The roots of the Turkish aviation museum go back to the early 20th century. In 1960 the idea of starting an airforce museum first started and each unit was ordered to keep one of every a/c type for future display. The museum was initially opened in Cumaovasi Civillian airfield Izmir on the 15th May 1971. After several years it was moved to Istanbul Yesilkoy (1978), which is the birthplace of Turkish Aviation. It officially re-opened on the 16th October 1985.
The Istanbul Aviation (Air Force) Museum documents aviation the international and local history of Turkey. The Museum's extensive collection is spread over 15,000 square meters with both covered and outdoor sections. On display are a number of aircraft and defensive systems used by the Turkish Air Force including helicopters, war and cargo planes, missiles, radar, hovercrafts, and anti-aircraft artillery as well as various civilian vehicles. For me the highlights were the Turkish Airforce Douglas DC-3 and DC-4 plus the Caravelle and British built propliner Viscount.
The covered area contains a large collection of historical paraphernalia from Turkish Air Force History such as photographs, medals, uniforms and belongings, giving a good overview of the development of Turkish aviation through time.
There is a conference room, cafeteria with outdoor seating and a movie theatre on site for visitors use. There is very small gift shop at the main building. The museum is located in the Yeşilköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. South of the International airport, along the Avcilar – Florya ring road
The area of museum is 65,000 m² area. The best way to get there from a city center is to take a train from Sirkeci downtown station to Yeşilköy. The trip takes 40 minutes; the trains ride every 20 min
Practical Information:
Opening Hours: Open Wednesday - Sunday from 9am - 5pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission: 3.50TL (Adults); 1TL (Students); 6TL (Ordinary Camera); 12TL (Photographers).
Official website: http://www.hho.edu.tr/Muze/muze.htm
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
YSL-52 built as a C47A-DL model with (c/n 13877) Delivered to the 8th Airforce during October 1943 with tail code 43-30726. During May 1948 it was sold to the Turkish airforce as 43-6052. Seen wfu during April 1979 and early 1980, Preserved in museum by 1985
H-008 built as a C-47B-10-DK model with (c/n 15011/26456) Delivered in November 1944 to the USAF as 43-49195. Went to the Turkish airforce as 43-6008 during November 1946 Noted wfu during September 1985 and was put up as display during 1989
