Exploring the architectural grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace

Garabet Amira Baliyan was the Court architect who worked during the reign of Sultan Abdelmecid. His most famous work is the Dolmabahce Palace. Other notable works that he contributed to include the Grand Mecidiye Mosque in Ortaköy and the Yildiz Palace.

Nigogos Baliyan worked with his father on Dolmabahce Palace. He primarily designed the Dolmabahce clock tower and the mosque. His other works include the Ihlamur Pavilion, the Küçük Mecidiye Mosque, and the Armenian Hospital.

William James Smith was An English architect who came to the Ottoman Empire primarily to redesign the British embassy. He designed the glass kiosk at Dolmabahce Palace. His other notable works include the Tophane Imperial Kiosk and the Naum Theatre.

This is the main staircase leading to the upper floors of the palace from the Ceremony Hall. It is an ornate baroque-style double horseshoe-shaped staircase made from crystal spindles below the mahogany and lead railings. The glass-vaulted ceiling makes it sparkle during the day and it is illuminated by the world’s largest crystal chandelier. This chandelier has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tonnes. It took 2 months to install this chandelier that was made in England.

This is the most impressive room in the palace. It is supported by 56 Greek pillars and ornate gold decorations. The 36-metre-high domed ceiling has a magnificent 4.5-ton Bohemian crystal chandelier. The Sultan received important guests in this room and many major diplomatic events were conducted. This room was also used for the coronation of Sultan Murad V and was also known as the Throne Room. This 2000 square meter elegantly furnished sea-facing hall displays the largest Hereke rug in the world.

Known as the administrative section of the palace, this section is also known as the Selamlik or the exclusive men’s living quarters. It is made up of 4 major halls has 4 fireplaces and is decorated with crystal pieces that reflect different lights and colours at various times. The Tiled Hall or the Clerk’s room also houses the ‘Surre Alayi’ a painting by Stefano Ussi. Decorated with Hereke rugs, crystal, and gold, this elegantly furnished room has breathtaking views of the sea.