Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top Sights
Dolmabahçe Palace
These days it's fashionable for critics influenced by the
less-is-more aesthetic of the Bauhaus masters to sneer at
buildings such as Dolmabahçe. Enthusiasts of Ottoman ar-
chitecture also decry this final flourish of the imperial dyn-
asty, dismissing it as vulgarly ostentatious. But whatever
the critics might say, this 19th-century palace with its mag-
nificent Bosphorus location, opulent Selâmlık (State or
Ceremonial Apartments) and large Harem is a clear crowd
favourite.
Dolmabahçe Sarayı
OFFLINE MAP
Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş
Selâmlık/Harem 30/20
9am-6pm Tue-Wed & Fri-Sun
Kabataş, then walk
Don't Miss
Imperial Selâmlık
The palace's state apartments were decorated by Frenchman Charles Séchan, designer of
the Paris Opera, and are highly theatrical in appearance. They feature a crystal staircase
manufactured by Baccarat, mirrored fireplaces, parquet floors and Sèvres and Yıldız (loc-
ally made) porcelain. The most impressive room is the huge Muayede Salon (Ceremonial
Hall), which features a purpose-woven 124-sq-metre Hereke carpet and a crystal chandelier
weighing 4.5 tonnes.
Imperial Harem
Decoration of the Harem is relatively restrained by Dolmabahçe standards (which, of
course, isn't saying much). Its most notable elements are the hand-painted ceilings, which
feature throughout. The tour passes bedrooms, private salons (including one decorated with
Japanese motifs), a circumcision room and a nursery.
