The Istanbul Aviation Museum, a.k.a. Turkish Air Force Museum History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

The Istanbul Air Force Museum, located in Yeşilköy, Istanbul, covers a sprawling area of approximately 65,000 m² and features both open and enclosed exhibition spaces. This museum holds a significant place in Turkish Aviation History, showcasing a wide array of aircraft, helicopters, communication devices, missiles, and other air and communication equipment, as well as weapon systems.

Historical Background

• The idea of establishing an “Air Museum” in Turkey first emerged in 1918 at the Yeşilköy Air Station, which was then a central training and headquarters site for Turkish Military Aviation.
• Initially conceptualized in 1918 as a collection of both operational and captured aircraft at Yeşilköy Air Station, the idea was shelved due to the closure of the air station following World War I and subsequent damage to stored aircraft during their relocation to Maltepe.
• The project was revisited in 1960, leading to the establishment of Turkey’s first Air Museum in İzmir-Cumaovası in 1971.
• Due to various issues, including transportation difficulties, the museum relocated to Istanbul-Yeşilköy, the heart of Turkish Aviation, where construction began in 1974, and the new museum opened in 1983.

Exhibitions and Collections

• The museum’s core collection was initially formed by Major Süleyman Nutki and primarily included aircraft parts and weapons.
• In 1985, the Istanbul Air Force Museum was officially opened by then Air Force Commander Orgeneral Halil SÖZER, featuring various aviation-related artifacts including historical aircraft from the Early Republican Era.
• The museum’s collection has since expanded to include over 10,000 books and periodicals, and approximately 30,000 photographs, serving as a significant resource for local and international researchers.

Visitor Information

• Facilities are wheelchair accessible.
• Free parking is available for all visitors.
• Strollers are allowed inside the museum.
• Photography is permitted, but professional camera use is subject to a fee.
• Eating, drinking, and picnicking are prohibited inside the museum.
• Visitors are required to leave large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas at the cloakroom.
• The museum is not responsible for guiding services.
• Visitors are liable for any damage caused to the museum’s exhibits.

Transportation

• The museum is easily accessible via the Marmaray Yeşilköy stop, with other public transport options including BN1 bus from Eminönü Yeni Camii, 73Y bus from Yenibosna, and 72T bus from Taksim.
• For visitors driving, the museum can be reached by following the Yeşilköy Atatürk Airport signs on E-5 or E-6 highways.

Contact Information

• Address: Eski Havalimanı Caddesi Hava Kuvvetleri Müzesi 34149 Yeşilköy, Istanbul
• Email: [email protected] (for school group reservations, film/series catalog shoots, feedback, and suggestions)
• Phone: 0212 663 2490

Email is the preferred method for school group reservations and inquiries. The Istanbul Air Force Museum continues its journey as an indispensable part of Turkey’s cultural capital, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and development of Turkish aviation.