Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı), whose construction was completed in 1856, is one of the most remarkable buildings in the Besiktaşsdistrict on the European side. It was designed by the Balyan family as a single large building, several mansions and a large garden by the order of Sultan Abdulmecid. The palace, which was built on a land filled with piles, was named as “Dolmabahçe” for this reason.
Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) has a usable area of 45,000 square meters, 285 rooms, 43 halls, 68 toilets and 6 baths. The main structure of the palace; It consists of three sections: Mâbeyn-i Hümâyûn (Selâmlık), Muâyede Hall (Ceremonial Hall) and Harem-i Hümâyûn. Mâbeyn-i Hümâyûn, the administrative affairs of the state, Harem-i Hümâyûn, the private life of the Sultan and his family, and the Muhayye Hall located between these two sections; It is reserved for the sultan’s feast with state leaders and for state ceremonies.
Selamlık, Harem, Crystal Stairs, Süferâ Hall and Red Room are among the places to be seen in the palace. The interior decoration of the palace belongs to a Frenchman named Sechan, who designed the Paris Opera. Baccarat and Bohemian crystals, Sevre and Yıldız porcelains, Hereke carpets that you can see in the palace will dazzle you. The exterior of the palace is an example of baroque architecture with its sandstone exterior.
When you look from the outside, the magnificent Sultanate Gate first attracts your attention. This door facing the street was used only by the sultan. Today, adhering to this tradition, the door is closed to visitors. From the outside, one of the interesting parts of the palace is the clock tower.
The clock mechanism in the tower, which was completed in 1895, is still operational. Also, the empire’s watch collection is displayed in a special section in the garden of the palace. Apart from being the place where the sultan and his family lived, the palace was used extensively for ceremonies in which the state was represented and for the accommodation of foreign guests.
Republic of Turkey period, the palace has continued to welcome foreign dignitaries. French Prime Minister Charles de Gaulle, Iraqi King Faisal and German President Gronchi were among the guests of the palace.
The fourth room in the Dolmabahçe Palace, which is passed after the Examination Hall and which is known today as (Private Apartment), facing the sea, is the room where Atatürk closed his eyes. This room is now a museum arranged with Atatürk’s belongings.
You need almost all day to visit Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) in detail, but the most important areas are; It is enough to spend an average of 1 hour for the Selamlık tour and 35 minutes for the Harem tour.
Entrance Fee: 90 TL for Selamlık, 60 TL for Harem
Visiting Hours: 09:00-16:30
- Monday is closed.
