Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the important historical spots of Istanbul, draws attention with its design blended with Western architectural trends. It hosts thousands of visitors every year. So, how much do people who pass by it often know about Dolmabahçe? Then today, let's deal with all the details about Dolmabahçe Palace.
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Construction Process
Easy to say… The palace, which took 13 years to build, was built by the 31st Sultan, Sultan Abdülmecit. According to sources, its construction was started in 1843 with Architect Garabet Amira Balyan. Unfortunately, since he passed away before the end, his son Nigoğos Balyan continued and completed the process. It was opened for use in 1856.Western Inspired Architecture
The palace was designed around eclecticism, that is, the best aspects of different architectural styles were included in the design. The palace, where we see a lot of western architectural understanding, was built as 43 halls and 285 rooms. A huge chandelier weighing 4.5 tons hangs in the Ceremonial Hall of the Palace. At the same time, this room is framed by 54 columns. Located on an area of 250 thousand square meters, the palace has a three-storey symmetrical plan. In addition, the foundation and outer walls of the palace are made of solid stone. The ceiling and roof are made of wood.The palace has 25 gates, each with a different function. The most well-known by everyone is the Sultanate Gate, where the sultans entered and exited at the time. It is also known as the Ceremony Gate.
The glass in 1427 windows has a feature that cuts off ultraviolet rays. In this way, it is aimed to protect the goods from sunlight.
History and Last Days of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Until 1924, this magnificent building was built by six sultans -Abdülaziz, 2. Abdülhamid, Abdülmecid, 5. Mehmed Reşdat, 6. Mehmet- for state affairs; It was later used for the office of President between 1927 and 1949.Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent his last years at Dolmabahçe Palace. Atatürk made his 1928 Alphabet Revolution studies here and used the blackboard for the first time here to introduce the Latin letters. He died in the bedroom number 71 here, again, and passed away.
Ottoman architecture had begun to shift its architectural touch to the West with the 18th century. Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the important examples of this. The palace, located on the edge of the Bosphorus, manages to fascinate even those who pass in front of it with its radiance.
The end of such a magnificent structure also touched the Ottoman economy. While the Ottoman Empire was collapsing, Sultan Vahdettin tried to sail towards England by sailing from Dolmabahçe Palace.
It has been used as a museum since 1984. You can visit this magnificent structure and examine many valuable artifacts.
Artifacts in Dolmabahçe Palace
You can see many valuable works in the collection of the palace, from Ivan Aivazovsky's paintings to the piano gifted by Napoleon. Crown Office; It is used as the Painting and Sculpture Museum.Nearly 300 Chinese, European, Japanese and Turkish porcelains, 581 silver, handcrafted metal objects, 36 crystal chandeliers, 158 historical clocks, crystal and silver tables are on display. At the same time, there are 600 paintings by many famous artists, including Turkish painters.
In addition, the palace has a magnificent interior decoration with gilded carved leaf furniture, ceilings, columns, plaster reliefs and divided ceilings.
Some of the items came as gifts from countries such as Europe, China, India and Egypt.
What are the Harem, Selamlik and Ceremony Sections?
The palace consists of three main parts. So, what are these fields used for?Selamlık (Mabeyn-i Hümayan) was used as the administrative center. Events such as meetings were held. It is considered the most important part of the palace.
The Haremlik (Harem-i Hümayan) was the section where the sultan's family and female servants lived together. It still has many rooms. It also has six baths. Carved alabaster marbles were used in these baths. As you can see, even the baths are quite remarkable.
The Ceremonial Hall (Inspection) is where the British-made huge chandelier weighing 4.5 tons is located. It is one of the most striking areas with its 56 columns and 36 meters high dome. Activities such as ceremonies and balls were held here.
What are the other parts of the palace?
The Medhal Hall, the Crystal Staircase that allows you to go to the upper floor, the Süfera Hall where the ambassadors were hosted, and the Red Room, where they came to peace, are other places you can see in Selamlık.
Zülvecheyn Hall, the place where his private and official life takes place, is also located in Selamlık. During Ramadan, the people of the palace could pray here.
The Blue Hall, where the sultan celebrated with the people of the harem, and the Pink Hall, where the people of the harem had their daily conversations, are located in the Harem Section.
In addition, the Clock Museum, the Glass Pavilion, the Painting and Sculpture Museum, the Garden, the Vizier's Room, the Library and Atatürk's Room are other important points.
Dolmabahce Clock Tower
The Clock Tower, built between the Sultanate Gate and the mosque, was commissioned by Abdulhamid II to Sarkis Amira Balyan, the other son of Garabet Amira. The construction process took 4 years and was completed in 1894. The four-storey tower was designed by blending Baroque and Empire styles. It had four different barometers on all four sides. In 1979, the clocks were switched to electronic system.Where Does the Name Dolmabahçe Come From?
Before the construction of the palace, there were coves where ships anchored between Beşiktaş Hasbahçesi and Karabaş Karabali Gardens. It was now a swamp. These areas began to be filled in the 17th century for the construction of the palace. Due to this filling process and the design of this place as a garden, the name of the palace is Dolmabahçe.How Can I Visit Dolmabahçe Palace?
The entrance fees and visit details of Dolmabahçe Palace are as follows. Please check the latest updated information on the website before your visit date.Harem: Full: 60 TL | Discounted 30 TL / Selamlık: Full: 90 TL | Discount: 45 TL
- Closed on Mondays. It may also be closed on special occasions and public holidays.
- You can visit the palace between 09:00 and 18:00.
- You can buy your ticket between 09:00 and 17:30.
- You can always find up-to- date information on the National Palaces website.
- The palace can be visited with a guide. You can also get an "audio guide" if you want. A tour of the palace is organized every half hour.
Visitors who can enter for free:
- Student groups and your accompanying learner
- Turkish citizens aged 65 and over
- 0-6 years old children
- Disabled citizens and their companions
- Disabled veterans and their companions
- Also: Free admission can be made in certain frames on special days such as 10 November, Museums Week, 23 April, Teachers' Week, Atatürk Week.
Is Museum Card Valid?
The Museum Card is not valid in the Selamlik Department, you can only use it in the Harem Department.How Can I Reach Dolmabahçe Palace?
It is very easy to reach the palace, which is located between Istanbul Beşiktaş and Kabataş. You can even come here by walking from certain points at an average distance, which will be a very pleasant walk. You can reach here on foot in 20 minutes, even from Taksim Square. In addition, city buses, metro and ferry options can be your alternative. If you are coming with a private vehicle, you can leave your vehicle in the paid parking lot nearby.Where Else Can I Visit Nearby?
This region offers a very satisfying walk in terms of historical structure. You can enjoy the Bosphorus or spend time in the nearby Maçka Democracy Park. In addition, Dolmabahçe Mosque, Küçük Mecidiye Mosque, Yahya Efendi Tomb, Naval Museum and Çırağan Palace are among other important places to visit.