Hisart Live History Museum marks decade of showcasing Türkiye’s past and beyond

The Hisart Live History Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts from civilizations and events that have shaped Türkiye and world history, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Hosting over 350 life-sized mannequins, 10,000+ miniature models, accessories, photographs, posters, paintings, and costumes, Hisart offers visitors a unique journey through history with dioramas of significant events and contemporary objects. Nestled in Istanbul’s Kagithane district, the museum has drawn visitors of all ages for a decade, inviting them to explore Türkiye’s rich historical narrative.

Museum founder, diorama artist, collector, and entrepreneur Nejat Cuhadaroglu shared the story behind Hisart’s inception with Anadolu Agency, describing its mission to preserve and display Türkiye’s heritage in a distinctive format unmatched globally.

‘It’s bigger than my home – That’s why I made a museum’

Cuhadaroglu described Hisart as the culmination of a 45-year journey in model-making, diorama crafting, and artifact collecting. “Initially, I started collecting and making models for my own interest, but the collection grew beyond what I could keep at home,” he said. “So, I made a museum, hoping people of all ages and backgrounds would have the chance to see these pieces.”

With plans for future expansion, he expressed his vision for Hisart: “This museum is not only mine; it has become part of Türkiye’s cultural heritage. We aim to eventually move to a larger, more central space in Istanbul and hold exhibitions abroad. Our goal is to make Hisart a global brand and promote Turkish history internationally.”

Adding artifacts from Gaza and iconic Turkish operations

The museum presents a chronological journey covering approximately 1,500 years, from the Anatolian Seljuks to the Ottoman Empire and modern conflicts. Exhibits explore prominent events, including World War I, the Turkish War of Independence, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the Cyprus Peace Operation. “We showcase historical milestones through meticulously crafted dioramas and rare artifacts,” said Cuhadaroglu.

He noted that upcoming exhibits will highlight recent conflicts, including artifacts from Israel’s operations in Gaza and Türkiye’s own Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch Operations, as well as items from the Karabakh conflict. These additions aim to offer insights into critical moments that shaped contemporary Türkiye.

Hisart Live History Museum’s exclusive artifacts mark 10th anniversary

To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Hisart is showcasing unique artifacts spanning various historical periods and figures. Noteworthy items include a sword, knife, and firearm used by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during the Gallipoli Campaign, and personal belongings of Cevat Pasha, who defended the straits during the same conflict. “We also display belongings of 15 Ottoman sultans and significant Ottoman statesmen, from Pargali Ibrahim Pasha to Gazi Osman Pasha,” added Cuhadaroglu.

Cuhadaroglu emphasized that Hisart welcomes people of all ages. Visitors often leave the museum deeply moved, saying, “I’m glad I came,” which is a testament to Hisart’s commitment to bringing Türkiye’s past to life for future generations.