Dolmabahçe Palace

The area where Dolmabahçe Palace is located has been known since antiquity as a natural harbor where ships frequently took shelter. It is also believed to be the site where, during the conquest of Istanbul in the 15th century, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror brought his ships overland to launch them into the Golden Horn. During the Ottoman era, this cove served as an anchorage for the Ottoman navy under the command of the Grand Admiral (Kaptan-ı Derya) and was the setting for traditional maritime ceremonies. Starting from the 17th century, the area was gradually filled in and transformed into an imperial garden, hence the name “Dolmabahçe,” meaning “filled garden.” Until the 19th century, the wooden pavilions and mansions within this garden were collectively known as the “Beşiktaş Coastal Palace.”

During the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid (1839–1861), the Beşiktaş Coastal Palace, which had become obsolete, was demolished and replaced by the Dolmabahçe Palace. The construction of the palace was overseen by master builders of imperial structures (Ebniye-i Hümâyûn), including Karabet Balyan, Ohannes Serveryan, Nikoğos Balyan, and James William Smith. The chief construction officer between 1843 and 1850 was Hacı Said Ağa, succeeded by Esseyyid Ali Şahin Bey until the completion of the palace in 1856.

Beginning in 1856, Dolmabahçe Palace was home to six Ottoman sultans in succession: Sultan Abdülmecid (1839–1861), Sultan Abdülaziz (1861–1876), Sultan Murad V (1876), Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876–1909), Sultan Mehmed V Reşad (1909–1918), and Sultan Mehmed VI Vahideddin (1918–1922), as well as the last Caliph Abdülmecid II (1922–1924).

After the proclamation of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk resided and carried out his official duties at Dolmabahçe Palace intermittently between 1927 and 1938. He passed away in the palace in 1938. The palace continued to serve as the presidential residence during the early years of İsmet İnönü’s presidency until 1949. In 1984, it was opened to the public as a museum-palace, restored with its original Ottoman-era furnishings.

In addition to the main structure, which stretches parallel to the coastline, the palace complex includes auxiliary buildings such as the glassworks, foundry, aviary, and imperial stables. The Crown Prince’s Apartment, the Clock Tower added during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876–1909), and the Pavilions of Movement in the rear garden of the Crown Prince’s Apartment are also part of the palace grounds.

The main structure, which consists of two principal floors, a basement, and an attic, is functionally divided into three main sections: the Mabeyn-i Hümâyûn (Selamlık), reserved for the administrative affairs of the state; the Harem-i Hümâyûn (Harem), designated for the private life of the sultan and his family; and the Muayede Hall, situated between the two, where the sultan would receive dignitaries during religious holidays and host significant state ceremonies. With 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 baths, Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest monolithic palace structure in Türkiye, covering an area of 14,595 m².

While the palace retains the functional and architectural traditions of classic Ottoman palaces and the typical Turkish house plan with a central hall and corner rooms, it also incorporates Western architectural styles such as Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical. These Western forms are harmonized with traditional Ottoman art and cultural elements, resulting in a unique synthesis.

The palace interiors are adorned with Hereke carpets, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Sèvres and Yıldız porcelain, diplomatic gifts from foreign leaders, and paintings by prominent Western artists, all of which contribute to the palace’s rich and eclectic decorative character.

For tickets: https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/Lokasyon/3/Dolmabahce-Sarayi