PANORAMA Istanbul 1453

Panorama Istanbul is a historical museum with 3-D depiction of 1453 events in Constantinople (now Istanbul) when Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II broke through the Byzantine walls and conquered Constantinople. As soon as you step inside the museum, you will be taken back in a different world and time through the Byzantine era Istanbul drawings that decorate the walls and texts reflecting Istanbul of that era. This museum also changes the way in which we experience and understand history. Picturesque 360 presentation of how events unfolded during the siege is what most visitors come to the museum for. Pictures are accompanied with music suitable to those evens: rifle sounds, horses' snorting, soldiers' chatter and cheer. Sounds coupled with special light effects give a feeling of being right at the scene on May 29, 1453. Many visitors report very realistic feelings and experience. The entire two-story building of the museum is dedicated to the Panorama and has an adjacent outside park with recreation area for kids. A gift shop is full of souvenirs and historical books which will require additional time and attention.