The Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul is a unique marvel when visiting Ottoman landmarks. This majestic building, set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Straits, showcases the Ottoman Empire's final days. Its size, intricate interior decor, and sprawling garden landscapes reflect Turkey's turbulent history, alongside the nearby clock and mosque that share the name.
Despite not being as popular as the renowned Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet, the Dolmabahce Museum maintains respect. Words can hardly do justice to its Bosphorus beauty and the splendour within. Steeped in history and culture, a visit to this Istanbul landmark is a journey that requires about three hours to fully appreciate, but you could easily stretch this visit out.
Dolmabahce isn't that old. The first record was in 1856 by the 31st Sultan Abdülmecid I. Before that, the Ottoman Sultans had used Topkapi, on the historical peninsula in Fatih, as their administrative centre. But this palace was roughly 400 years old. It was outdated and complex to maintain due to its vast size. Hence, Sultan, Abdulmejid I ordered the construction of a new residence built in the mid-19th century. Whereas 31 sultans lived in Topkapi, only six were to live in Dolmabahce because, less than one hundred years later, the Ottoman empire would be formally disbanded after the loss of World War I, and the Turkish War of Independence.
Composed of many different architectural styles spread across an impressive size, including Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture. the palace complex has three floors of equal proportions, with over two hundred rooms and forty halls. A quay running alongside stretches six hundred metres, and there are two gates; the one landside is ornate. Immaculately kept gardens surround the museum, and a vast ballroom features immensely high ceilings. The sultan received his guests in the surrounding rooms, and the harem was in the wing behind the ballroom.
The lavish design of the 19th-century imperial palace exceeds any other. All original decor and fixtures are intact. Ceilings and walls feature various paintings by famous artists, and a crystal staircase leads to the upper floors. All furnishings and halls are shades of the same colour, and expensive Turkish rugs and carpets sit on wooden floors.
The most interesting aspect is that although Dolmabahce was the largest and most expensive Ottoman palace ever built, the empire was poor and broke during construction. The magnificent palace attempted to match the grandeur and splendour of European-style royal residences, something the former Topkapi palace couldn't do because of its outdated architecture. The cost was 5 million gold lira, a staggering 2 billion dollars today.
Traditionally, throughout all Ottoman residences, there were two sections: one for the men and one for the women. The Selamlik part of Dolambahce is known as the southern wing and contains a massive Ceremonial Hall. In the ballroom with views of Istanbul's Bosphorus straits hangs a Bohemian crystal chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria, consisting of four and a half tons of crystal. The orchestra sat in the upper ballroom, and an underground system, later replaced with central heating, heated the rooms. In front of the Selamlik are the gorgeous palace grounds.
The harem section behind the main Selamlik includes eight private rooms, each with a bathroom. Here, the wives, mother and concubines of the sultan would live. Of significance is that it also consists of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's room. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the Turkish Republic's founding father. He came to power after leading and winning the Turkish War of Independence. After the Sultan and Ottoman Empire were disbanded, Ataturk used Dolmabahce when he visited Istanbul on business. He passed away in a room in 1938. The room, open to public viewing, has the clock set at the time of his passing. Before the government moved his body to Ankara, he lay in state here for the public to pay their last respects and reflect on his achievements in life.
Sitting right outside the main entrance, the Dolmabahce clock tower wasn't built until 30 years later and was commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II. The architects were the Baylan family, the official court architects for five generations. The actual clock itself came from France. Meanwhile, the mosque, built simultaneously, is known for the large windows that let in lots of natural daylight.
Yes, it is worth seeing, especially if you have toured Topkapi because both reflect how much the Ottoman Empire changed during its nearly 500-year rule until the 20th century. The attraction is only a 15-minute ride on public transport from Taksim Square and takes just three hours to explore. The palace museum also marks a turning point in Turkish history.
Neither is better and, in our opinion, cannot be compared. Topkapi marks the beginning of Ottoman rule in Constantinople, while Dolmabahce, the largest palace, marks the end of Ottoman rule and the empire. Both reflect different times in the rich history and the change in the private lives of sultans. However, if time is limited and you must choose, go to Topkapi because it also sits near the Hagia Sophia, Basilica cistern, and Blue Mosque, some of Istanbul's most famous tourist attractions.
Like many other historical attractions, photos and videos are forbidden in the Selanik and Harem sections but permitted in the gardens. There is no dress code, but please be respectful of the historic building.
You can buy audio guides at the ticket office to explore, which is a great help. You can get them at the same time as purchasing a ticket by leaving your ID at the entrance. Otherwise, Dolmabahce has dropped the rule of having a tour guide. If you want one, many agents sell excursions to all major sites in Istanbul, including an expert guide.
Dolmabahce is in the Besiktas district on the Bosphorus shores. From here, it is a short walk to the Ortakoy district, home to the famous mosque of the same name, which has the Bosphorus as its background. Otherwise, to break up touring the popular tourist attractions, head to Zorlu Center for some retail therapy. Yildiz Park is another excellent spot and seems a world away from daily life. (More about Besiktas.)
(Read the full article.) Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul along the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace was built during Sultan Abdülaziz's reign as a summer residence. The Ottoman and Western design elements feature alabaster fountains, mother-of-pearl inlays, and lavish furnishings. The gardens also feature pavilions and pools. Beylerbeyi Palace often hosted foreign dignitaries, showcasing the empire's hospitality and cultural sophistication.
Unlike earlier palaces, Yildiz Palace was a self-sufficient complex with residential, administrative, and recreational facilities—the multiple buildings, including the Malta Pavilion, the Şale Pavilion, and the theatre. The Şale Pavilion, in particular, showcases exquisite craftsmanship with its hand-painted ceilings and parquet flooring. Along with the Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul, Yildiz reflects the last era of the Ottomans.