Turkey Holiday Diary 4 min read
Dolmabahce Palace, one of Istanbul’s most valuable tourist attractions, carries deep traces of Eastern and Western cultures. We can see the reflection of this unique palace built in western style and the eastern culture in its interior. This palace, which is mostly identified with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, one of the most important figures of the Republic of Turkey, has also been used by many important people.
History of the Palace
Dolmabahce Palace was founded in 1843. Other parts of this palace completed in the first 13 years after the completion of rough construction in the next 13 years. After the most important wars of the period, the tired state was built by Abdulmecit, who was a sultan in the Ottoman State. The most important architects of the period was the Armenian architect Karabet Balyan. In the following years it was used in different ways for restoration and expansion. And today it is also used as a museum.
The palace replaced an earlier wooden structure and royal gardens on the site. Sultan Abdulmecit desired a modern European-style residence to replace the aging Topkapi Palace. The construction consumed enormous resources, reportedly costing the equivalent of 35 tons of gold.
Architectural Significance
Today Dolmabahce Palace is considered as one of the most valuable palaces in the world. The mastery and ability in the production is highly deserving. And even today, it is difficult to build a palace at this value.
The architecture blends Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical elements in a style unique to late Ottoman taste. Crystal staircases with brass railings ascend through grand halls. The world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, weighing 4.5 tons, hangs in the ceremonial hall. Ceilings feature elaborate paintings and gold leaf decoration throughout.
Connection to Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is also known as the continuation of Topkapi Palace, which is one of the oldest and most magnificent palaces of Turkey. And after the completion of Dolmabahce Palace, the Ottoman administration left the Topkapi Palace and moved here. The country has begun to be ruled from this palace.
The move represented a dramatic shift in Ottoman court life. Topkapi’s traditional Ottoman plan gave way to European palace layouts. The change reflected broader modernization efforts throughout the empire during the 19th century.
Palace Layout
The most notable aspect of the palace is symmetrical. Unlike other palaces, this palace, built symmetrically, has great dimensions. This huge palace, with 285 rooms and 43 rooms, was used for many purposes. It is in this palace that all the heads of state, in turn, remain. And almost all heads of state have changed this palace to a small extent during their own time. The greatest change was made by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the most important guest of the palace.
The complex divides into three main sections: the Selamlik (administrative quarters), the Muayede Hall (ceremonial hall), and the Harem (private quarters). Each section maintains distinct character while sharing the overall palatial grandeur.
Ataturk’s Final Days
Ataturk used Dolmabahce as his Istanbul residence during the final years of his life. He died here on November 10, 1938, in a room overlooking the Bosphorus. All clocks in the palace were stopped at 9:05, the moment of his death, and remain frozen at that time today. This room has become a place of pilgrimage for Turks honoring the founder of the modern republic.
The Dolmabahce Palace is a wonderful place with a sea view.
Most of the garden has a look at the chimney and the bosphorus. The sea is considered as a wonderful vacation place with its beautiful breeze. Thousands of tourists visit each year despite long queues. At the entrance, a small ceremony with military uniform will be waiting for you.
The waterfront location provides cooling breezes and spectacular views across to the Asian shore. Formal gardens feature fountains, flower beds, and ornamental plantings. The palace gates facing the Bosphorus once received visiting dignitaries arriving by boat.
Visiting Information
If you are planning a pleasant holiday and excursion, never miss this palace! Guided tours operate throughout the day, covering different sections of the complex. Photography restrictions apply in certain areas to protect delicate furnishings. The palace museum displays collections of European paintings, porcelain, and furnishings accumulated by Ottoman sultans.
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Our previous article Maiden's Tower / Leander Tower (Kiz Kulesi) in our article titled Historical Places ve Istanbul provides information about.