The Philippine Embassy team, led by Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (second from the left), visits the Arkas Marine Historical Center museum in Izmir. (Embassy Photo)
IZMIR 12 September 2021 – A Philippine Embassy team visited the Arkas Marine Historical Center Museum in Izmir on 11 September 2021 as part of the Embassy's activities lined up for the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness month (Mana Mo) of the Philippines during the team’s consular outreach mission in the city, which is located along Turkey’s western coastline.
The museum, opened in 2012 in a building dating back to the 1800s, exhibits Turkey’s long rich history of seafaring, which is reflected in the museum’s wide collection of ship models from the 17th to 20th century and paintings of notable Turkish and foreign naval artists. Comprising of three floors, the museum also displays relics such as a giant steering wheel with a cupboard and a compass.
The Embassy staff explore the museum’s historic collection of Turkish naval antiques, models and paintings (Embassy Photo)
Model exploration ships from the 17th century on display at the Arkas Marine Historical Center museum (Embassy Photo)
Turkey and the Philippines have each a long maritime history, with political, economic and security developments in both countries having been inextricably linked with the sea. Throughout the past centuries, commercial and military ships have contributed to the growth of international diplomacy, trade, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, defense, and scientific research activities in both nations as well.
Presidential Proclamation No. 316 (2017) declares September as Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month. The Proclamation encourages all agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned-or--controlled corporations and local government units, as well as the private sector, to implement programs and activities that seek to raise awareness and consciousness on maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns.##
