Beşiktaş, one of the most vibrant districts of Istanbul and where I live, hosts many important cultural assets of Istanbul. Palaces, pavilions, mansions, gardens, tombs, fountains and much more. Dolmabahçe Palace, without a doubt, one of the most important of these assets. History of Dolmabahçe Palace, entrance fee, transportation A lot of information awaits you in this article, be sure to read it before planning a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace!
What You Will Find In This Article
History of Dolmabahçe Palace
Beşiktaş beach has been used as a natural harbor for maritime activities since ancient times. The first palaces in this region were built during the Byzantine Period. In the 16th century, a garden was built by filling the harbor where the palace is located today, and it began to be called "dolmabağçe". After it was used as a private garden belonging to the dynasty, mansions were started to be built here.
By the 19th century, the complex consisting of mansions and pavilions in the garden was called "Beşiktaş Beach Palace". Abdulmecid decides to demolish these mansions and pavilions and build a palace here. The construction, which started in 1843, was completed in 1856 and took its present appearance.
The palace was used for ceremonies and hosting foreign guests during the Republican Period. Our Great Leader, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, used the palace as a residence when he came to Istanbul. And unfortunately, on November 10, 1938, at 09:05, he died in room 71 of the palace. Today, that room is open to visitors. Especially on November 10, hundreds of young and old people come to show their respect and love to our Father, and long queues form in front of the room.
Dolmabahce Palace Places To Visit
Dolmabahçe Palace is a palace with a horizontal architecture spread over an area of 135 thousand square meters and containing different buildings. The palace was also influenced by architectural schools such as Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classical, in accordance with the characteristics of the Turkish house with a corner room in the middle, depending on the Ottoman palace tradition in terms of function and architecture. Armenian builders, Balyan brothers, took part in the construction process.
The main structures of Dolmabahçe Palace are; Harem, Mabeyn, Clock Tower and Dolmabahçe Mosque. There are 285 rooms and 46 halls, 6 baths and 68 toilets in the palace. Electricity and heating system was added to the palace in the 1910s.
If we look at the places that make up the palace and must be visited;
- Dolmabahce Clock Tower: It is the tower that welcomes you at the entrance to Dolmabahçe Palace.
- Greetings: It is the building that welcomes you when you enter the inner garden from the outer garden. This is the place where you will see the real splendor of the palace with the sultan's rooms, study rooms, and the feast hall. The feast hall is very, very magnificent. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling weighed 4,5 tons.
- Glass Kiosk: A cute mansion used as a winter garden close to Selamlık.
- Harem: The room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk closed his eyes to life, and where it was used as a palace, is the section where the mother, the lady, the sultan and the favorites stayed. It is a little more modest when compared to Selamlık.
- Clock Museum: The museum in the Harem Garden hosts the clock collections in the Palace.
- Palace Collections Museum (Painting Museum): The museum where the paintings in Dolmabahçe and Topkapı Palace are exhibited. There is also a special hall reserved for Aivazovsky, known as the sea painter. Definitely worth seeing. Also, the museum has a small but very cute cafe: Seker Ahmet Pasha Tea Room.
There is an attendant in every corner of the palace in all parts of the palace, and when you ask questions, they are also willing to explain at length.
Taking photos indoors is strictly prohibited. The radiation emitted by cameras and phones damaged the artifacts. I wish there was a solution...
I recommend that you place Dolmabahçe Palace at the top of the list of places to see in Istanbul.
Dolmabahce Palace Visiting Days and Hours
- Dolmabahçe Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays and Thursdays, be careful when planning to go.
- It can be visited between 09:00-17:30 every day except Monday and Thursday.
- They do not accept visitors to the Harem after 15:00 because it takes 1 hour to visit after entering. It is better not to be late for a visit.
- Ticket sales at the box office end at 16:30.
Dolmabahçe Palace Ticket Types and 2020 Ticket Prices
- Since 2021, the Museum Card has become valid in Dolmabahçe Palace and many palaces affiliated to the National Palaces.
- You can buy the ticket separately as Harem, Selamlık or Harem+Selamlık.
- Tickets for Turkish Citizens are sold at a 50% discount.
- There is no ticket fee for those over the age of 65. There are also discounts for students and teachers.
You can see the Dolmabahce Palace ticket prices in the table below.
- Selamlık (Full) 90 TL
- Selamlık (Discounted) 45 TL
- Harem-Glassed Mansion-Clock Museum (Full) 60 TL
- Harem-Glassed Mansion-Clock Museum (Discounted) 30 TL
- Palace Collections Museum (Full) 10TL
- Palace Collections Museum (Discounted) 5TL
Where is Dolmabahce Palace?
Dolmabahçe Palace is located in Beşiktaş, one of the oldest districts of Istanbul. As you head towards Beşiktaş from Kabataş, the clock tower of the palace on the seaside on your right immediately attracts your attention. Besiktas Stadium is located opposite the palace. The place where the stadium is used to be where the stables of the palace used to be. The palace, located on the seaside, was already built by filling the sea, and it takes its name from here. To see the exact location of the palace Click on google maps link.
How to Get to Dolmabahce Palace?
It is possible to reach the palace on foot from Beşiktaş, Kabataş and Taksim. You can easily reach the palace by all public transportation vehicles from the center of Beşiktaş. Beşiktaş and Kabataş ferry port are also within walking distance of the palace, and you can easily reach the palace by sea. It is also possible to reach the palace, which is located right across the legendary stadium of Beşiktaş Sports Club, via the hop-on hop-off departing from Sultanahmet.
If you are coming with your car, there is a paid parking lot at the entrance.
Other Travel Articles About Beşiktaş
- All my suggestions about places to visit in Beşiktaş: Besiktas places to visit
- An oasis in Beşiktaş: Linden Pavilion
- The lungs of Beşiktaş, where you can be intertwined with nature: Yildiz Park
Stay on the Road!
1 Comment
In my opinion, Dolmabahçe is one of the places that everyone should go and see.