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Dolmabahçe Palace vs. Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahçe vs Topkapi : Ottoman Empire Timeline
Dolmabahçe Palace: This palace was completed in 1856 and stands as a symbol of the transition of the Ottoman Empire from a traditional to a Westernised empire under Sultan Abdülmecid I. This palace served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman government and residence of the last sultans. Dolmabahçe Palace is important because it shows how the Ottoman Empire adopted Western architectural styles and modern government, which was a change from traditional Ottoman design to more European styles in the 19th century.
Topkapi Palace: The palace was built in the mid-15th century and served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the palace also acted as the symbol of the empire's political power. Topkapi Palace was a major administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire, where the sultan and his entire court lived and ruled for centuries. The design also reflects the power of the empire in the middle ages.
Dolmabahçe Palace: The design is a treat to the eyes, as it has a unique mix of European architectural styles infused with an Ottoman touch. The Dolmabahçe Palace has opulent Baroque details and dramatic Rococo touches in its lavish interiors, symmetrical facades and huge crystal chandeliers with gold accents. The outside of Dolmabahçe Palace is neoclassical, with columns, arches, and marble. The design is a western-inspired transformation that shows European-inspired design and grandeur.
Topkapi Palace: This traditional Ottoman palace has a design that is a mix of Persian, Turkish and Islamic style that focuses on hand-crafted tilework, beautiful domes and minarets. The Topkapi Palace is less fancy but much more royal and imperial. Topkapi Palace covers 350,000 sq. mt. and stands as an enchanted monument in history. Visitors can stroll through the four courtyards and many rooms and chambers that were owned by the Sultans.
Dolmabahçe Palace: The grand hall is filled with a massive chandelier and gives a glimpse into the European-inspired style of the time. You will witness the charm of 14 tonnes of gold adorning the ceiling and other structures in the palace, giving an opulent glimpse of the Ottoman Era. The palace is expanded to 11 acres of areas with over 285 rooms and 6 baths, 68 washrooms and 46 large halls.
Topkapi Palace: Inside the Topkapi palace you will witness the astonishing intricate tile work and calligraphy that flaunts the empire's artistic heritage. There are four courtyards in the palace to visit in order to get the true taste of the Ottoman grandeur. There are several libraries, the Dormitory of the forces, sacred safekeeping rooms and the palace's kitchen.
Dolmabahçe and Topkapi Palaces: Entry Fees, Hours & How to Reach
Dolmabahçe Palace: The entry fee is around 2,280 TL (INR 4,864) for Dolmabahçe Palace, with additional charges to visit the Harem area. You can also get guided tours for an extra cost, which will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the whole palace.
Topkapi Palace: To visit Topkapi Palace, the ticket prices start at 3085.45 TL (INR 6,555), and if you wish to visit the exhibitions and Harem, there will be extra charges. It will take around 2-3 hours for you to explore the palace with or without a guide.
Dolmabahçe Palace: Dolmabahçe Palace opens at 9AM and closes at 4PM, and no visitors will be allowed after 3:30 PM. Opening days are from Tuesday to Sunday, and the museum remains closed on Monday. You can explore the entire palace within 2-3 hours. The best time to visit Dolmabahçe Palace is during the summer season, from June to August, to experience mild temperatures and warm sunshine from the clear skies. On the other hand, to avoid the crowd, you may visit around the months of April-May and September-October and experience pleasant weather.
Topkapi Palace: The opening hours are from Wednesdays to Mondays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the palace is closed every Tuesday. The Topkapi palace is most visited on Fridays, with Wednesdays being the most crowded. The best time to visit the Topkapi palace is from mid-november to april to explore the museum with a spring-like cozy and refreshing temperature.
Dolmabahçe Palace: This beautiful palace is in the lively Beşiktaş district, which makes it quite easy to get to using Istanbul's extensive public transportation system.
- By Bus: Buses are well-connected through all the corners of the city. You will find various buses, including the 46C, 66, 70FE, 77A, 99A, EM1, and BN1, that stop near the Palace that will take you to the Eminonu-Ekspres Yonu stop, which is 800 metres away from the palace.
- By Tram: The tram network offers a comfortable way to reach the Dolmabahçe Palace through the T1 line with the nearby stop named Kabataş Tramvay İstasyonu.
Topkapi Palace: Located in Sultanahmet, this palace is commonly considered to be the historic centre of Istanbul. There are various public transport options available for you to choose.
- By Bus: Travelling by bus will prove to be quicker and pocket-friendly. From Taksim Square take a bus to reach Akbıyık bus stop, which is like an 8-minute walk to Topkapi Palace.
- By Tram: The most convenient public transport that you can take from the Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi tram stop, and it will take around 12 minutes to reach the Gülhane tram stop, which is only a 7-minute walk to the palace.
Which One Should You Visit?
- Explore the Red room: This area was utilised to receive the foreign dignitaries. Admire the intricate gold leaf details and dazzling chandeliers.
- Tour to Medhal Hall: You will witness the breathtaking experience at the main entrance with a marble staircase and richly decorated ceilings.
- Dolmabahçe Mosque: This Mosque offers rich Baroque and Neoclassical architectural features.
- Attend the Special Exhibitions: These exhibitions show unique artefacts, artwork and the royal collection of the Ottoman empire.
- Souvenirs from the Gift Shop: After a delightful experience, you can stroll through the gift shop to find books, keepsakes and other gift items.
- Admire the Courtyards: The Topkapi palace has four different courtyards, take your time and explore each one at a time.
- Porcelain Collection: This palace has a beautiful collection of large silver porcelain utensils.
- Arms Collection: Topkapi palace has the greatest collection of Islamic arms dated back to the 7th century.
- Miniature & Portrait gallery: In the third courtyard, you will notice a Portrait gallery that holds important calligraphy and miniatures, also Qurans from 12 to 17th centuries.
- Kiosks inside the fourth Courtyard: You will walk through almost six different kiosks, each having its own speciality, like the Baghdad kiosk, Iftar Kiosk, Yerevan kiosk and Terrace kiosk
Dolmabahçe vs Topkapi Palace FAQ's
What are the differences in the architectural styles of the Dolmabahçe and Topkapi Palaces?
Dolmabahçe Palace exhibits a blend of Western European and Ottoman styles, mainly exhibiting French Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical influences, giving it a majestic, outward-facing appearance. On the other hand, Topkapi Palace has the sprawling complex of courtyards and pavilions. This palace is all about the palace's historic building, extended collection of jewellery, ornate ceramics and weapons.
Which palace offers you a better idea of what life was like during the Ottoman Empire?
Both the palaces, Dolmabahçe Palace and Topkapi Palace, have an in-depth insight into the Ottoman Empire. Topkapi focuses on being the centre of power and administration in the 19th century. However, Dolmabahçe Palace is about the shift from the 19th century's Ottoman empire to the western world. The major highlights are European aesthetics and Atatürk's Room
Is Dolmabahçe Palace more contemporary compared to Topkapi Palace?
Yes, Dolmabahçe Palace is much more contemporary than Topkapi Palace. As it wasbuilt in the 19th century with a more Western-influenced design to replace the older Topkapi, which had been standing still for the last 400 years. Dolmabahçe Palace has Ottoman architecture with Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical european styles.
Which palace should someone who has never been to Istanbul before visit?
For first-time visitors to Istanbul, both the palaces are highly recommended and depend on the preference of the visitor. Topkapi Palace gives a broader and deeper view of the Ottoman Empire's history, including its "golden age" and the first 400 years. Dolmabahçe shows the empire's later, more Westernised period, whereas Topkapi gives you a real taste of the classical Ottoman grandeur. At last, it is your choice to pick the museum that best suits your liking.
Which palace takes longer to explore: Dolmabahçe or Topkapi?
Topkapi Palace normally requires more time to examine because of its huge size and extensive complex. To enjoy the richness and history of Topkapi, you usually need to spend at least 3-4 hours. Dolmabahçe Palace is only around half the size of Topkapi, so it will take 1.5 to 2 hours.