Turkey Travel—Dolmabahçe Palace, a Grand Sultan's Palace

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The Ceremonial Hall with the world's largest chandelier, made from Bohemian crystal and sold to the Sultan by Queen Victoria (Antonio Cristofaro, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Dolmabahçe Palace ⭐⭐is the largest palace in Turkey. It has an area of 45,000 m² (11.1 acres), and contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths (hamam) and 68 toilets.

Dolmabahçe served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922 (Yıldız Palace was used in the interim period). 

This grand, domed sultan's palace is now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.

The design contains eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles, blended with traditional Ottoman architecture to create a new synthesis. The palace layout and décor reflect the increasing influence of European styles and standards on Ottoman culture and art during the Tanzimat period. 

The exterior, in particular the view from the Bosporus, shows a classical European two-wing arrangement which is divided by a big avant-corps with two side avant-corps.

Functionally, on the other hand, the palace retains elements of traditional Ottoman palace life, and also features of traditional Turkish homes.

Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, Turkey (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

The below photos were taken on 03/31/2023, a cloudy day.  Note that:

The two main parts of the palace, i.e. Selamlik and Harem, can only be visited with a tour guide. You need to put on plastic covers on your shoes and can't take any photographs.

Exterior façade of the Gate of the Treasury (Hazine-i Hassa Kapısı) near Dolmabahçe Clock Tower

Interior view of the Gate to the Bosporus

Interior view of the Gate to the Bosporus

Interior facade of the Gate of the Treasury (Hazine-i Hassa Kapısı)

Dolmabahçe Clock Tower