Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace located between Dolmabahçe Avenue, which extends from Kabataş to Beşiktaş, and the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace located on a 250,000 m² area on the Bosphorus shore in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. The construction of the palace, commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid, began in 1843 and was completed in 1856. Today, it serves as a museum.
The area where Dolmabahçe Palace is located has been used as a natural harbor for ships since ancient times. During the Ottoman period, this area was where the Grand Admiral (Kaptan-ı Derya) docked his naval ships. In the 17th century, it was filled in and turned into the sultan's private garden, called "Dolmabahçe." Until the 19th century, there were wooden pavilions and kiosks here. However, during Sultan Abdülmecid's reign, the current Dolmabahçe Palace was built in place of these structures.
The palace was designed by Karabet Balyan, Ohannes Serveryan, Nikoğos Balyan, and James William Smith, who were the apprentices of the Imperial Architecture (Ebniye-i Hümâyûn). Hacı Said Ağa and Esseyyid Ali Şahin Bey were responsible for its construction.
The palace was used by six Ottoman sultans and the last caliph, Abdülmecid, starting in 1856. After the proclamation of the Republic, Atatürk worked at the palace between 1927 and 1938. During İsmet İnönü's presidency, it served as the presidential office for a time and was opened to the public as a museum-palace in 1984.
Apart from the main structure that runs parallel to the sea, Dolmabahçe Palace is equipped with various auxiliary buildings (such as a glasshouse, foundry, birdhouse, and stable). The palace is functionally divided into three main sections: Mabeyn-i Hümâyûn (Selamlık), Harem-i Hümâyûn (Harem), and the Muayede Hall. It contains a total of 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 baths.
Built in accordance with the Ottoman palace tradition and features of Turkish houses, the palace incorporates Western architectural styles such as Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism. The palace's decoration includes Hereke carpets, Baccarat crystals, Sèvres and Yıldız porcelain, various state gifts, and paintings by Western artists.
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Turkey's largest palaces, reflecting the synthesis of Ottoman culture with Western architecture.
Address: Vişnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş / Istanbul
