Museum of the Rectorate of the Turkish National Defence University

The Museum was established on March 21, 2008; with the name “Museum of Turkish War Academies Command”, with the aim of preserving and transferring to the next generations the history of the Turkish National Defence University (Turkish War Colleges), thus promoting the sense of institutional culture and belonging, and eternalising the memories of the graduates. In August 2016, it was named “Museum of Rectorate of National Defence University”.

The museum has been organized thematically. The items, some of which dated as back as 1848, in the museum are as follows:

•  Historical graduation certificates of early graduates,

•  Personnel records including information regarding lecturers and personnel information,

•  Combat zone maps, outlines, and material dating back to First World War and Turkish Independence War,

•  Course books used in various periods,

•  Course materials,

•  Staff officers’ badges of rank,

•  Documents on cultural trips,

•  Records of honour signed by people visiting the Rectorate of the Turkish National Defence University/Turkish War Colleges Command,

•  Photos of commanders,

• Documents on cadet years of Atatürk at Erkân-ı Harbiye [War College], his personal notes, and wax sculptures of him ranking as Staff Officer Captain and Marshall, and

•  Information bank containing International Officers’ data graduated from Turkish National Defence University/Turkish War Colleges Command.

Responsibilities of the Directorate of the Museum are

1. to ensure that all museology activities are carried out in accordance with regulations, directives and mandates created pursuant to the Code of Protection of Cultural and Natural Properties, numbered 2863,

2. to provide research in order to enhance and develop the museum,

3. to take the necessary initiatives regarding the procurement and purchase of items which can be exhibited in the museum (through donations, collectors, and auctions),

4. to assess the historical artistic and cultural values of items to be exhibited, and when necessary to register them in coordination with First Class Military Museums,

5. to register and take stock of the items obtained through various means (donations, purchase),

6. to deregister old, worn items which are not suitable for exhibition,

7. to ensure that the items in the museum are exhibited appropriately; to check their grading and order,

8. to obtain information regarding advancements in museology by attending conventions, seminars and conferences both at national and international levels and make offers regarding these improvements to the senior management,

9. to enable research which can enlighten the history of Turkish National Defence University and request assistance from relevant experts from other museums or universities,

10. to ensure that the Museum is open to personnel and other visitors during working hours in weekdays,

11. to ensure that the Museum is ready for the visits of Turkish or foreign delegations and to contribute to publicize the Turkish National Defence University, and

12. to perform activities promoting the museum to civilian and military institutions, by preparing movies, CDs, brochures, and catalogues.
 
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