Dolmabahçe Palace: History, architecture and transportation routes
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most magnificent and historical buildings in Istanbul. The palace, built in the last period of the Ottoman Empire, also witnessed important events in the history of the Republic. Dolmabahçe Palace, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died on November 10, 1938, can be visited as a museum today. So, where is Dolmabahçe Palace? How to get to Dolmabahçe Palace?
History of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is located in the Beşiktaş district on the European side of the Bosphorus. The area where the palace is located was previously used as a landfill. For this reason, the palace was named Dolmabahçe. The first construction of the palace began during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim. It was later expanded during the reigns of Ahmet I and Mahmut II. Today's palace was built by Karabet Balyan by Abdülmecit I between 1842-1853. The palace was where state affairs were conducted and where the sultans resided during the last period of the Ottoman Empire. After the declaration of the Republic, it was used as Atatürk's Presidential Residence in Istanbul. Atatürk passed away in Dolmabahçe Palace on November 10, 1938. The palace has been serving as a museum since 1984.
Architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is built on an area of 250 thousand square meters. The palace consists of 16 sections. These; Mabeyn-i Hümayun, Muayede Hall, Harem-i Hümayun, Crown Prince's Office, Sultan's Office, Valide Sultan's Office, Grand Bath, Small Bath, Palace Mosque, Palace Library, Palace Theater, Palace Picture Gallery, Palace Museum, Palace Gardens, Palace Mansions. and Palace Workshops. The architecture of the palace reflects Baroque, Rococo and Empire styles. The palace has 285 rooms, 46 living rooms, 6 baths, 68 toilets and 5 prayer rooms. The Muayede Hall, one of the most important parts of the palace, has an area of 2000 square meters. A chandelier weighing 4.5 tons and containing 750 lamps hangs in the middle of the hall. The items inside the palace show works of art and craft of the period.
How to get to Dolmabahçe Palace?
There are various transportation options to reach Dolmabahçe Palace. Those coming from Beşiktaş can come by IETT buses or minibuses, and those coming from the Anatolian Side can come by Üsküdar-Kabataş or Kadıköy-Kabataş sea route. Dolmabahçe Palace can also be reached by Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line. Transportation is possible by local transportation vehicles.
