Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, An Opportunity to Witness the Most Luxurious Lifestyle
You should see for yourself how Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, one of Turkey's most magnificent attractions, dazzles with its gold, paintings, and crystals. This article from TripFloric is about Dolmabahçe Palace, a stunning sight in Istanbul that will truly astonish you with the luxurious lifestyle of the Ottoman kings. In the architecture and decoration of Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, valuable elements of stone, crystal, and gold have been used to demonstrate that this is more than just one of Istanbul's attractions. Dolmabahçe Palace, the largest palace and rightfully one of Turkey's top sights, served as the residence and administrative center for six Ottoman sultans. The idea for constructing this palace came from Sultan Abdulmejid I, who aimed to create a magnificent and modern palace, unlike his previous one. If you are planing to visit istanbul you can use our services in TripFloric.com such as finding hotels near Dolmabahçe Palace, Book chippest hotel near Bosphorus Strait, Rent Daily apartment near Dolmabahçe Palace. This city has lots of things to do in istanbul and you can also reserve all kind of Istanbul city tours with us.
Where is Dolmabahçe Palace?
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Istanbul's notable attractions, located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait. The palace is situated between two ports, Beşiktaş and Kabataş. To visit Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, head to the Beşiktaş area, Vişnezade neighborhood, and Dolmabahçe Street.
Architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace
The Balyan family, renowned architects of the Ottoman Empire, constructed Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul over 13 years, blending European and Ottoman architectural styles. Despite its European influences, the palace incorporates traditional Turkish elements with its brick interior walls, stone exterior walls, and wooden floors.
Dolmabahçe Palace spans three stories and includes 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 bathrooms, and 6 Turkish baths, along with a 600-meter quay. Covering an area of 45,000 square meters, it is Turkey's largest palace, lavishly decorated with crystals, gold, and paintings. Every corner is filled with valuable items, showcasing an epitome of luxurious living. The first thing likely to catch your eye is the grand crystal chandelier, with its gleaming crystals.
The palace's ceilings are adorned extravagantly, with around 14.5 tons of gold used for decoration in addition to the crystal chandeliers. The carpets of Dolmabahçe Palace are some of the finest silk carpets in the world, known as Hereke carpets, woven by Turkey’s most skilled weavers. The palace also houses 202 paintings by some of the world’s most famous artists.
As you ascend the palace's stairs, pay attention to the bannisters, which are uniquely designed with precious crystals, making them unlike any other.
Sections of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul is expansive, with various sections that each offer a unique glimpse into its history and opulence. Here is an overview of these sections:
§ Selamlık (Mabeyn-i Hümayun)
The Selamlık or Mabeyn-i Hümayun is the first part of the palace's ground floor, where the most important administrative and political affairs were conducted. It is filled with luxurious furniture, carpets, and chandeliers. Historically, this area was restricted to men, excluding women. The Selamlık offers two distinct views: one side facing the Bosphorus Strait, reserved for ministers and emperors, and the other side with a less appealing view given to lower-ranking officials. The Selamlık itself is two stories high and includes several key sections.
§ Medhal Hall
The first place you encounter in the Selamlık is Medhal Hall, which served as a waiting room for visitors until they were granted entry by an officer. The hall features intricate inlaid designs on the tables, a 60-arm crystal chandelier, and red Hereke silk fabrics.
§ Secretariat's Room
The Secretariat's Room, also known as the Tiled Room, displays beautiful paintings by famous artists, including a notable piece by Italian painter Stefano Ussi depicting pilgrims traveling from Istanbul to Mecca.
§ Ambassador's Hall
The Ambassador's Hall, with its symmetrical decorations, was a place for foreign dignitaries to relax and enjoy their leisure time.
§ Crystal Staircase
Connecting the first and second floors, the Crystal Staircase is adorned with sparkling crystal banisters and a chandelier made by the renowned French company Baccarat.
§ Red Room
The Red Room is named for its striking red decor, though it also features gold accents.
§ Zülvecheyn
Located on the second floor of the Selamlık, Zülvecheyn includes a prayer room, Turkish bath, and study, offering stunning views of the palace gardens and the Bosphorus Strait.
§ Ceremonial Hall
The Ceremonial Hall is one of the most magnificent parts of Dolmabahçe Palace, situated between the Selamlık and the Harem. Spanning 2,000 square meters with a 34-meter-high ceiling, it houses the largest Bohemian chandelier in the world, with 750 lamps and weighing 4.5 tons.
§ Harem
The Harem of Dolmabahçe Palace was the private living quarters for the sultan, his wives, and his mother. Security was strictly enforced, and only select individuals were allowed entry. The Harem's architecture is more traditional compared to the rest of the palace, but it is equally luxurious with its carpets, paintings, furniture, and chandeliers. Notable sections include:
§ Blue Hall
The Blue Hall was used for various celebrations by the sultan's mother and wives. It is named for its blue decor, complemented by golden ceilings and painted walls.
§ Pink Hall
The Pink Hall was where the sultan's family entertained guests. It features beautiful handwoven silk carpets and paintings. It is adjacent to the Blue Hall.
§ Library
The library was used by the last Ottoman sultan, Abdulmejid II, for important meetings. It now houses books belonging to Turkey's first presidents. It holds historical significance as the location where the fall of the Ottoman Empire was announced to the sultan.
§ Atatürk's Room
Atatürk's Room is preserved with the clock stopped at 9:05 AM, the time of Atatürk's death. A Turkish flag is draped over his bed, honoring the first president of Turkey.
§ Yacht and External Grounds
The external grounds of Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul include several notable features such as a mosque, clock tower, several smaller palaces, kitchens, a carpet workshop, and a garden. The garden was designated for the sultan's women to enjoy some fresh air and relaxation.
§ Dolmabahçe Mosque
Between 1853 and 1855, the mother of Sultan Abdulmejid commissioned the construction of a mosque as magnificent as a palace in the southern part of Dolmabahçe Palace. Designed in the neoclassical style, Dolmabahçe Mosque stands out from many other Ottoman-era mosques. Despite having a dome, portico, and minaret, its luxurious chandeliers and decorations give it the ambiance of a grand palace rather than a sacred space. The mosque is two stories high and closely resembles Ortaköy Mosque, which will be discussed later in this article.
§ Clock Tower
Directly in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, next to the Treasury Gate, stands the clock tower. It has four faces, four floors, and reaches a height of 27 meters. The clock face features inscriptions in a unique style of calligraphy called "tughra," which includes the sultan's titles. The famous French clockmaker Jean-Paul Garnier crafted the clock. It is said that a French family built the clock, and in 1979, the mechanical components were replaced with electronic ones.
§ Crown Prince's Palace
Originally the residence of the crown prince, this palace was converted into the National Painting Museum in 2014. It houses around 200 paintings, showcasing the artistry and creativity of 19th and 20th-century painters.
