800 Year old Turkish Hydro-Robots of El Cezeri in Istanbul – Gulhane Park

Turkish Artuklu Dynasty  ( Artukid Dynasty )  has got 800 year old      extraordinary mechanical water operating robots gradually receiving  the attention they deserve. Finally in Istanbul Turkish authorities opened up a museum with a spectacular collection housing the robots of El Cezeri (  Al Jazari ) who is known to be an inspiration for Leonardo da Vinci.    The Museum is in Gulhane Parkı , adjacent to Topkapi Palace and Archaelogical Museum, short walking distance to Ayasofya and Basilica Cistern. The collection is not limited to hydro robots alone as the museum’s name explains.

The water powered robots make use of different functions of water like syphoning, forming  clocks, water mills, toys for grown ups as well as children.

 

One can walk to this museum from Ayasofya in 5 minutes  following the tram railroad down the hil to face   the monumental gate of Gulhane Park , then simply keep to the left in the park , it is  the second building visible at a short distance.

tour combination idea

A combination to this museum for families with kids maybe Zihni Sinir’s warehouse :  The collectible creations of Zihni Sinir are available  at his ware house in Cukurcuma artisans District, get out from the streetcar ( tramvay ) at Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque , at Tophane ( cannon manufactury, 16 c. bce , today used as art gallery by Istanbul art university. Modern Art Museum is also a short walk from this stop. This tour can be combined with a tour of Istiklal Street, passed by the Cezayir ( Fransız – French ) Street.