Visiting Istanbu

[AJ1356]

In a little more than a week I'll be visiting Istanbul, planning to visit all the usual places like the Topkapki museum and all the usual areas. I was wondering if any one had any other recommendations on how to use my vacation efficiently in regards to arms and armor and whatever else.

Thanks

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by AJ1356

In a little more than a week I'll be visiting Istanbul, planning to visit all the usual places like the Topkapki museum and all the usual areas. I was wondering if any one had any other recommendations on how to use my vacation efficiently in regards to arms and armor and whatever else.

Thanks

Salaams AJ1356~ Beware the Museum closes for cleaning one day a week...I think Tuesdays. You will have a great time in the Main Bazarre...and for eating out go for the little back street eateries...Don't buy anything remotely old as it probably isn't and anyway, if it is, they will take it off you at the Airport.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[digenis]

Visit the Army Museum ("askeri muzesi"). It has an amazing collection of arms and armour from the Ottoman era. The Palace has some very cool weapons attributed to key Islamic and Ottoman historical leaders but of questionable provenance that are in my opinion much later than the museum claims. The bazaar has some great antique stores but prices are astronomical and you can never beat these guys in their own game. If you do buy something send it home via DHL. As mentioned earlier antique items will be confiscated at the airport. You can find some hidden gems in the various flea market areas. I spent about four days this past summer and had a blast.

[archer]

The Covered Bazar is huge an in the late sixties was a treasure trove of all kinds of Colts, Winchester edged weapon. Worth a look, not sure of current Customs rules. Have fun, Steve

[Sancar]

Welcome to Istanbul. Here are some useful tips:

1-Don't buy any blades from Grand Bazaar. Come to think of it, don't buy anything from Grand Bazaar.

2-When you go to Topkapı Palace Museum, don't forget to buy the new Armoury catalog. It is quite good.

3-After visiting Palace Museum, go to The Istanbul Archeology Museum which is in the outer garden of the palace. You can easily walk there.

4-Visit Military Museum in Harbiye and Naval Museum in Beşiktaş.

5- Antique stores in the old city( Sultanahmet-Beyazıt, which isthe tourist center of Istanbul) are overpriced and full with fake arms and armour. If you want to go antique hunting, try Çukurcuma district(close to Taksim), Bahariye district(close to Kadıköy). I doubt you'll find any Turkish stuff except for19th-20th century Anatolian yataghans, qamas and knives; but you'll also find suprisingly large amount of 18th to19th century European swords, sabers, smallswords, bayonets etc. as well. And most antiquesalers have no idea what they are.

6-Keep in mind that every antique store clerk will try to rip you off, and mostly they don't know anything about armsand armour so don't be afraid to bargain. You might get lucky and find some great stuff for relatively cheap prices.

7-It's rather chilly and rainy right now, so take a jacket with you

Have a good time...

[AJ1356]

Thanks everyone for the great info, especially Sancar for taken time to itemize and tell me about the weather.
I'll be in Istanbul on the 18th and would be staying in Sultanahmet area. I am looking forward checking all the museums and the historic areas and eat lots of tasty Turkish food . And maybe if I am lucky I'll find something worth buying, but that is not my main goal.

[Sancar]

You're welcome