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Discover the Splendor of Dolmabahce Palace Architecture
The Medhal Hall, or the Main Entrance Hall, is a visitor’s first encounter with the interior Dolmabahce Palace architecture. Two sets of rooms lead off towards the sea and land from the Medhal. The sea-facing rooms belonged to top Ottoman officials, while the land-facing rooms were of the palace administrators, and Meclis-i-Mebusan and Meclis-i-Ayan members.
The Medhal has Boulle tables on both ends and a fireplace bearing Sultan Abdulmecid’s monogram. A stunning English chandelier lights up the room with its sixty arms, while Hereke furniture upholstery and royal red draperies adorn this guest waiting room.
As you walk in from the Medhal, another enchanting example of Dolmabahce Palace architecture awaits at the Tiled Room, also known as Clerk’s Hall. The room is adorned with French-style furniture, and priceless porcelain vases line the chamber.
The walls feature stunning artworks from the Dolmabahce Palace Collection, including the collection’s largest painting, the Surre Procession by Stefano Ussi. Other prominent paintings here include a painting of the fire at Paris Municipal Theatre signed by Rudolf Ernst and one of a Dutch village girl by Delandre.
The founding father and first President of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, spent several years surrounded by the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace architecture. As his health deteriorated, he lived his final days in the Palace and died in 1938.
Ataturk’s Room is the room where he spent his time at the Palace and has been preserved in the same fashion as it had been when he lived here. The clock in this room still points to 9:05, which was the time of the leader’s death.
The Harem was an important part of Dolmabahce Palace architecture, much like other palaces of the empire. The Dolmabahce Harem included separate quarters for the royal family, chambers for the Sultan’s concubines, rooms intended to educate and house the Sultan’s children, and the Sultan’s private living quarters. There were also spaces where the royal family indulged in leisure and entertainment activities. The Dolmabahce Palace Harem is a magnificent glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman royal family and houses priceless treasures from the Ottoman era.
Who designed Dolmabahce Palace?
The primary architect of the Dolmabahçe Palace was Garabet Amira Balyan, a renowned court architect during Sultan Abdülmecid's reign. Dolmabahce Palace architecture is his most famous achievement, blending European and Ottoman architectural styles. He also contributed to the construction and design of the Yildiz Palace and Grand Mecidiye Mosque.
Garabet's son, Nigogayos Balyan, also contributed to the palace's construction. He played a significant role in designing the Dolmabahçe clock tower and mosque, enhancing the overall allure of the complex. He also played a major role during building the Küçük Mecidiye Mosque, Armenian Hospital and Ihlamur Pavilion.
An English architect, William James Smith, was responsible for designing the glass kiosk at Dolmabahçe Palace. He was initially in the Ottoman Empire to redesign the British embassy and contributed to other notable projects. Some of his significant works apart from the architecture of the Dolmabahce Palace include the masterpieces such as Tophane Imperial Kiosk and Naum Theatre.
The Exterior & Interior of Dolmabahce Palace
The exterior of Dolmabahçe Palace is a mind-blowing combination of European and Ottoman architecture. Facing the Bosporus, the palace features a grand central section flanked by two elegant wings. Its intricate stone carvings, expansive windows, and detailings reflect European influences, while maintaining traditional Ottoman elements.
The palace's grand entrance and stately facade are framed by beautiful gardens and fountains, creating a majestic impression. Visitors are sure to be impressed by the palace’s unique design, showcasing both royalty and architectural mastery. This stunning exterior sets the stage for the splendor found within its walls.
The Dolmabahçe Palace’s architecture features an interior filled with lavish decorations of crystal and gold. The southern side, known as Mabeyn-i-Hümâyûn, includes the administrative and men's living areas. On the northern side, the Harem-i-Hümâyûn served as the women's quarters. Connecting these sections is the grand Ceremony Hall, illuminated by a magnificent Victorian crystal chandelier, adding to the palace's elegant and luxurious ambiance.
Beauty of Dolmabahce Palace with a Garden
Situated amidst a well-preserved vast green area, Dolmabahce Palace Gardens are flanked by the sea and land. The gardens showcase European features and are geometrically arranged, with ponds, lanterns, vases, and sculptures adorning the green spaces. European gardeners Koch Munika, Fritz Venze, and German Sester worked to create the European-influenced open spaces.
Architecture of Dolmabahce Palace Gardens consist of four major sections, which are classified and positioned according to the functions of the structures around them.
The sections are named Hasbahce which is the largest section, Kusluk Bahcesi or the Bird Garden, Harem Garden which resembles a courtyard, and the Crown Garden. The enchanting gardens have rare plants brought in from America, Europe and Asia.
FAQ
What architectural style is Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahçe Palace, a prominent historical landmark of Turkey, showcases neoclassical architecture enriched by Baroque and Rococo nuances. Its grandeur symbolizes Ottoman modernization and cultural amalgamation along the Bosphorus.
What is Dolmabahce Palace known for?
The Dolmabahce Palace is known for being the symbol of Turkey’s march to westernisation. The final residence of the Ottomans, the Palace took inspiration from European palaces and is Turkey’s largest mono-block palace and Istanbul’s first European-style palace. The two-wing arrangement is adorned extensively with gold and crystal and houses the world’s largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers.
What are the key architectural features of Dolmabahce Palace?
Notable features include its grand entrance, ceremonial halls, stunning chandeliers, and ornate ceilings.
When was the Dolmabahce Palace built?
Construction of the Dolmabahce Palace began in 1843. It was completed by 1856 when the Ottoman Sultan moved out from the Topkapi Palace and permanently shifted the residential and administrative base of the empire to Dolmabahce Palace.
Who designed the Dolmabahce Palace?
The construction of the Dolmabahce Palace was ordered by Sultan Abdulmecid and was brought to realisation by Abdulhalim Bey, Altunizade Ismail Zuhtu Pasha, Karabet Balyan, Ohannes Serverian, Nikogos Balyan, and James William Smith.
Who lived in Dolmabahce Palace?
The Dolmabahce Palace was the official residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans and the last Caliph. The founder and first President of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, also lived here.
How do you get to Dolmabahce Palace?
One can reach the Dolmabahce Palace by tram or taxi from the Sultanahmet Square.
By train - Take the Bagcilar to Kabatas tram, and get off at Kabatas, which is the nearest station to Dolmabahce Palace. Walk for 10 minutes to reach your destination.
By taxi – Take a taxi from Sultanahmet to Dolmabahce Palace. However, this method costs more and you can also get stuck in rush-hour traffic.
Is it worth visiting the Dolmabahce Palace?
The Dolmabahce Palace is a stunning example of European influence on Ottoman art and culture. One can witness the world’s largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers and a valuable collection of oil paintings in this palace adorned with crystals and gold. The Dolmabahce Palace is an exquisite testimony of the wealth and might of the Ottomans and is a must-visit if you are in Istanbul.
Why is the Dolmabahce Palace’s architecture famous?
Dolmabahçe Palace’s architecture is famous for its unique blend of European and Ottoman styles, showcasing opulent decorations, grand halls, and intricate designs. This fusion creates a stunning visual representation of the cultural and historical richness of the Ottoman Empire, making it a landmark of architectural excellence.
What was Dolmabahce Palace inspired by?
Dolmabahçe Palace architecture was inspired by European architectural styles, particularly Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical influences. This blend created a unique fusion of European elegance and Ottoman grandeur, reflecting the modernization efforts of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century.