Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace
The Dolmabahçe Palace replaced the Topkapi Palace as the residence of the sultans from 1856 to 1924, the year in which the caliphate was abolished. The palace style is a combination of Western baroque, rococo and neoclassical styles mixed with traditional Ottoman style.
The Dolmabahçe Palace was built between 1843 and 1856 by order of the Sultan Abdülmecid. In its construction intervened four architects of the Real Department of Architecture of the Ottoman Empire.
With a facade of more than 600 meters and an area of 15,000 square meters, Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest building in the country. It has 285 rooms, 43 rooms, 68 toilets and 6 Turkish baths.
In 1984 the palace was converted into a museum.
Visiting the Dolmabahçe Palace
The visit has four parts: Selamlik, Haren, Clock Museum and Crystal Pavilion. The most important parts are the first two:
Selamlik
This part, which houses the administrative units and official halls, is the most striking part of the whole palace. The most notable parts are the Crystal Ladder and the Throne Hall. This last room, by its dimensions (2000 square meters and 36 meters of height) and elegance (56 columns and the biggest chandelier of the palace), is totally overwhelming.
The harem
The Haren comprises the private premises of the Sultan and his family. This part of the palace is less interesting than the previous one and the visit lasts less time.
To visit Selamlik and the Harem you have to do it in a group. Although guided tours are only in English and Turkish, there are brochures in other languages to follow the directions.
