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.

Must Visit: Dolmabahce Palace Inside

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.

You can Also Checkout: Dolmabahce Palace Red Room

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.

Must Explore: Gates of Dolmabahce Palace

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.

Must Read: Tips to Visit Dolmabahce Palace