Istanbul New Palace: The Interwoven Beauty of Scenery and History

Istanbul New Palace (Dolmabahçe Palace) is renowned for its ultimate luxurious aesthetics and unique geographical location, combining historical heritage and architectural art, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.

🌟 Three Major Aesthetic Highlights of the New Palace
1. The Beauty of Architectural Fusion
The clash of European luxury and Ottoman elements: The palace blends Baroque, Rococo, and Ottoman decorative styles, with 43 halls and 285 rooms arranged symmetrically to showcase royal grandeur. The exterior features marble and exquisite reliefs, while the interior is filled with gilded decorations and crystal chandeliers (such as the 4.5-ton crystal chandelier gifted by the British Queen).
The artistic conception of the reclaimed garden
The name "Dolmabahçe" means "reclaimed garden," with a 600-meter-long coastline where the palace merges with the Bosphorus Strait, appearing as a floating work of art when viewed from the sea.

2. The Luxury of Interior Decoration
A feast of crystal and gold: The palace used 14 tons of gold and 40 tons of silver in its construction, featuring crystal staircases, ivory-inlaid furniture, and giant crystal chandeliers (one of the largest in the world), symbolizing the last glory of the Ottoman Empire.
Global treasures on display: It houses gifts from European royalty (such as polar bear fur from the Russian Tsar), Chinese porcelain, Islamic artworks, and more, showcasing the empire’s former international influence.

3. The Interwoven Beauty of Scenery and History
Panoramic views of the strait: The palace’s seaside terrace offers views of the Bosphorus Strait, Galata Bridge, and the Asian side across the water, especially picturesque at sunset.
Dual historical identity: The residence of the last Ottoman Sultan, later becoming the office and death place of Turkey’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, symbolizing both the empire’s end and the birth of the modern republic.

1. Core Area Focus
Selamlık Palace (administrative area): Key spots include the central hall, crystal staircase, and the 4.5-ton crystal chandelier hall (the red carpet staircase at the entrance is a must for photos).
Harem: In contrast to the grandeur of the administrative area, the Harem showcases royal life with delicate decorations; separate tickets are required but it’s worth visiting.
Royal Garden and Clock Tower: Stroll through the marble central axis garden and photograph the fountain swan sculpture; the four-story clock tower at the exit is an iconic backdrop.

2. Extended Experience
Bosphorus Strait Cruise: Departing from the palace pier (opposite Eminönü station), the 1.5-hour cruise offers an immersive experience of the palace and strait’s symbiotic relationship (ticket price about 12 lira).
Architect Café (Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe): On the way to the Golden Horn highland, enjoy panoramic views of the strait and take a break.

❗ Practical Tips
Tickets and Hours
Tickets cost about 650 lira, closed on Tuesdays; it’s recommended to arrive by 9 AM to avoid crowds.
Audio Guide: Free Chinese audio guides are available with passport deposit, providing in-depth historical explanations.
Transportation
Take the T1 tram to Kabataş station, then a 5-minute walk to the palace.
Prohibitions and Etiquette
Flash photography is prohibited inside the palace, and some exhibition halls forbid photography; shoes must be removed when entering carpeted areas, and women are advised to bring a headscarf just in case.