Panduan
The Museum of Ertuğrul is located near Kashinosaki Cape in Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. This facility was established to commemorate the historical event of 1890 (Meiji 23), when the Ottoman Empire's (modern-day Turkey) cruiser, the Ertuğrul, met its tragic end off the coast of Kii Oshima. The museum features a highly detailed model of the Ertuğrul, personal items belonging to the crew, and various artifacts donated by the Turkish government, all of which tell the story of the historical significance of this location. The unique exhibits highlight the intersection of Japanese and Turkish history.
The museum's history is rooted in the era when the Ottoman Emperor Abdülhamid II dispatched the Ertuğrul, carrying naval officers and an ambassador, to Japan. While returning home, the Ertuğrul struck a reef near the Kashinosaki Lighthouse on September 16, 1890, resulting in many casualties. The dedicated rescue efforts by the local people of Oshima Village during this tragedy became the foundation for the enduring friendship between Japan and Turkey. To honor this bond, the current museum was constructed in December 1974.
Inside the museum, visitors can see an exquisite scale model of the Ertuğrul, alongside personal belongings used by the crew and precious items donated by the Turkish government. These exhibits serve as vital visual resources to understand the nature of the voyage, the tragic shipwreck, and the subsequent exchange between the two nations. The building is a two-story structure; the second-floor observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the exact area where the Ertuğrul ran aground, allowing visitors to connect the historical narrative with the actual landscape.
The museum is open year-round. We recommend visiting during daylight hours (09:00–17:00) to fully appreciate the intricate details of the exhibits and the scenic view from the second-floor observation deck. Regardless of the season, the indoor environment is well-suited for focused historical study. Because of its coastal location, visiting during the bright daytime hours helps visitors better understand the relationship between the historical events and the surrounding maritime scenery.
The primary experience at the museum is historical learning through its collections. By observing the Ertuğrul model and the donated artifacts, you can gain a deep understanding of the relationship between the Ottoman Empire and Japan in the late 19th century. Additionally, ascending to the second-floor observation deck allows you to look out over the sea where the shipwreck occurred, providing a spatial and visual context that enriches your understanding of the historical-scale event.
The area surrounding the Museum of Ertuğrul is dotted with sites related to history and nature. For instance, the Kashinosaki Lighthouse, located near the site of the shipwreck, helps deepen your understanding of the historical background. Furthermore, the Kii Oshima area is home to many beautiful natural attractions, such as the Kushimoto Marine Park and the Cape Shionomisaki Lighthouse, making it easy to combine a historical tour with nature sightseeing.
Please keep the following points in mind for your visit: