The Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul graces the shoreline of the Bosphorus and is an awe-inspiring showcase of the immense wealth of the Ottoman Empire. The Empire stretched across three continents (Europe, Western Asia and North Africa) during its pinnacle in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Dolmabahçe Palace (map) served as the Empire’s administrative centre in the 19th to early-20th centuries. Of the many sights, the Dolmabahçe Palace is, in my book, a must-see attraction in Istanbul!
The palace is home to an incredible collection of Baccarat and Bohemian crystals, breathtaking gilded ceilings and columns, and magnificent gifts from foreign rulers including the Tsars of Russia and Queen Victoria.
Ceremonial Hall
The richly decorated interior is strikingly European in style and was designed to display the splendor of the Ottomans to maximum effect. The highlight of a tour through the palace is undoubtedly the imposing Ceremonial Hall. The hall is 2,000 square meters in size and 36 meters high, and apart from its magnificent golden interior and impressive columns, boasts a 4.5 ton Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria and the largest of its kind in the world. When I visited the Ceremonial Hall for the first time, my jaw literally dropped open. Of all the palatial halls in the world that I’ve visited, this one certainly takes top marks for its visual impact!
Other highlights of the Dolmabahçe Palace
Other highlights in the palace include the famous Crystal Staircase (with its Baccarat crystal bannisters), the room of the Father of Modern Turkey, Ataturk, and the bear rugs which were gifts from the Russian Tsar. If you’re visiting this fabulous city on the Bosphorus, I strongly recommend including the Dolmabahçe Palace to your itinerary. Read more about experiencing Istanbul like a local.
Very opulent! Istanbul is definitely on my list of enchanting places to visit in my lifetime!
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Can’t believe I missed out Dolmabahçe Palace during my trip to Turkey last October. Would definitely visit the palace if I’m back in Turkey!
GRANDEUR. Now I know the meaning of the word after seeing these pictures. Gorgeous. I so wanna visit! (One day, one day…)
Thanks for your comment Matt. Yes, totally agree with you: that sure is an epic spot for a palace!
Cheers,
Keith
It’s such an epic spot for a palace, right on the shores of the Bosphorous. I miss Istanbul! Can’t wait for the day I travel back to Turkey.
Dolmabahce is one of my favorite places in Istanbul! It’s absolutely gorgeous and the Bosphorus setting is perfect for such a majestic palace! I hope you made it to Topkapi Palace as well! It’s equally stunning, but in a completely different style!