MEETING VENUE
Military Museum & Culture Center
Harbiye, Istanbul Turkey
(Established : 1841)
  
Friday, June 13, 2008 3:30-4:00 pm Military Band Presentation(The Mehter, the world’s oldest military band. The Ottomans were the first to bring musicians on campaign and to integrate music into the life and work of the army. After a town had been conquered, the Mehter preceded the conquering Ottoman commander on a procession through the town, playing slow-cadance marches in exotic minor codes.). 4:00-6:00 pm= Welcome reception at the Military Museum and Military Museum Tour.
"Mehter"
Military Band
Military Museum: Chronicles mostly the Ottoman period when the Sultan’s troops threatened to conquer eastern Europe, the entire Middle East, and North Africa. Don’t ignore this museum just because you’re no military buff. It holds striking historical treausres such as the chain which the Byzantines streched across the mouth of the Golden Horn to keep the Sultan’s navy in 1453. Was the site of the Ottoman imperial military academy, the empire’s “West Point” or “Sandhurst” and still an important military reserve.
The old Harbiye building, used as Military Museum and Cultural Center today ,was first built as a War Collage in 1841. The building was used as a War College until 1936 in which many commanders and officers including Atatürk (founder of the Turkish Republic is most illustrious alumnus.) The building was assigned to different army forces between 1936-1966 such as the headquarters of 1st Army, 3rd army Corps and Central Commandership. In 1966, it was planned to restore the historical War College building, to change the building into a modern Military Museum without giving harm to the historical and architectural character. In 1985, the restoration was completed and 10th February 1993 the military museum and Cultural Center has taken its final situation. Dress is casual.
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