Dolmabahçe Palace

Abdülmecid I, the 31st sultan of the Ottoman Empire, commissioned the construction of Dolmabahçe to rival the opulence and elegance of contemporary European palaces. Topkapı Palace, which had housed the imperial court for four centuries, lacked modern amenities. The name Dolmabahçe originates from the Turkish words "dolma," meaning "filled," and "bahçe," meaning "garden," as the palace was built on the site of an imperial garden that had existed since the reign of Ahmet I. 

Dolmabahçe Palace was designed as a distinct contrast to Topkapı, which integrated seamlessly with the natural terrain and consisted of an array of buildings and pavilions. Unlike Topkapı, Dolmabahçe Palace was constructed as a mono-block, with its primary entrance facing away from the Bosphorus. The palace exudes lavishness and grandeur, featuring 285 rooms, 44 halls, and facilities such as bathrooms and hammams, which are traditional Turkish baths. It incorporates a blend of styles, including Rococo, Neoclassical, Baroque, and Ottoman. 

History of Dolmabahçe Palace 

Sultan Abdülmecid spent an amount equivalent to 1.9 billion USD in contemporary times on the construction of Dolmabahçe Palace, which ultimately led to the financial collapse of the Ottoman Empire. In many respects, the palace marked the start of its downfall. 

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the newly established Turkish republic utilized Dolmabahçe Palace as a base of operations in Istanbul. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey, spent his summers at the palace and received foreign dignitaries there. He eventually passed away at the palace in 1938. 

Inside Dolmabahçe Palace 

Upon entering the Dolmabahçe Palace's magnificently decorated front gate, also referred to as the Gate of the Sultan, visitors are greeted by a meticulously arranged garden and the palace itself. The palace is segmented into three distinct sections: the Selamlık, which was reserved for men; the Harem, where the royal family resided; and the Veliaht Dairesi, the quarters of the Crown Prince. 

The Selamlık section of the palace contains lavishly adorned reception halls and offices that were utilized by Ottoman officials and palace administrators. The area also features cozy salons and exhibition halls, displaying Ottoman art and artifacts from the palace's collection. 

The Harem section of the palace housed the private chambers of the sultan and was also where his numerous concubines lived. Presently, the Harem is adorned as if it were still inhabited by the concubines. Atatürk's room was situated in the Harem, and the clock within it is perpetually set at 9:05 am, the time of his demise. 

The Veliaht Dairesi is situated apart from the remainder of the palace and currently serves as the National Palaces Painting Museum, housing nearly 200 works of Turkish and international art dating back to the 1800s. 

How to Visit 

Dolmabahçe Palace, with all its grandeur, is among the most significant historical sites in Istanbul, serving as a testament to the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of the Republic of Turkey. 

The palace is open for visitation from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, and the standard admission fee for foreigners is 450 TL, which is approximately 23 USD. Tickets can be obtained from the provided link. 

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