Dolmabahce Palace
Being one of the most touristic sites of Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecit in the 19th century. Dolmabahce Palace lies on the European coast of the Bosphorus. Dolmabahce Palace was constructed between 1843 and 1856, with a mixture of different European influences. Dolmabahce Palace was built over three floors, and planned symmetrically with 285 rooms and 43 halls. Dolmabahce Palace has a 600 metres long pier along the shore of Bosphorus with 2 huge monumental gates.
The Dolmabahce Palace is surrounded by well-maintained and perfect gardens, with a 56-columned greeting hall, illuminated with 800 lights from a 4 tons of crystal chandelier. The entrance hall was used for meetings and greetings of Sultans. Opposite the ceremonial hall was the harem section of the palace. The interior decoration, furniture, silk carpets and curtains all remain intact with little or no defect.
The Dolmabahce Palace has a level of luxury, which was not presented in most other palaces, with walls and ceilings decorated with pure gold. Very high quality silk and wool carpets, southeast Asian hand made artifacts, and crystal candlesticks decorate the rooms. The men’s hamam (public bath) is decorated with alabaster marble, and the harem also contains the Sultan’s bedrooms and the women and division of the servants. One of the most important highlights of Dolmabahce Palace is the throne room, which stands has an amazing 36 metres high ceiling, almost twice the height of the rest of the rooms.