Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace: The Symbol of Ottoman Grandeur

Dolmabahçe Palace is a magnificent piece of architecture that represents the grandeur and glory of the Ottoman Empire. Located on the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey, the palace was built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecid I to replace the Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans.

The construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace began in 1843 and lasted for 13 years. The palace was designed by Armenian architect Garabet Balyan and his son Nicoğos Balyan in the neo-baroque and neo-classical styles, with influences from European architecture.

The palace covers an area of 45,000 square meters and consists of three main parts: the Selamlık (official quarters), the Harem (private quarters), and the Muayede Salonu (ceremonial hall). The Muayede Salonu is the most impressive part of the palace, with its grandeur and splendor unmatched by any other building in Turkey.

The Muayede Salonu is where the sultans received foreign ambassadors and held official receptions and ceremonies. The hall is 36 meters long, 22 meters wide, and 36 meters high, and it features a stunning crystal chandelier that weighs 4.5 tons with 252 lamps and is considered one of the largest in the world. The walls of the hall are decorated with 56 columns made of porphyry, marble, and alabaster, and the floors are covered with the finest silk  and wool carpets.

The Selamlık is the official part of the palace and consists of a series of rooms where the sultan received high-ranking officials and dignitaries. The rooms are decorated with exquisite chandeliers, paintings, and furniture, all of which reflect the luxurious and opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans.

The Harem is the private part of the palace, where the sultan's family and concubines lived. The Harem consists of 285 rooms, including living quarters, bathrooms, and kitchens. The rooms are decorated with beautiful tiles, carpets, and furniture, and the walls are adorned with paintings and calligraphy.

The palace also features a beautiful garden that covers an area of 600,000 square meters and includes a clock tower, a mosque, and a pier. The garden is open to the public and offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans until the empire was dissolved in 1922. After that, the palace was used as the residence of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, until he passes away in 1938. Today, Dolmabahçe Palace is a museum that attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to admire its beauty and learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire.

In conclusion, Dolmabahçe Palace is a true masterpiece of Ottoman architecture that reflects the grandeur and opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Its magnificent halls, exquisite decorations, and stunning gardens make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and art. It is possible on our Private Tours  except Mondays.