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Very interesting visit. The museum is very well organised and one needs a lot of time to see it all. Good for children, also, mainly for the Mehter performance.

Not to be missed for a fuller understanding of the evolution of Turkey into a modern state from a foundation of an empire... built by a nomadic people that set out from the steppes of Asia.

Outstandingly wide range of arms and defense systems of different historical periods. Osman empire related arts of war are impressive as well as very well maintained. The museum itself is surprisingly large, so it's worth planning at least 3 hours to run through the exhibition and be able to focus on most interesting parts of it.

The vast, quaint Military Museum offers snapshots of fascinating episodes in Turkish history, covering the broad sweep of military exploits - from the initial drive west of the Turkish people, to the Dardanelles campaign. The museum is also an unexpeceted repository for many quite unwarlike artefacts from Yıldız Palace. At 3 pm the 50-strong Janissary Band (Mehter Bölüğü) in traditional uniform and sporting magnificent moustasches plays stirring marches with zurna, çevgen, zil and boru. (Cornucopia Mag. issue 60)

There is music between 15:00-15:50. I would suggest anyone to see that. I spend around 2 hours here. Definitely worth visiting and it’s only 10tl, free for students.