Turkey Memorial Hall

Overview

The Turkey Memorial Hall is a museum built to commemorate the tragic shipwreck of the Ottoman Empire's (present-day Turkey) warship Ertuğrul off the coast of Kii-oshima in 1890 (Meiji 23). In this incident, the Turkish warship, which had been dispatched to Japan, was caught in a storm, resulting in the loss of over 650 crew members. However, local residents conducted diligent rescue efforts, saving the lives of 69 Turkish soldiers. This event laid the foundation for the friendly relationship between Japan and Turkey, a friendship that continues to this day. The memorial hall displays photographs, relics, and documents from the time, allowing visitors to vividly experience the events of that era. A model of the Ertuğrul and items donated by the Turkish government are also on display. The second floor features an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the area where the Ertuğrul sank. Gazing out at the vast Pacific Ocean, imagining the events of that day, is truly moving. The Turkey Memorial Hall is more than just a museum; it's a precious place to learn about the history of friendship between Japan and Turkey. Located on the naturally beautiful Kii-oshima Island, it's also highly recommended as part of a sightseeing trip.