The TCG Piri Reis (S-343) is an Ay-class submarine originally built in the United States as the USS Tang (SS-563) before being transferred to the Turkish Navy.
The TCG Ege (F-256) was formerly the USS Agerholm (DD-826), a Gearing-class destroyer that served in the U.S. Navy for decades before its transfer to Turkey in 1980.
The museum serves as a specialized venue for understanding Cold War-era naval technology and the specific tactical layout of mid-20th-century underwater warfare vessels.
The vessels were decommissioned and converted into museum ships to preserve the naval heritage of the Turkish Republic and provide public education on maritime operations.
The İnciraltı Maritime Museum, officially the İnciraltı Sea Museum, is a specialized naval history site featuring two retired Turkish Naval Forces vessels permanently docked in İzmir. The museum’s primary exhibits are the TCG Ege (F-256) frigate and the TCG Piri Reis (S-343) submarine, both of which are accessible to visitors. Guests can tour the interior of the decommissioned submarine to see torpedo rooms, sonar stations, and the cramped crew quarters. The frigate displays naval weaponry, command centers, and navigation equipment used during its service life. The site is located in the İnciraltı district, a recreational waterfront area along the southern shore of the Gulf of İzmir.
The pier level provides an ideal perspective to capture the full length of the TCG Ege frigate against the backdrop of the Gulf of İzmir.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as navigating the steep, narrow ladders inside the submarine requires agility.
Visit during cooler hours or overcast days to avoid the intense heat trapped within the metal hulls during the summer.
Be prepared for confined spaces, as the interior of the submarine remains in its original, cramped configuration.
Avoid visiting with large strollers or bulky bags, as they are impossible to maneuver through the submarine's narrow hatches.
Closed on Mondays.
Visitors must follow crew-led safety protocols, refrain from touching sensitive navigation controls, and be mindful of low ceilings in the submarine.
