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Dolmabahce Palace History | Timeline, evolution & key events
Dolmabahçe PalaceHistory
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Dolmabahce Palace Harem
- Dolmabahce Museum
- Dolmabahce Clock Tower
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Dolmabahce Mosque
- Dolmabahce Palace Garden
Contents
Dolmabahce Palace history explained
Construction of Dolmabahce Palace
1846 to 1856
After being commissioned in 1843 by Sultan Abdulmecid, the construction of Dolmabahce Palace started in 1846. It was led by renowned Turkish architects Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nikogos Balyan. After its completion, Dolmabahce Palace became the royal residence of the Turkish Ottoman Sultans, and its first noble resident was Sultan Abdulmecid.
New Administrative Centre
1856 to 1922
After Sultan Abdulmecid made Dolmabahce Palace his royal residence, it became the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, taking over from Topkapi Palace. It remained the royal home until 1922, except for 20 years from 1889 when the seat of power shifted from Dolmabahce Palace to Yildiz Palace. After its completion, Dolmabahce Palace was the home of six Ottoman Sultans and a Caliph.
Seizure by the Turkish Republic
1922 to 1984
After being seized by the Turkish Republic in 1922, the Dolmabahce Palace did not lose its royal stature as the administrative center. With the end of the Ottoman Empire, the palace became the residence of the first Turkish president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk welcomed foreign visitors and made the Dolmabahce Palace a national, historical, and cultural center for the new Turkish Republic.
Conversion to a museum
1984 to Present
In 1984, Dolmabahce Palace was converted into a museum, retaining its original furnishings, and opened to the public as a palace-museum. Since then, it has served as a repository of historical artifacts, preserving Turkey's cultural heritage. As a museum, it allows visitors to explore its rich history and gain insights into the Ottoman era, contributing to the broader understanding of Turkey's historical legacy.
Dolmabahce Palace museumInteriors of Dolmabahce Palace
Built by Sultan Abdulmecid in 1856, the Dolmabahce Palace consists of three main sections: the Selamlik, the Harem, and the Imperial Hall.
- The Selamlik was reserved for Sultan's official business and ceremonies. It consists of several grand halls, reception rooms, and offices, all lavishly decorated with gold leaf, crystal chandeliers, and intricate frescoes.
- The Harem was the private section of the palace where the sultan and his family resided.
- The Imperial Hall is the most grandiose section of the palace and was used for state receptions and ceremonies. It features a grand staircase leading to a central dome that is adorned with a massive crystal chandelier weighing around 4.5 tons. The hall is also decorated with murals depicting important events in Ottoman history.
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Frequently asked questions about Dolmabahce Palace history
How old is Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahce Palace dates back to the mid-19th century, during Ottoman rule in Turkey, making it more than 160 years old.
How many years did it take to build Dolmabahce Palace?
It took more than 10 years to complete the construction of Dolmabahce Palace. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid in 1843 and its construction was completed in 1856.
Who designed Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahce Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I. It was designed by a team of Ottoman architects led by Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nikogos Balyan, who were renowned architects of their time.
What is the historical significance of Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahce Palace features a combination of Ottoman and European architectural styles, including Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical elements. The Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the center of the Ottoman Empire's administration from 1856 until the empire's collapse in 1922.
Why should you visit Dolmabahce Palace?
With its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, Dolmabahce Palace promises you an experience like no other! It takes you on a journey of how the Ottoman Sultans lived their lives and enjoyed their wealth. If you want to learn about the history of the Ottomans and Turks, Dolmabahce Palace is a must-visit.
Where is Dolmabahce Palace located?
Dolmabahce Palace is located at Vişnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş, Istanbul. It was constructed on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait and faces the Asian side of Istanbul and Turkey.
What is Dolmabahce Palace famous for?
Dolmabahce Palace is a significant historical landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-19th century during the Ottoman Empire's decline and was intended to showcase the empire's wealth and power. It was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1856.
What is the architectural style of Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahce Palace was designed by Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nikogos Balyan, who were renowned architects of their time. They incorporated Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical elements into their style and combined European and Ottoman structures to construct the Dolmabahce Palace.
What are some interesting facts about Dolmabahce Palace?
The cost of building Dolmabahce Palace was approximately five million Ottoman gold coins, which was an enormous amount of money during the 1800s. The palace is also home to the world’s largest crystal chandelier, which weighs a massive 4.5 tons.
How much does it cost to visit Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahce Palace tickets start from €29 if you book online. Depending on the tickets you purchase, you can enjoy skip-the-line access, guided tours, and audio tours, which make your experience more informative.
Are there guided tours explaining the history of Dolmabahce Palace?
Yes, you can learn all about Dolmabahce Palace history with Dolmabahce Palace guided tours. You can also opt for audio-guided skip-the-line tickets, where you can stroll around the palace with a pre-recorded audio snippet elaborating on the Palace’s history.
Is Dolmabahce Palace worth visiting?
Yes, Dolmabahce Palace is home to the world’s largest crystal chandelier and has an interesting collection of Ottoman artifacts. It served as the official seat of power and the residence of the Sultans until the Ottoman Empire collapsed in 1922. It is a must-visit attraction for history nerds, art lovers, and architecture enthusiasts.
