Dolmabahce Palace
Sultan Abdulmecit spent five million Ottoman gold pounds (which was equivalent of 35 tons of gold) fort he construction of this palace between 1843 and 1856. It was the first European-style palace in Istanbul. To adorn the interior ceiling 14 tons of gold was used. The palace was three-storied and built on a symmetrical plan with 285 rooms, 6 Turkish Baths, approximately 2.700 windows, 43 halls. the palace has a total floor area of 45.000 square metres. Besides owning the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world, Dolmabahce Palace is decorated throughout Bakara crystals, pictures by famous artists, luxurious furniture, rugs and carpets from the famous carpet manufacturers of the city Hereke.
It is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus.The palace is constructed upon a reclaimed area by filling up the sea. Until then, the area where was a small bay on the Bosphorus. Starting from the 17th century the bay was gradually filled in and became one of the imperial parks on the Bosphourus known as Dolmabahce.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Turkish Republic spent his last years in Dolmabahce Palace. The room where he passed away is open to visit.
