The TCG Gayret Museum is a maritime museum created by converting the TCG Gayret (D-352) destroyer (retired from long service in the Turkish Naval Forces) into Türkiye’s first museum ship under a modern museology approach. The museum is located on the coast of İzmit / Kocaeli and presents information about maritime history and the Turkish Navy.
TCG Gayret Museum (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
History
The TCG Gayret ship was launched on May 10, 1946 by the United States of America under the name USS Eversole (DD-789). It served particularly within the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy and took part in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After long years of active duty, the ship remained in the U.S. Navy until 1973.
In 1973, it was transferred to the Turkish Navy and renamed TCG Gayret (D-352). It served in the Turkish Naval Forces for 22 years. During this period:
• It was the first ship in the Turkish Navy to launch an ASROC (guided torpedo).
• It became the first ship to perform an at-sea replenishment from the TCG Akar fuel supply vessel while underway.
TCG Gayret completed its active duty in the Turkish Naval Forces in 1995 and was decommissioned. After decommissioning in 1995, a “Museum Ship Project” was initiated through the cooperation of the Kocaeli Governorship, Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, and the Naval Command. Within this scope:
• The ship was renovated inside and out according to modern museology principles.
• It was enriched with military equipment, crests, original devices, mannequins, photographs, and panel exhibitions.
The museum was opened to the public on August 20, 1997, on the İzmit coast.
Architecture and Exhibition Features
The ship’s original sections have been preserved and made accessible to visitors. Life on a warship is presented through on-site devices, models, crew reenactments, and information panels. Visitors can directly observe the living conditions and work areas of sailors serving on a warship.
Purpose and Function
The main aims of the TCG Gayret Museum are:
• To introduce the history and development of the Turkish Naval Forces to the public,
• To increase young generations’ interest in maritime,
• To contribute to the spread of maritime culture,
• To permanently exhibit documents and living conditions related to maritime history,
• To support cultural and tourism activities in the Kocaeli region.
Within the museum, cultural art activities such as painting, stained glass, model-making, and photography are also carried out.
Location
The TCG Gayret Museum is located on the coastal area of İzmit district, Kocaeli province, close to the city center. The museum ship, situated by the sea, is easily accessible and attracts the interest of domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year.
The museum is open to visitors on specific days of the week. Visiting hours and entrance fees may vary seasonally, so up-to-date information should be followed through official websites or the Kocaeli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
