Dolmabahçe Palace
Symbol of Modernization
Dolmabahçe Palace is a Baroque-style palace that rises majestically on the shores of the Bosphorus, a sparkling strait that divides Istanbul's two continents. Its white limestone facade, topped with a symphony of domes and minarets, is a sight to behold, but it’s the palace's lavish interior that truly takes your breath away.
Built during the late Ottoman Empire under Sultan Abdülmecid, Dolmabahçe Palace became a symbol of the modernization movement. Completed in 1856 by Armenian architects Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nigoğos Balyan, the palace showcases an eclectic style that blends various European architectural influences. Located on the shores of the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, it covers an area of 45,000 square meters and features 285 rooms and 46 halls.
The magnificent palace attracts visitors with its 4.5-ton crystal chandelier, made in England, and features motifs of Baroque, Rococo, and Empire styles. The Harem Garden, situated on the land side of the Harem Chamber, boasts an oval pool and geometric plots. The arrangement of these plots, along with decorative elements such as lanterns, vases, and statues, reflects Western influence on the gardens, much like the main building. European and Asian plants are also integrated into the palace gardens.
Sultan Abdülmecid is said to have proclaimed, "Evil and ugliness are forbidden here; only beautiful things should be found here."
During the Republican period, Dolmabahçe Palace opened its doors to state guests, hosting notable figures such as the Shah of Iran, Faisal I of Iraq, Abdullah I of Jordan, Amanullah Khan of Afghanistan, King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, and Alexander I of Yugoslavia, all welcomed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Dolmabahçe Palace holds great significance as the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk passed away and where his funeral was held, making it one of Turkey's most important historical and cultural heritages.