Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace was built by Abdulmecid where formerly stood the more modest palace of Mahmud II. The Balyan family of architects finished construction on the clock tower, mosque and palace in 1853. The crystal hanging-lamp in the reciprocal room, which weighs 4.5 tons, was a present from Queen Victoria and is said to be the largest in the world. The palace has an area of 45,000 m² (11.2 acres), and contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths (hamam) and 68 toilets. The famous Crystal Staircase has the shape of a double horseshoe and is built of Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany. The palace includes a large number of Hereke palace carpets made by Hereke Imperial Factory. Also featured are 150-year-old bearskin rugs originally presented to the Sultan as a gift by the Tsar of Russia. As Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, died here on November 10, 1938, this palace holds special significance for Turks.
Closed Monday and Thursday.
Address: 80680 Besiktas
Tel: (0212) 236 90 00
Fax: (0212) 236 35 77