For a rousing experience, present yourself at this splendid Harbiye Askeri Muzesi (Military Museum), 1 km north of Taksim.

The Harbiye Askeri Muzesi (Military Museum) is spread over two very large floors. On the ground floor are displays of medieval weapons and armour, military uniforms, and glass cases holding battle standards, both Turkish and captured. Some of the most interesting exhibits are the sayebanlar (imperial pavilions). These luxurious cloth shelters, heavily worked with fine silver and gold thread, jewels, precious silks and elegant tracery, were the battle headquarters for sultans during the summer campaign season.

Our favourite exhibit is a length of the chain that the Byzantines stretched across the Golden Horn in the fateful siege of 1453. For military memorabilia, only a plank from the Trojan horse could beat that!

The upper floor has displays on WWI and the War of Independence, including a hall devoted to Atatürk.

The easiest way to get to the museum is to walk up Cumhuriyet Caddesi from Taksim Sq. This will take around 15 minutes. Alternatively, take any bus heading up Cumhuriyet Caddesi from Taksim Sq. Try to visit in the afternoon so that you can enjoy the concert given by the Mehter, the medieval Ottoman Military Band, which occurs between 3pm and 4pm daily