🏛 General Information

• Location: Beşiktaş district, Istanbul, on the shores of the Bosphorus.

• Construction Period: 1843 – 1856.

• Commissioned by: Sultan Abdülmecid I of the Ottoman Empire.

• Architects: Garabet Balyan, Nigoğayos Balyan, and James William Smith.

• Purpose: To reflect the modernization of the Ottoman Empire and build a contemporary palace in Western style, replacing the traditional Topkapi Palace.

🏗️ Architectural Features

• Style: A blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical elements combined with Ottoman architecture.

• Scale: The palace consists of 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets.

• Gardens: Designed with magnificent landscaping running parallel to the seashore.

• Notable Halls:

  • Ceremonial Hall (Muayede Hall): Covers 2,000 m² with a 36-meter-high dome and a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier.

  • Crystal Staircase: Famous for its glass and crystal ornamentation.

🌟 Historical Importance

• Served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during its final period.

• Six Ottoman sultans resided here.

• After the abolition of the Ottoman dynasty in 1924, the palace was used as a museum for a period.

• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, used Dolmabahçe as his residence in Istanbul and passed away here in 1938. His room is still open to visitors.

🎨 Art and Collections

• The palace is decorated with furniture, carpets, chandeliers, and paintings, many of which were imported from Europe or crafted by Ottoman artisans of the era.

• Houses some of the world’s largest Hereke carpets.

• The collection includes more than 600 paintings.

👁️ Visitor Experience

• Visitors can explore the Selamlık (State Apartments), the Harem, and the gardens.

• Photography is restricted in certain areas.

• Audio guides and guided tours in multiple languages are available.

📌 In Summary

Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most striking symbols of the Ottoman Empire’s Westernization efforts. With its grandeur and historical significance, it is among the most visited landmarks of Istanbul, especially notable as the place where Atatürk spent his final days.