Travel for Life

Attention: Click  here  to view a mobile-friendly version. 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 m 2 (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 Tanzima...