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Dolmabahce Palace History: From Ottoman Residence to Presidential Palace
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Dolmabahçe PalaceHistory
Dolmabahce Palace is a grandiose and opulent palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. Commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I, it was built during the Ottoman reign and served as the main administrative center of the Empire. It houses over 285 intricately adorned rooms with crystal chandeliers and ornate ceilings. The Dolmabahce Palace also boasts a beautiful garden that offers stunning views of the Bosphorus River.
Dolmabahce Palace History Explained
Construction of the Dolmabahce Palace
1846 to 1856
After being commissioned in 1843 by Sultan Abdulmecid, the construction of the Dolmabahce Palace started in 1846. The construction of the Dolmabahce Palace was led by renowned Turkish architects Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nikogos Balyan. After its completion, the Dolmabahce Palace became the royal residence of the Turkish Sultans, and its first noble resident was Sultan Abdulmecid.
New Administrative Centre
1856 to 1922
After Sultan Abdulmecid made the Dolmabahce Palace his royal residence, it became the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It remained the royal home till 1922, except for 20 years from 1889 when the seat of power shifted from the Dolmabahce Palace to the Yildiz Palace. Since its completion, the Dolmabahce Palace has been the home of six Sultans and a Caliph.
Seizure by the Turkish Republic
1922 to Present
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 its first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk welcomed foreign visitors and made the Dolmabahce Palace a national, historical, and cultural center for the new Turkish Republic.
Dolmabahce Palace Today
With its gorgeous neoclassical exterior and grandiose size, the Dolmabahce Palace is now a popular tourist attraction and museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans. Be it the gorgeous crystal chandelier or its beautiful staircase, the Palace will fascinate you with its opulence and grandeur. It is home to several artifacts as old as the Ottoman Empire. The Dolmabahce Palace has undergone extensive restoration work over the years to preserve its grandeur and beauty, and it is now open to the public for tours.
Interiors of the 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?
The Dolmabahce Palace is around 168 years old, dating back to Ottoman rule in Turkey.
How many years did it take to build the Dolmabahce Palace?
It took around 10 years to complete the construction of Dolmabahce Palace. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid in 1843. The construction began in 1846 and was completed in 1856.
Who designed the Dolmabahce Palace?
The Dolmabahce Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I and was built in the mid-19th century. 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 the Dolmabahce Palace?
The 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, the Dolmabahce Palace promises you an experience like no other! It takes you on a journey of how the 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?
The Dolmabahce Palace is located at Vişnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş, Istanbul. It was constructed on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Istanbul into two continents - Europe and Asia.
What is the Dolmabahce Palace famous for?
The 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 the Dolmabahce Palace?
The 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 the 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?
It’ll cost you around €28.90 to visit the Palace if you book Dolmabahce Palace Skip the Line tickets online. You would also receive an audio guide with this ticket to make your experience more informative.
Are there guided tours explaining the history of Dolmabahce Palace?
Yes, you can book Dolmabahce Palace guided tours to visit the attraction. 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 it worth visiting Dolmabahce Palace?
Yes, the 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. Dolmabahce Palace is a must-visit attraction for history nerds, art lovers, and architecture enthusiasts.
