden there is elderberry, and in Kyiv there is an uncle. request Maybe the author does not know the word "berdysh"?
    It is a picturededicated to the capture of Malakhov Kurgan and the war of 1877–1878.
    It's like, one picture is dedicated to two wars? recourse
  6. +5
    7 August 2022 08: 28
    Moreover, this orchestra is the progenitor of all modern military orchestras.

    1. 0
      7 August 2022 09: 40
      Well, is it necessary to admire the parade of orchestras of Janichara?
      1. +2
        7 August 2022 09: 44
        Quote: Julian
        Well, is it necessary to admire the parade of orchestras of Janichara?

  7. +3
    7 August 2022 08: 30
    France and Britain have always incited either the Turks or the Germans to war with Russia, and sometimes they themselves tried to fight. Now nothing has changed, France, Britain and the United States, our worst enemies. The rest of the countries that are spoiling us are mongrels of the above-mentioned countries.
  8. +2
    7 August 2022 08: 38
    Starting to read the article, I thought that Vyacheslav, oh no, Edward!
    Thank you!
    1. +4
      7 August 2022 12: 11
      I agree, that's what I thought at first too. smile
  9. AML
    +5
    7 August 2022 09: 06
    Quote: Borik
    We will return Odessa and return Catherine and other monuments that the Ukrofascists demolished.

    The monument to Catherine is a remake delivered in Ukraine. Before that, there was a monument to the Potemkins.

    To be honest, I don’t understand the fight against monuments at all. This is a story - there was everything, both good and bad. But we are here precisely because it was.
  10. AML
    +2
    7 August 2022 09: 09
    Quote: Good
    France and Britain have always incited either the Turks or the Germans to war with Russia, and sometimes they themselves tried to fight. Now nothing has changed, France, Britain and the United States, our worst enemies. The rest of the countries that are spoiling us are mongrels of the above-mentioned countries.

    England will not survive another redistribution of the world. After the Second World War, they pretty much sank. They should be silent, but not shine.
  11. +2
    7 August 2022 09: 36
    Church of St. Irene. Today this church is used for symphony concerts. Istanbul. Author's photo

    The picture shows that the Turks turned the Christian temple into a mosque. These barbarians destroyed the civilized Byzantium, and now we must admire the weapons with which they did it.
    1. 0
      7 August 2022 15: 08
      Quote: Julian
      These barbarians destroyed the civilized Byzantium, and now we must admire the weapons with which they did it.

      And we must remember and know why this happened, how they could do it, how they fought .. In general, they don’t judge the winners ... But they don’t like ... It’s enough to recall Bulgaria and its current gratitude to Russia ..
      1. -1
        8 August 2022 14: 55
        The reason, as it is today, is the conflict between the Christian West and the Christian East, which, as always, benefits Turkey. The Russians did not teach Christian historical lessons, all the more, and again they became friends with Erdogan. How much gold will now be given to Turkey because they have declared themselves friends of Russia? Bulgaria, of course, is a grateful enemy where the Russian ambassador is shot publicly in front of television cameras.
        1. 0
          8 August 2022 15: 14
          Quote: Julian
          The Russians, all the more, and again became friends with Erdogan. How much gold will now be given to Turkey because they have declared themselves friends of Russia?

          Are the Turks friends of Russia and the Russian Slavic people? No Turks are not friends, mutual benefit for a while. Fellow travelers ... And not an enemy and not a friend, but so ... The Bulgarians are our friends by blood, just like the Serbs. And in general, the Slavs ... Grievances will pass. It takes time, Russia needs to become even stronger. Then we will be brothers again.
  12. +4
    7 August 2022 09: 45
    However, the XNUMXth century for some reason, drops out of artifacts in all museums and arsenals of the world, with rare exceptions.
    Maybe due to the fact that the museum business itself has a considerable margin of inertia?
    Thanks Edward!
    1. +4
      7 August 2022 12: 06
      Anton, greetings!
      Thank you!
      museum work itself has a considerable margin of inertia

      there is such.
      Well, as usual, the lack of funds.
      And about the XIV century. I will express my feeling. Now, if in terms of armament, on the basis of extant samples, according to the XNUMXth century. I have everything in my head on the shelves, XIII century more on the images, well, also on the shelves.
      XNUMXth century - which is, all according to the images and little, little. In Russia - absolutely, absolutely nothing ...
      hi
      1. +4
        7 August 2022 12: 18
        Well, as usual, the lack of funds.
        "Poverty and snobbery")))
        1. +5
          7 August 2022 12: 27
          the museum needs money, and ideas for development are also needed laughing
          1. +5
            7 August 2022 12: 40
            Come on! Does the lack of funding prevent the Hermitage from changing the sign under the exhibit? When I see the inscription "konchar" under a panzerbreaker of German work (if I could see the stigma, I would call the workshop), this leads me to think exclusively about inertia of thinking. And there are many such examples!
            1. +5
              7 August 2022 12: 51
              Lack of funding prevents the Hermitage from changing the sign under the exhibit.


              And this is Anton, all questions to the management system of the same museum, the system that you do not like so much.
              Purpose, system - here are the key issues.
              You and me have a goal, so that everything is signed correctly, but the museum management has a different goal, perhaps.
              What is the goal, such is the control system being built: such are the signs laughing laughing laughing
              1. +5
                7 August 2022 12: 58
                and the management of the museum has a different goal, perhaps.
                Mislead the public? And this is happening not only with us. Some kind of worldwide conspiracy of museum workers!)))
                And tour guides!
  13. +3
    7 August 2022 09: 57
    Turkey has become a capitalist country with a 90% urban population, which means that nationalist sentiments and claims, an inseparable part of the mentality of the citizens of any capitalist country, require just such a presentation of information.
    Not an axiom!
  14. +2
    7 August 2022 10: 19
    In France, I saw our Russian mortar - perhaps a trophy from the Crimean War.
  15. +2
    7 August 2022 10: 22
    Interested in a photo of chain mail with 2 types of rings. The large convex rings seem to be made by stamping - they are exactly the same, like a carbon paper, and the thickness of the sheet is suspiciously uniform. So I doubt that this is some kind of gray-haired 14th century - most likely much later, in any case, these rings. Another type of rings does not raise questions - quite old rings.
    1. +6
      7 August 2022 11: 31
      Interested in a photo of chain mail with 2 types of rings.
      It must have been restored for display. We have over there, "Aurora" now has a welded hull, and not the riveted one that was before.
      1. +3
        7 August 2022 11: 58
        We have over there, "Aurora" now has a welded hull, and not the riveted one that was before.

        Yes, there are no riveters left at all, and cooking is easier and cheaper.
        hi
    2. +3
      7 August 2022 12: 12
      Novel,
      good day,
      chain mail 14th century there is no. All later...
      hi
      1. +1
        7 August 2022 13: 51
        Yes, then I looked - the 16th century is indicated there, but the essence is the same: the rings are modern, the 20th century, stamping, and it doesn’t even look like they are made of iron, the metal is too soft to look at.
  16. +6
    7 August 2022 11: 52
    hi
    the museum of any army starts from the courtyard: there are usually huge war machines that do not fit into any buildings, do not fit any premises. Somewhere these are rockets, somewhere planes, but in the large courtyard of the museum of the Turkish army there are, or rather, lie huge cannons of the XNUMXth century, which made the Turkish state a world empire.

    As if not only guns ... request




    Somewhere a helicopter, somewhere a plane, or "almost the same large-caliber Krupp cannon, which was manually loaded once."

    Of course, the basis of the exposition is the history of the Huns. The absence of artefacts from this period is compensated by diagrams and interactive.



    The farther, the more combined armor is found, with the addition of mirrors and plates. The strengthening of armor, as in Europe, is associated with the growth of the capabilities of small arms, of course, primarily firearms.
    gunshot? .. Well, okay...

    ...the museum contains ... the chains or part of the chains that protected the Golden Horn Bay, the other part is in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.

  17. +5
    7 August 2022 12: 15
    The museum also has equipment for non-European opponents of the Ottomans, such as the Mamluks:



    and full armament of riders and horses, including head protection



    The events of a number of wars between our countries are presented in the paintings of the museum. This is a painting dedicated to the capture of Malakhov Kurgan and the war of 1877-1878.



    Istanbul Military Museum, which has a huge collection of weapons, is a modern museum with respect for tradition and the army.
    Oh, here, as they say "on the Internet", "everything is complicated", especially now. But this is a separate issue.
  18. +5
    7 August 2022 12: 44
    With what weapons the Turks opposed the Europeans can be seen in the numerous halls of the museum:





  19. +4
    7 August 2022 12: 48





    In the photo above, an interesting blade: "There are different opinions regarding the form of Zulfiqar, most often he is depicted with a forked blade.
    According to another version, the forked blade appeared as a result of an inaccurate description, but, in fact, the tip was not forked, but double-edged.
    In legends, Zulfiqar is often endowed with magical powers and magical properties. According to Central Asian folk legends, when Ali was not at war, he left Zulfikar hanging in the air, simply throwing him up, and at the right moment, the sword miraculously ended up in his hand. It was believed that the magical Zulfiqar protects the borders of the Muslim world from enemies.
    ".
  20. +6
    7 August 2022 13: 18
    And about the museum itself: huge in size and collection, not inferior to the museum of the Soviet Army, IMHO.
    A huge building, far from the usual tourist places (but the metro is nearby, it's hard to get lost). Accordingly, there is no crowd.
    The building is two-story, the first floor - "from the Huns to the 19th century", IMHO. The second floor is "modern history", including such an interesting layer of it as "gifts to the head of the Turkish army from representatives of other countries."
    Until recently, the Turkish army and its head occupied a very important place in the political life of Turkey (not at all the one that the Russian Armed Forces occupy in the Russian Federation). How it happened and why it is not so now is another story. The museum just glorifies the army, demonstrating well the Turkish view of the military history of the 19th and 20th centuries.
    The visitor should be prepared for a slightly different (not the same as in the Russian Federation) interpretation of the relationship between the Ottoman Empire / the Republic of Turkey with Europe in general and with Russians, Armenians, Greeks (Greek Cypriots) in particular.

    For lovers of military history, if possible, I definitely recommend it, but keep in mind that visiting the museum will take several hours (you can easily spend half a day).

    If interested, I can pick up more photos from the museum in the evening and post them.

    What I do not recommend in the museum: as the author of the article pointed out, there is a concert hall where Turkish military music plays. A sample of this music is in the comments to the article. Very unusual. Think well before you stay for such a concert.
    If you want to see something special in Turkey related to music, you can go to this place (example, the video is not mine, the event takes longer):

    Pay attention to the "locals" in the hall. There will be something to think about.
    1. +5
      7 August 2022 14: 49
      Good evening,
      I have been to this museum three times, the first time in 2008, the last in 2020, I have about 400 photos, but the size of the article does not allow me to lay out everything and tell about everything. There is also a video of the performance of the orchestra ... hi
      1. +2
        7 August 2022 19: 42
        I guess I'll refrain from posting pictures then. winked
        I only have 40 of them...
        Perhaps after such an introductory article, which accidentally feel could be taken as a brief description, not implying continuation feel Will VO readers see a series of articles? For example, "ceremonial weapons" or "original gifts for the NGSH of the Turkish Armed Forces, from a Margolin pistol to gilded swords" or "European weapons" or "Korea, Cyprus and the Turkish Armed Forces" or ... something else? wink

        There is also a video of the performance of the orchestra ...
        Do not do it, Please... crying

        By the way, I personally do not understand the moment.
        Most of the Turkish chain mail that we managed to see and which have a fastener in front (as in the photo from the article: "An example of weaving with a fastener, the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Istanbul Military Museum. Photo by the author") - are fastened with such holes that are not weak, and exactly in the center.
        This is because, IMHO, they do not fasten like, for example, a jacket or shirt - "one layer of material on top of another, fastened through the layer", but "butt, edge to edge". IMHO, this is a museum mistake. And the "reasonable warrior" would in reality "overlap" like a jacket, perhaps even in 2 rows of fasteners, like a double-breasted jacket.
        1. The comment was deleted.
        2. +1
          8 August 2022 04: 34
          Will VO readers see a series of articles?

          Good morning, unfortunately not.
          It's not about the photos, but about the text to them, it's just not right to give signatures from the museum, you have to repeat yourself, i.e. about each revolver, for example. But in another cycle, about the sieges of Constantinople, about the armament of the Turks, when I get to the 15th century, I will tell you in more detail, with photos from this ... and other museums in the world. I repeat: there is a lot of material, but few details for the story.
          In this article, I focused on the Middle Ages, which I wrote about at the beginning)))
          Yours faithfully,
          hi
    2. +4
      7 August 2022 14: 50
      And about the museum itself: huge in size and collection, not inferior to the museum of the Soviet Army, IMHO.

      if you do not take the exposition on the street, in our museum, the Museum in Istanbul is several times larger than the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
    3. +4
      7 August 2022 15: 10
      Thank you Kitty! smile Great addition to the article. good

      Didn't quite understand what you meant:
      Pay attention to the "locals" in the hall. There will be something to think about.

      We have a fever, brains are melting and the head simply refuses to work. wink
      1. +3
        7 August 2022 19: 24
        hi
        It is difficult to describe and the video does not convey what the dervishes do.
        But here is one description:
        "Each garment of the dervishes is symbolic: a floor-length skirt is a shroud,
        a black cape - a coffin, a conical headdress - a tombstone.
        One by one, the dancers pass by the sheikh and bow to him, holding on their chest
        crossed arms - by this they show that they are ready for rapprochement with God.
        The sheikh gives them secret instructions, and to the sound of a flute and a drum, the dervishes
        start spinning in place. To facilitate movement, their heads are tilted.
        on the side. The members of the order spin from left to right, faster and faster,
        mesmerizing the audience. During the dance, one hand of the dervish is raised to the sky,
        and the second is lowered to the ground: this means that it receives energy from
        space and, passing it through itself, gives it to the earth and people. All without
        remainder.
        The music is getting louder, the people are spinning faster. Dervishes are whirling
        separately, without touching each other with shoulders, each around its own axis and
        around the sheikh and other dervishes. They don't make a sound, they don't make
        hands or head no movement.
        During the ritual, the dervishes stop four times. These pauses are called
        "selami" (greetings). The first symbolizes the knowledge of existence
        Creator. The second is performed as a sign of admiration for the Universe. The third is in
        the honor of love, born of this admiration, and the transition to a state
        endless creation. The fourth greeting is sent to the soul that has left
        body to merge with God. During the ritual, the Sheikh symbolizes the Sun, and
        the rest revolve around it like the moon and stars.
        This magical dance continues for several hours in a row. In the end
        Finally, there comes a moment when it seems to the dancers that
        they do not revolve themselves, but the whole world around them. This is the changed
        state of consciousness, mystical trance. It is believed that being in it,
        you can travel in time, penetrate into other dimensions and visit
        distant planets.
        ...
        The performance does not leave indifferent any spectator, whether
        Muslim, Christian or atheist. Dervish dance - first of all
        an art that enchants everyone equally, regardless of faith and race.
        Of course, most of the public perceives it as colorful
        performance, although there are also such impressionable spectators who, together
        with the dancers go into a trance.
        "

        We have a fever, brains are melting and the head simply refuses to work.
        - it seems that there are showers and a drop in temperature, the day is still to be tolerated ...
        1. +2
          7 August 2022 19: 56
          Thanks again. smile I wish this summer would end already, you wait all winter for it, and then you can’t wait until it ends. drinks

  21. 0
    9 August 2022 14: 45
    Quote: 3x3zsave

    2. Storming of Jerusalem - 10 thousand almost the entire population of the city.


    Correction: almost the entire remaining population.
    The Christians were deported before the siege, plus even including them, the city had not yet recovered after the Fatimid army drove the Artuqids out of the city just a year and a half earlier.
  22. 0
    11 August 2022 14: 34
    THANK YOU to the author! Delight is indescribable, with such a competent style and impartially write - EXCELLENT! Thank you again - I love and am interested in History, but for you - THIS IS THE SECOND MOTHER!.

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