It has been 170 years since Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the most striking masterpieces of the late Ottoman era, first opened its doors.
Built on the orders of Sultan Abdülmecid and officially opened on June 7, 1856, the palace remains one of the iconic landmarks that bears witness to the late Ottoman era as well as key moments in Republican history.
Situated along the Beşiktaş shoreline in Istanbul, Dolmabahçe Palace was constructed on a 110,000-square-meter (approximately 27 acres) site that had once been a natural bay for centuries. Over time, the area was filled in during the reign of Sultan Osman II and came to be known as “Dolmabahçe.” It gradually evolved into a royal garden and later became part of the Beşiktaş seaside palace complex. Today, it stands among Istanbul’s most significant cultural and historical heritage sites.
The palace complex spans a vast area and includes the main structures such as the Mabeyn, the Muayede Hall, the Harem and the Crown Prince’s apartments. It is also home to several other notable buildings, including the Bezmialem Valide Sultan Mosque, the Imperial Stables, the Palace Theater, the Clock Tower, the Treasury Department and the Furnishings Department.
