Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most spectacular attractions in Turkey. Every year, many tourists from all around the world travel to Turkey to see this palace. But what makes this palace so famous in the world?
Dolmabahçe Palace was built in Istanbul. This palace is approximately 600 meters long, a vast area if you are thinking. Construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace was completed in 1856 and took about 13 years. But the result of all these years of hard work is a neoclassical and baroque style building that shines in the Bosporus today.
History of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace was built by order of one of the sultans of Turkey named Sultan Abdul Majid I. This Sultan, who was interested in European palaces, ordered the construction of a European-style palace. It is said that the construction costs of that massive project caused economic difficulties for the Turkish government.
Dolmabahçe Palace was the residence of six sultans, and that’s why it was considered the center of Ottoman rule. Despite its splendor, Yıldız Palace replaced Dolmabahçe Palace for a time, and from 1887 to 1909, the Ottoman kings chose Yıldız Palace as their residence.
After the founding of the Republic of Turkey, Dolmabahçe Palace became a popular place once again, and the president of Turkey chose this palace as his summer residence. Finally, in 1938, the president passed away, after which the Dolmabahçe Palace, managed by the Turkish National Palace, became one of the best museums in Istanbul. Dolmabahçe literally means covered in the garden. The land on which this palace was built was an extensive garden. That is why this palace is called Dolmabahçe.
Dolmabahçe Palace, Turkey
The Architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace
Since this palace has a large area, it is not surprising that it can host many people in its many rooms. To be precise, this palace has 285 rooms, 68 toilets, and 46 halls. The rooms have different views, some of which show the sea and some the land.
The Dolmabahçe Palace architects used the most astonishing carvings and precious stones to decorate this palace. Even some parts of the palace are decorated with gold to make an eye-catching decoration. If you look at the roof of the palace, you can see a large chandelier that is 26 meters long and is said to be a gift from Queen Victoria. These kinds of gifts were more popular back then.
Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
Different Parts of Dolmabahçe Palace
To look at this palace a little more precisely, we can say that Dolmabahçe Palace consists of three major parts:
Harem-i Hümayun
The Dolmabahçe Palace Harem is connected to the administrative section. Since the Sultan’s wives and children lived in this part of the building, the guards were always responsible for protecting them against any possible danger, and no one except the Sultan was allowed to enter this part of the palace.
Muayede Salonu
The ceremonial foyer of the palace has an area of more than 2000 square meters. A large chandelier, which is said to be a gift from Queen Victoria, is located in this part. Various ceremonies of this palace were held in this section. Women were not allowed to enter the ceremony and could only see the ceremony through the large windows above the foyer. If you want to imagine
Mabeyn-i Hümayun
The Dolmabahçe Palace office apartments are said to have been the essential part of the palace. It is also the most beautiful part of the palace, decorated with chandeliers, decorative stones, and crystal stairs. One of the palace’s highlights is the room where Ataturk, the Turkish President and the last person who stayed at Dolmabahçe Palace, died. All the clocks in this room show the time of his death, which was 09:05.
Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
What Else to Visit?
Inside Dolmabahçe Palace, you can see a unique collection of beautiful paintings. The museum that displays these paintings is called the National Palaces Painting Museum and was established in 2014. The paintings you see in this museum are all from the 19th and 20th centuries in various types and styles. If you would like to see places other than Dolmabahce Palace, you can visit Dolmabahce Sanat Galerisi. Dolmabahce Sanat Galerisi is a brilliant art gallery.
How Long Does it Take?
Since Dolmabahçe Palace is a huge building, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to see it all. If you want to see Dolmabahçe Palace with a tour, this time will probably be even longer. As it is a fantastic place to spend your time in, you won’t get bored quickly during your visit.
Dolmabahçe Palace, Turkey
How Do I Get There?
If your accommodation is close to Dolmabahçe Palace, you can walk there and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Another way is to use the Tram and get off at Kabatas station. Of course, the most expensive and convenient way is to use a taxi.
Address and Working Hours
To see Dolmabahçe Palace, you can visit Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş / Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Ticket fee
You have to pay 90 Turkish lire to enter Dolmabahçe Palace. If you want to see the shrine too, you need to pay 60 extra Turkish lire. Also, there is an opportunity to participate in a small tour to visit tourist places, including this palace. It costs you an additional fee but knowing about the background of these monuments inspires you while visiting. For more information about Dolmabahçe Palace, you can see its official website and check if their working hours are the same as always.
