Istanbul Naval Museum

Located at Beşiktaş on the Bosphorus shore, this museum chronicles the maritime history of the Ottoman Empire and the modern Turkish navy. Its highlight is a collection of ornate imperial caïques, long slender rowing barges once used by sultans to travel the strait, some richly gilded and carved. Galleries also present ships' figureheads, historic maps, weapons and the standards of famous admirals. A purpose-built hall gives the fragile wooden vessels room to be admired. The waterside setting reflects the empire's long reliance on sea power.