Dolmabahce Palace: A Glorious Gem of Istanbul

Istanbul, the cultural and historical capital of Turkey, is a city that truly embodies the richness of Ottoman architecture, culture, and heritage. Among the many splendid structures that stand tall in Istanbul, the Dolmabahce Palace is a crown jewel that is not to be missed. Located on the European side of the city, along the Bosphorus Strait, this magnificent palace is a perfect representation of the Ottoman Empire's grandeur and opulence.

Dolmabahce Palace is a grand and opulent palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It served as the residence of the Ottoman Empire's sultans and their families, and later on, the residence of the first President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The palace is considered to be one of the most significant architectural and historical landmarks in Istanbul, attracting millions of visitors every year. In this blog, we will explore some of the fascinating facts about Dolmabahce Palace.

Construction The construction of Dolmabahce Palace began in 1843 and lasted for thirteen years, from 1843 to 1856. The palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I, who wanted a grand and lavish palace to replace the old Topkapi Palace as the new royal residence. The palace was designed by two Ottoman architects, Garabet Amira Balyan and his son, Nigogos Balyan, who were known for their exquisite architectural skills.

Cost The construction of Dolmabahce Palace was very expensive, and it cost approximately five million Ottoman gold liras, which was a significant amount of money during that time. The palace was built using the finest materials, such as marble, gold leaf, crystal, and mother-of-pearl.

Size Dolmabahce Palace is a massive palace, covering an area of 45,000 square meters. The palace has 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets, making it one of the largest palaces in the world. The palace's most significant room is the Ceremonial Hall, which is 2,500 square meters and has a 36-meter-high dome.

Architecture Dolmabahce Palace's architecture is a blend of Ottoman, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. The palace's exterior is adorned with beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures, while the interior is decorated with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf, and marble floors. The palace's most notable features are the grand staircase, the crystal chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall, and the Bosphorus-facing facade.

Crystal Staircase The crystal staircase is one of the most stunning features of Dolmabahce Palace. It was built in France and then transported to the palace, where it was assembled. The staircase has 56 steps and is made of Baccarat crystal, brass, and mahogany. The crystal staircase is illuminated by a large crystal chandelier that hangs from the ceiling.

Ceremonial Hall The Ceremonial Hall is the most significant room in Dolmabahce Palace. It was used for state ceremonies, receptions, and banquets. The hall has a 36-meter-high dome and is decorated with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf, and marble floors. The hall's most notable feature is the enormous Hereke carpet, which covers the entire floor of the hall. The carpet was made by 1,200 workers and took four years to complete.

Bosphorus-facing facade Dolmabahce Palace's Bosphorus-facing facade is one of its most beautiful features. The facade is adorned with columns, pediments, and a grand clock tower. The clock tower is 27 meters high and has four clock faces, one on each side. The clock tower's bells weigh a total of 12 tons and were cast in England.

Famous visitors Dolmabahce Palace has had many famous visitors throughout its history. Some of the most notable visitors include Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, King Edward VIII of England, and many more.

Visiting the Palace Today, the Dolmabahce Palace is a popular tourist destination in Istanbul and is open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and explore its magnificent halls and rooms, which are adorned with priceless artwork, furniture, and artifacts. The palace also has a museum that houses a vast collection of historical objects, such as the gifts that were presented to the Ottoman Sultans by various world leaders.

The palace is located in the Beşiktaş district, which is easily accessible by public transport or taxi. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season.