Dolmabahçe Palace, located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, parallel to the sea, captivates visitors even from a distance with its dazzling splendour.
This magnificent structure, visible from the deck of a boat entering the Bosphorus from the Sea of Marmara, seems to greet the Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk neighbourhoods opposite. The elegant carved decorations on its white marble facades and monumental coastal gates reflect both the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire and European-inspired aesthetics, leaving a captivating impression at first glance. With its historical value and unique views, Dolmabahçe Palace stands out as one of the most special places to visit in Istanbul.
The History of the Dolmabahçe Palace
The area where Dolmabahçe Palace is located has a history as fascinating as the palace itself. Until the 17th century, there was a natural bay here where the Ottoman navy moored its ships. Over time, the bay silted up and turned into a marshland, which was filled in starting from the 17th century and transformed into a royal garden used by sultans for relaxation and entertainment. This is why the area was named ‘Dolma Bahçe’ (filled garden). The complex of pavilions and mansions built over various periods, known as the ‘Beşiktaş Sahil Sarayı,’ remained here for a long time. Finally, in the mid-19th century, as part of the Ottoman Empire's modernisation efforts, a decision was made to build a magnificent palace to replace the old Topkapı Palace. At the request of Sultan Abdülmecid, who embraced modern ideas, the foundations of the new palace were laid on 13 June 1843. The construction was carried out under the leadership of the renowned architect Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nigoğos Balyan and was completed in approximately 13 years. When Dolmabahçe Palace was opened with a grand ceremony on 7 June 1856, its magnificent façade, which reached 600 metres, immediately caught everyone's attention. However, such a large-scale project placed a heavy burden on the state treasury. It is said that the construction of the palace cost approximately 5 million Ottoman gold coins, which was equivalent to a quarter of the state's annual income at the time. Indeed, it is emphasised that this high cost forced the Ottoman Empire to take out foreign loans in the following years.
After its opening, Dolmabahçe Palace began to be used as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and was home to six sultans, starting with Sultan Abdülmecid. The palace continued to be used in all its splendour during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, who succeeded Abdülmecid. However, Sultan Abdulhamid II, who came to power in 1876, moved the administrative centre to Yıldız Palace after staying in Dolmabahçe for a short time due to security concerns; as a result, Dolmabahçe Palace remained largely vacant for approximately thirty years. In 1909, Sultan Mehmet Reşat (Mehmet V), who ascended the throne with the Second Constitutional Monarchy, revived the long-neglected palace and made it a venue for ceremonies and receptions. The last ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmet VI Vahdettin, also actively used Dolmabahçe during the final years of his reign. With the abolition of the Ottoman Empire in 1922, Vahdettin left the palace, marking the end of the Ottoman era at Dolmabahçe.
After the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Dolmabahçe Palace was used as the seat of the caliphate for a short time, but with the abolition of the caliphate in 1924, it became the property of the state. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, began using Dolmabahçe Palace as his office and guesthouse whenever he visited Istanbul starting in 1927. Many important meetings and preparations for the reforms of the early Republican era took place in the halls of this palace. Atatürk spent the last years of his life at Dolmabahçe and passed away there on the morning of 10 November 1938 at 9:05 a.m. Atatürk's body was laid in state in the Muayede Hall of the palace and opened to the public; the room where he passed away, number 71, is preserved in its original state in memory of Atatürk. After Atatürk, President İsmet İnönü also used Dolmabahçe as his official residence in Istanbul for a period. Following a comprehensive restoration completed in 1984, the palace was opened to the public as a ‘museum-palace’ and began serving the public under the National Palaces Directorate. Today, Dolmabahçe Palace continues to attract great interest from both local and foreign tourists. In fact, 1.38 million people visited the palace in 2024, proving that Dolmabahçe continues to be one of Istanbul's most important cultural destinations.
Discover the Dolmabahçe Palace by Yacht
For those seeking a comfortable and free-spirited journey away from the bustling crowds of Istanbul, a hourly yacht rental on the Bosphorus offers one of the most exclusive ways to explore Dolmabahçe Palace from the sea. With a private yacht tour, you can set your own course as you glide along the Bosphorus, stopping whenever you wish to admire the palace's magnificent architecture from the water. Instead of rushing around in the crowds on a boat tour, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Dolmabahçe from the deck of a yacht reserved exclusively for you and your loved ones, seeing its majestic facade from sea level rather than from above. This special yacht trip on the Bosphorus's crystal-clear waters can turn into one of the most unforgettable memories of your time in Istanbul.
Experiencing the beauty surrounding Dolmabahçe Palace by renting a yacht offers a pleasure far beyond an ordinary Bosphorus cruise. In this experience, where you can move freely like the captain of your own yacht, time and route are entirely up to you. Especially when you approach the magnificent sea gate of Dolmabahçe Palace in open waters, you will feel as if you are gliding through history. You can organise a dinner on the deck with your loved ones or stop the engine and enjoy the unique sounds of the Bosphorus under the palace lights. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to see other beauties of Istanbul, such as historic mansions, palaces and pavilions, adding richness to your Bosphorus tour. The Dolmabahçe tour by yacht combines the splendour of the 19th century with the comfort of today, offering you a unique Bosphorus experience.
If you want to see Dolmabahçe Palace in all its splendour in the enchanting atmosphere of the Bosphorus, rent a yacht and embark on a pleasant journey through history on the crystal-clear waters. Thanks to yacht rental, you can enjoy Dolmabahçe, the pearl of the Bosphorus, up close in a completely private setting, away from the crowds. On one side, the sound of waves and a cool breeze; on the other, the golden decorations of the palace reflected in the foam... By charting your own course, you will discover a completely different side of Istanbul and Dolmabahçe Palace. Remember, exploring from the sea is always the most appealing way to discover the hidden beauties of the city.