Dolmabahce Palace a decadent imperial palace built on the orders of Sultan Abdul Mecit as a replacement for Topkapi Palace when Beyoglu became increasingly influential.
Dolmabahçe Palace was completed in 1856 and was home to the last six sultans.This Palace was the first European-style palace in Istanbul.
The palace was built in the 19th century to a Baroque style, is outstandingly lavish and stands right on the side of the Bosphorus, dominating the skyline from the river as well as the surrounding roads.
The palace’s 285 rooms,46 lounges, 6 Turkish baths (hammam) and 68 toilets take about an hour to explore by guided tour. It is worth it just to see the 4½-ton Bohemian crystal chandelier (above), the world’s largest, as well as the Baroque and Roccoco decor and crystal staircases.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of Turkey.Atatürk died at Dolmabahçe Palace in November 1938 after he became sick during a visit to the city. His study and modest room, with its wooden bed decorated with gold-crossed swords, have been preserved.The time on the clock in the room. It says 9:05am, the time Atatürk died.
