Guida
The Turkish Memorial Museum is located near Kashinozaki Lighthouse in Kii-shima, Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. This museum was established to commemorate the historic shipwreck of the Ottoman Empire's (modern-day Turkey) frigate, the Ertuğrul, which occurred off the coast of Kii-shima in 1890 (Meiji 23). The museum features a detailed model of the Ertuğrul, personal items belonging to the crew, and various precious gifts donated by the Turkish government, all of which tell the story of the profound historical significance of this location. The unique blend of Japanese and Turkish history makes it a truly distinctive destination.
The museum's history is rooted in the diplomatic mission of the Ottoman Empire. In 1889, the Ertuğrul was dispatched to Japan carrying high-ranking officials, including Rear Admiral Hüseyin Avni Pasha. On its return journey, the ship struck the rocks near the Kashinozaki Lighthouse on September 16, 1890, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The heroic rescue efforts by the local people of Oshima Village saved many survivors and laid the foundation for the enduring friendship between Japan and Turkey. To honor this legacy and the spirit of mutual aid, the museum was constructed in December 1974.
Inside the museum, visitors can view an exquisite model of the Ertuğrul frigate, alongside personal belongings of the crew and precious artifacts donated by the Turkish government. These exhibits provide a visual and emotional understanding of the voyage, the tragic shipwreck, and the subsequent cultural exchange between the two nations. The building is a two-story structure; from the second-floor observation deck, you can look out over the very waters where the Ertuğrul met its fate. This perspective allows visitors to connect the historical documents with the actual physical landscape.
The Turkish Memorial 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 to enjoy the panoramic views from the second-floor observation deck. Regardless of the season, the museum provides a quiet, contemplative environment perfect for focused historical study. Because of its seaside location, visiting during the bright midday hours is ideal for connecting the historical narrative with the surrounding coastal scenery.
The primary experience at the museum is historical learning through visual storytelling. By examining the Ertuğrul model and the donated artifacts, visitors gain a deep understanding of the relationship between the Ottoman Empire and Japan in the late 19th century. Furthermore, ascending to the second-floor observation deck offers a spatial understanding of the tragedy, as you can see the actual sea area where the shipwreck occurred. This makes the history feel much more tangible and profound than simply reading a text.
The area around the museum is rich in both history and natural beauty. Near the site of the shipwreck, the Kashinozaki Lighthouse serves as a landmark that deepens your understanding of the maritime history. Additionally, the Kii-shima area is home to other famous tourist spots such as the Kushimoto Marine Park and the Cape Shionomisaki Lighthouse. You can easily combine a historical tour of the museum with a scenic nature tour of the surrounding coastline.
Please note the following for your visit: