Why the
Dolmabahce Palace
in Istanbul is special

The main rooms of the building (completed in 1856) are lavishly decorated. The Sultan spared no expense - gold, silver, and fine crystal were freely used.

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Top 3
Dolmabahce Palace
attractions

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Ceremonial Hall

The room is imposing and impressive. The focal point is the 4.5-ton crystal chandelier (gift of Queen Victoria) that dramatically hangs from the tall dome.

Crystal Staircase

Its striking balustrade is made of Baccarat crystal.

Harem

The Sultan's family resided in the harem's sumptuous living quarters.

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More
Dolmabahce Palace
tips & insights

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Why it was built

One reason is the Sultan was desperately trying to convince the world that his Ottoman Empire was modernizing and not crumbling. The more practical reason was to replace the getting-cramped-and-dated Topkapi Palace as the governmental seat.

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Design

Dolmabahce Palace is decidedly more European than Ottoman. It's also rather eclectic (French Baroque, Neoclassical, Ottomanesque, and more).

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Touring the rooms

They can be seen only by the guided tour conducted by palace staffers.

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Name

Dolmabahce translates "filled-in garden". It's built on land that was reclaimed from a bay for use as a garden.

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Wonders of Turkey - Home page

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Turkish Culture and Tourist Office

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Dolmabahce Palace photo by Yellow Book - CC BY 2.0

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