TRY: Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Street, Istanbul, Turkey
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun: 9.00am - 4.00pm

Located on the European coast of the Bosphorus in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, Turkey is Dolmabahce Palace with its eclectic architecture - a blend of Turkish attributes with Baroque and Neoclassical elements. It served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire during 1856-1887 and 1909-1922.

The palace complex isn't far from Kabatas funicular station. Enjoy the magnificent view as you make your way there.

Dolmabahce Mosque was built sometime in the 19th century.

For a complete experience that includes admission to all venues, you'll need to spend ₺70.00 (~S$22.95) per person. Istanbul Museum Pass isn't valid for Dolmabahce Palace.

You have to pass through security screening before entering the complex.

Only one ticket is issued per group with the details printed at the back.

The site was originally a bay used for the anchorage of the Ottoman fleet in the past, but it was gradually reclaimed during the 18th century to become an imperial garden. The name of the palace comes from two local words: dolma (lit. filled) and bahce (lit. garden).

 

Dolmabahce Clock Tower was erected between 1890 and 1895 under the order of Sultan Abdulhamid II.

The complex covers a total area of 110,000 square metres.

The majestic Gate of the Sultan marks the entrance to the paid area.

I didn't go inside the gift shop, but it looks pretty small.

Dolmabahce Palace was built from 1843 to 1856 under the order of Sultan Abdulmecid I, the 31st sultan of the Ottoman Empire. It's said that the construction cost 35 tonnes of gold, which is the equivalent of roughly US$1.5 billion in 2013.

The big fountain has the shape of a flower with six petals.

Selamlik are quarters reserved for men in the olden days.

Don't touch the lioness and her cub!

While photography at the grounds is allowed, it's prohibited inside any of the buildings. Hence, I can't offer any photos of the interior, but doing an online search should give you some ideas.

How lucky was I to be able to snap a photo of the Gate of the Treasury without anyone in it!

A bunch of mallards spotted!

Hi there, golden pheasant!

The Glass Pavilion overlooks the aviary garden. It was used for special meetings and also as a resting place for the sultans.

Here's a glimpse of the interior shown on the pamphlet.

The sun was shining brightly that morning, but the cooling early winter breeze made it bearable.

It's a tomb of Ahmed Turani, which I believe was a commander.

Pine cones of all sizes and shapes have always intrigued me since young.

Which do you prefer: pink or white?

The Clock Museum features all sorts of lovely antique clocks.

About 80 minutes had passed since we entered the palace complex.

The palace was home to six sultans. The Harem is the private residential area of the ruling sultan and his family at a time. The palace has got a total of 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Turkish baths and 68 toilets. I had the opportunity to look at the deathbed of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and the first president of the country, covered in the national flag.

There's a café opposite of the entrance to the Harem.

The Painting Museum is the furthest from the entrance gate.

Don't you love this particular photo of the Gate to the Bosphorus?

The museum was opened in 2014, boasting a collection of approximately 200 paintings.

The palace itself covers an area of 45,000 square metres with its interior extensively decorated with crystals and gold. It's equipped with the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier that was initially assumed to be a gift from Queen Victoria of the UK, but a receipt showing that it was paid for in full was discovered in 2006.

Such a grandeur~

Thank you for the impressive display!

It was a virgin experience at the largest palace of Turkey for not only my BFF and me, but also my sister.