Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace stretches for about 600 metres along the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul's Beşiktaş district. After the sultans left Topkapı, the empire was run from here.

History of Dolmabahçe

It was built in 1843–1856 for Sultan Abdülmecid by the Balyan family of architects and mixes European styles with Ottoman tradition. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, died here on 10 November 1938; the clocks in his room still show 09:05.

What to see inside

The visit has two parts: the Selamlık, used for state business, and the Harem. The Ceremonial Hall, the crystal staircase and the chandeliers are what most people remember.

Tips for visiting

• The palace is closed on Mondays.
• Photography is not allowed inside.
• Tickets can be bought in advance on the National Palaces website.
• The Clock Tower and the waterfront walk next to the palace are worth the time.