Sunday, April 18, 2010

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahçe was built in neo-baroque style between 1843-1856 in the rapidly growing northern section of the city, at the Marmara outlet of the Bosphorus, to replace the Topkapi Palace which was out fashioned. The architect was Karabet Balyan, head architect of Sultan Abdulmecit. It has 3 floors including the basement with a symmetric design, with 285 rooms, 43 halls, 6 Turkish baths. The pier is 600 meters long and the palace has two beautifully decorated monumental gates giving access to its courtyard. The huge ballroom has a 4,5 tons crystal chandelier hanging from its 36 meters high ceiling.

Dolmabahce housed Sultans and their families before the Republic, and it was then used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visits to Istanbul. Atatürk died here on the 10th of November, 1938.

Side view Palace view from Bosphorus strait



Palace main entrance gate



Fountain



Side entrance gate



Changing of Guards



Courtyard



Animals



Peacock



Iron work



Courtyard



Main facade of the Palace



Shoes must be covered prior entering the Palace



Bedroom



Bedroom



Room



Room



Room



Fireplace



Chandelier over Grand staircase



Grand staircase



Room



Grand Room ceiling



Chandelier



Palace exit



Exit gate

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