Dolmabahçe Palace
Travel Point Overview
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most magnificent palaces of the Ottoman Empire, built between 1842 and 1853 by Sultan Abdulmecid I. Previously, a mansion built by Sultan Selim I existed in this area, but as the Ottoman Empire modernized, a more European-s
Dolmabahçe Palace: The Magnificent Residence of the Ottoman Empire
📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey
🏛 Era: Ottoman Empire (1842-1853)
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Abdulmecid I
🎨 Architectural Style: Ottoman-Baroque architecture
🛠 Architect: Karabet Balyan
🎟 Entrance Fee: Museum Pass not valid
A Symbol of Ottoman Elegance on the Bosphorus
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most magnificent palaces of the Ottoman Empire, built between 1842 and 1853 by Sultan Abdulmecid I. Previously, a mansion built by Sultan Selim I existed in this area, but as the Ottoman Empire modernized, a more European-style palace was commissioned.
Designed to reflect the imperial grandeur and European influence, the palace stands as one of the most prestigious landmarks along the Bosphorus. With 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 hammams, and 68 toilets, it is one of the largest palaces of the Ottoman era. By the early 20th century, the palace was equipped with electricity and a central heating system, making it one of the most modern residences of its time.
Dolmabahçe Palace was not only a residence for Ottoman sultans but also served as the Istanbul residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. He passed away here on November 10, 1938, making it a significant historical site.
Architectural Highlights of Dolmabahçe Palace
🏛 A blend of Ottoman, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles.
🔹 Covers an area of 110,000 square meters.
🔹 The grand staircase is adorned with crystal balustrades, creating a mesmerizing effect.
🔹 The 36-meter-high dome in the Throne Hall is crowned with one of the world’s largest chandeliers, weighing 4 tons with 750 bulbs, gifted by Queen Victoria.
🔹 The 30-meter-high clock tower at the entrance was completed in 1895.
The main sections of the palace include:
- Mabeyn (Administrative and State Affairs Section)
- Harem (Private quarters of the sultan and his family)
- Painting Museum (Featuring Ottoman and Republican-era artworks)
- Clock Tower
- Dolmabahçe Mosque
Atatürk’s Legacy at Dolmabahçe Palace
📜 Atatürk used Dolmabahçe Palace as his official residence in Istanbul during the early years of the Republic.
📜 He passed away here on November 10, 1938, at 09:05, in Room 71.
📜 The clock in his room still shows 09:05, the time of his passing, as a tribute.
📜 His favorite painting, "Four Seasons," was a gift from Turkish Ambassador Zekai Apaydın.
Atatürk’s study room, personal quarters, and the elevator built for his use remain preserved in the palace.
How to Get to Dolmabahçe Palace?
📍 Location: Beşiktaş, Istanbul
🚆 Public Transport:
- Bus: Available from Beşiktaş and surrounding areas.
- Ferry: Üsküdar-Kabataş and Kadıköy-Kabataş ferry lines bring visitors close to the palace, followed by a short walk.
- Tram: Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line, get off at Dolmabahçe stop.
🚗 By Car:
- Limited parking spaces are available around the palace, but due to high tourist demand, public transport is recommended.
Dolmabahçe Palace Entrance Fees
Selamlık, Harem, and Painting Museum (Combined Ticket)
- Local Visitor: 200 TL
- Foreign Visitor: 1500 TL
- Discounted Ticket: 100 TL
- School Student Groups (Mavi Salon Route): 60 TL
Combination Tickets
[Full Pass] National Palaces Pass (Excludes Topkapı Palace and Küçüksu Pavilion Recreation Area)
- Local Visitor: 400 TL
- Foreign Visitor: 2500 TL
- Discounted Ticket: 200 TL
[Combination Ticket II] Dolmabahçe Palace + Yıldız Palaces + European Side Pavilions (Excludes Topkapı Palace and Küçüksu Pavilion Recreation Area)
- Local Visitor: 250 TL
- Foreign Visitor: 2000 TL
- Discounted Ticket: 125 TL
[Combination Ticket III] Dolmabahçe Palace + Anatolian Side Pavilions (Excludes Küçüksu Pavilion Recreation Area)
- Local Visitor: 250 TL
- Foreign Visitor: 2000 TL
- Discounted Ticket: 125 TL
Special Conditions:
- Free entry for all local and foreign visitors aged 0-6.
- Discounted tickets available for students aged 07-25 with a valid student ID.
- Turkish and TRNC students aged 18-25 (including 25) receive a discount at Topkapı Palace.
- Foreign students pay twice the discounted ticket price.
- International students aged 12-25 must present an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) for the discount.
Visiting Days & Holidays
🚪 Closed Days:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- First Day of Ramadan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr)
- First Day of Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha)
✅ Open for Visits on Special Days:
- April 23 (National Sovereignty and Children's Day)
- May 1 (Labor and Solidarity Day)
- 2nd and 3rd Days of Ramadan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr)
- May 19 (Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day)
- July 15 (Democracy and National Unity Day)
- 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Days of Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha)
- August 30 (Victory Day)
- October 29 (Republic Day)
Explore Dolmabahçe Palace with Advisormapp!
📲 Use the Advisormapp app to navigate to Dolmabahçe Palace, access audio guides, and explore its rich history. Discover one of Istanbul’s most breathtaking palaces! 🚀✨
