Dolmabahçe Palace, its gardens, clock tower and mosque showcase Ottoman architecture at its most opulent.
The magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace became the principal seat of the Ottoman Empire as soon as construction was finished in 1856. The royal family moved to glamorous Dolmabahçe from the medieval Topkapi Palace and remained here until it became a presidential residence in 1922. Tour opulent rooms where important political decisions were made, explore the spectacular gardens, or visit the room where the first president of the Turkish Republic died.Dolmabahçe Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I, who spared no expense over the course of the 13 years it took to build the palace, the equivalent of 35 tonnes of gold were spent on its construction. This extravagance is evident in the sheer size of the palace, as well as its lavish furnishings.With 285 rooms and 40 halls there's a lot to see on the compulsory museum tour but standouts include the magnificent Hamam (bath) and the Red Room, a reception room adorned with the finest Hereke carpets. Admire the palace's crystal staircase, above which hangs the world's largest Bohemian chandelier, containing 750 lamps – a gift from Queen Victoria.President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's seat of government was in Ankara but he was very fond of Dolmabahçe Palace, and stayed whenever he was in Istanbul. Many a state matter was discussed and debated in the opulent rooms of the palace's male quarters and stately rooms. The area referred to as the Haremlik was the royal family's private quarters during the Ottoman Empire, and later housed President Atatürk's bedroom. It was in this bedroom that President Atatürk died in 1938. The Father of the Turks passed away at 09.05 a.m. exactly, and the clock in his bedroom has been stopped at this time in memory of the country's first president.Once you have finished exploring the palace, stroll out through the Treasury Gate, admiring the neo-baroque 1890s clock tower. You'll cross a waterfront square, giving you a splendid view of the Bosphorus as you head to the Dolmabahçe Mosque.Dolmabahçe Palace is just 10 minutes' walk from Kabatas tram stop. Make sure you have cash, as the ticket office doesn't accept cards, and remember that the palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
