Dolmabahçe Palace

Beşiktaş coastal area, where Dolmabahçe Palace is located, is an area that has witnessed shipping activities as one of the bays of the Bosphorus in the past. This cove, which has been a natural harbor where ships took shelter since ancient times, was also noted by the rulers during the Byzantine Period and royal palaces were built in this region.
The coastal area, which functioned as a port where navy ships anchored and maritime ceremonies were held during the Ottoman Period, was named “dolmabağçe” after it was filled in the 16th century. Although the official residence is Topkapı Palace, the “dolmabağçe” region has also become one of the preferred places to visit, and it has been used as a private garden belonging to the sultan and the dynasty. Until the 19th century, the group of mansions and pavilions built on this private garden was called "Beşiktaş Beach Palace". In the 19th century, the effect of the renewal and modernization wind of the age was reflected not only on the culture and administration of the Ottoman Empire, but also on its palaces. The most magnificent work created by this wind of innovation is the Dolmabahçe Palace, which has the title of being the third largest palace structure in Istanbul today.
Sultan Abdülmecid Period (1839-1861) is a period in which Beşiktaş Beach Palace buildings are felt to be lacking in terms of functionality. It was decided to demolish these structures and build Dolmabahçe Palace instead. Dolmabahçe Palace, whose construction started on June 13, 1843, was opened for use on June 7, 1856. It is located on an area of ​​110 thousand square meters, with a magnificent view overlooking the Bosphorus.