You should learn something about Dolmabahce Palace history before visiting this unique landmark of Istanbul where was the administrative centre of the late period of the Ottoman Empire. Dolmabahce Palace is also maybe one of the greatest historical spots in the world. Because Dolmabahce Palace is the witness of both the late period of the Ottoman Empire and the young Republic of Turkey. Because of those reasons Dolmabahce Palace history is a very important subject to know a bit about.
Dolmabahce Palace from the Bosphorus (Source).
History of Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace built by the Sultan Abdulmecid (1839-1861) who was the 31st sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Construction of the palace took around 13 years and opened on 7 Jun 1856. Palace consist of several parts within; Mabeyn-i Humayun (Private Hall), Hall of Muayede (Hall of Ceremony) and Harem-i Humayun (Hall of Harem). Mabeyn-i Humayun was the centre of the administrative affair of the empire. As you understand from its name Hall of Muayede was the place for the empires ceremony, ambassadors and other affairs of the empire. Hall of Muayede is also the biggest throne room in the world, yes even bigger than the Game of Thrones 🙂 Harem-i Humayun was the private home of the sultan. Sultans were living in the Harem-i Humayun with his family.
Structural Properties of the Palace
Dolmabahce Palace has 3 floors and 1 attic belongs to the Harem-i Humayun. you can see the effect of western culture over the building within its decorations and also the changing of the aesthetic understanding of the empire. Basically, the palace is a regular expression of Turk Home, of course way more huge than ordinary homes. Electricity and heating system was first connected to the palace between 1910 and 1912. In total, there 285 room, 43 halls, 68 toilets and 6 Turkish baths in the Dolmabahce Palace, it is impressive right!
Foundation of the Turkish Republic
In total, 7 Ottoman Sultan lived in the palace from 1856 to 1924. After the foundation of the Republic of Turkey place used as the Presidental Office of Turkey between 1927 and 1949. Father of The Turks and the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk has also used the palace for government affairs between 1927 and 1938. He was passed away on 10 November 1938 in the Dolmabahce Palace. Place used as a ceremonial place for government between 1926 and 1984. After 1984 it started to use as a “Museum-Palace” and opened to the visitors and tourist.
Where is Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahce Palace is located very next to the Bosphorus shore at the Dolmabahce, Beşiktaş. Dolmabahce is one of the busiest and major places in Istanbul. Name of the avenue where the palace is on, as you expect Dolmabahce Avenue. This avenue starting from the Beşiktaş shore (Bus and ferry stops) end at the Kabataş tram station. Also, the home (Beşiktaş Stadium) of the Beşiktaş Football Club is very close to the palace. So, you should check before going there it is not the match days. It will be very crowded during the event days.
How to Go to Dolmabahce Palace?
Don’t worry! It is very easy to go to Dolmabahce Palace. There is no tram or metro line next to the palace because of the sensitivity of the location but there multiple stops which are very close to the Dolmabahce on both Beşiktaş and Kabataş. If you are coming to the palace from historical peninsula (Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque) just take the tram line 1 (T1) and get off at the last station at Kabataş. From the last station, you just need to take a small walk like 350 meters and you are at the marvellous gate of the palace. If you want to use the buses there are lots of lines goes through Dolmabahce Avenue from everywhere. You just need to use the app Mobiett of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The app will tell you how to go to the Dolmabahce Palace by using the bus.
Taksim metro station is the nearest one to the palace and it is about 1.3 km away from it. It will take 10-15 minute walk to it but it will be easy because you will downhill. Plus, there will be a charming view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. It is also possible to use the ferries to reach the Beşiktaş and Kabataş if you are coming from the Anatolian side. either way, Dolmabahce Palace is very easy to access for you. Just check if there is an event at the Beşiktaş Football Stadium to avoid the excessive crowd over the area.
Dolmabahce Palace Entrance Fee 2020
It is possible to visit the Dolmabahce Palace every day except Monday between 09.00 and 16.00. If you have a question in your mind about buying the Dolmabahce Palace ticket in advance, It is not a good thing for a traveller but you can only buy a ticket from the booths at the palace. But you can buy guided tour tickets in advance from Tigets page. I’m also adding the calendar and booking widget. You will find prices of the Dolmabahce Palace Entrance Fees below;
- Selamlık (Full fare): 60 Turkish Lira
- Selamlık (Discount): 30 Turkish Lira
- Harem (Full fare): 40Turkish Lira
- Harem (Discount): 20 Turkish Lira
- Selamlık + Harem (Full fare): 90 Turkish Lira
- Selamlık + Harem (Discount): 45 Turkish Lira
It is better to buy the Selamlık + Harem ticket to see most of the thing in the palace. Discount prices are for kids, infants and student. Also, MüzeKart is not valid for the Dolmabahce Palace. I think 3 hours will be enough to visit the palace and see everything. At the inside, there are also guided tours if you didn’t buy the tickets from agencies online you will have to wait for another queue for it. You will also visit the Dolmabahce Clock Tower, don’t forget to take look at it. Dolmabahce Mosque is the other nice spot to see at the Dolmabahce. Please share an hour or so to see Dolmabahce Clock Tower and Dolmabahce Mosque because they are the part of the Dolmabahce Palace history.
Dolmabahce Palace Highlights
- Has 285 room, 44 halls, 68 toilets and 6 Turkish baths
- 131 hand-made high-quality Hereke silk carpets weaved.
- 14 tons of gold used for the decorations of gold leaves at the ceilings.
- a Crytal chandelier which has 750 bulbs and weights 4.5 tons sent by the Queen Victoria of England as a gift.
- It is not allowed to take the picture inside the palace
- İt is not allowed to tour on your own. You have to join the guided tours.
- Founder of the Republic of Turkey and The Father of Turks, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk died in here.
- Place of the Dolmabahce Palace was used as an anchorage for the Ottoman Empire fleet.
- The largest palace in Turkey, more than 45.000 m2.
- Egyptian alabaster, Marmara marble and Pergamum porphyry used for the decorations of the palace.
- There are more than 200 painting belongs to the Jean Leon Gerome, Ivan Aivazovsky, Karl Joseph Kuwasseg, Gustave Boulanger, Eugene Fromentin, Stanislaw Chlebowski, Sandor Svaboda, Fausto Zonaro, Felix Ziem, Theo Van Rysselberghe, Osman Hamdi Bey, Osman Nuri Pasa, Halil Pasa, Sekrit Dag and Omer Ben Mustafa.
- The room which are facing towards the were used by the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire.
If you’re planning to visit or ever visited the Dolmabahce Palace please your questions and suggestions on the comment section to help others! Also, you can ask anything about Dolmabahce Palace history on below.
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