DOLMABAHCE PALACE

Dolmabahçe Palace was built as a second imperial palace for the Ottoman dynasty. It was ordered to be built by the Sultan Abdulmecid and completed in 1856. From this date to 1922 last six Ottoman Sultans lived and ruled the empire from this palace. It is 45.000 square mono block palace which stands on area of 110.000 m².

The design contains eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles, blended with traditional Ottoman architecture to create a new synthesis. The palace layout and décor reflect the increasing influence of European styles.

The palace was built during the declining period of the Ottoman Empire but it was known to be a necessity to have the European style palace to adapt the lifestyle to the European style for Ottoman imperial family and the previous palace called Topkapi offers oriental style. It is the great example of the magnificent and rich life of the Ottoman dynasty. The palace is known as one of the best example of Baroque style in the world.

The palace have 280 rooms, 44 ceremonials hall such as two thousand m² main ceremonial hall, 25 Turkish bath and so many rich furniture and decorative objects.
The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is in the center hall and also one of the biggest single pieces of hand made carpet lying in Main Ceremonial Hall which is 124 m².

Palace converted into a presidential residence after 1922 and founder of Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Atatürk lived there for a while and also dyed in Dolmabahçe Palace in 10th of November 1938. Palace serving as a museum today. 

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Practical Information
* 100 m. away from Kabatas tram stop (the terminal station of the tram number 38)
*Open everyday except Monday and Thursday from 09.00 am to 4.00 pm. It is also closed 1st of January and first days of religious festivals.
*It has two sections as Selamlik (the main administrative section) and the Harem (the private house of Sultan with the family members) and they both can be visited with a single ticket. Ticket for both sections is 20 Turkish lira.
* It is forbidden to take pictures and any video records indoor sections.