Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace

Karabet Balyan, the chief architect of Sultan Abdulmecid, supervised the construction of the Dolmabahce Palace from 1843 to 1856. The palace is a stunning example of European architectural influences and is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable structures in Istanbul. While the Topkapi Palace had long been the most important residence in Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire, the completion of the Dolmabahce Palace signified a shift in the prominence of the palaces in the city.

Dolmabahce Palace

The Dolmabahce Palace consists of three levels and includes 285 rooms, 43 halls, and a 600-meter-long quay along the waterfront. The entrance area of the palace was used for receptions and meetings of the sultans, while the harem was situated behind it.

The palace has preserved its original decorations, furniture, and silk carpets, and is adorned with paintings by renowned artists of the time. The walls and ceilings are embellished with 40 tons of gold, and the furnishings in key rooms are all variations of a single color. Each room is equipped with intricate wooden floors featuring unique patterns, and they are decorated with Hereke carpets, some of the finest examples of Turkish craftsmanship.

The world's largest ballroom is housed in the palace, featuring a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier and 36-meter-high domed ceilings. This grand space was used for significant political discussions, receptions, and balls, and was once heated by an oven-like system installed beneath the floor.

During the Republican era, Ataturk frequently stayed at the palace whenever he visited Istanbul. He passed away at the palace in 1938, and his body was placed in state here before being transported to Ankara, where the public came to pay their respects.

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