What is palais de dolmabahce?

Palais de Dolmabahce is a magnificent palace located in Istanbul, Turkey on the European side of the Bosphorus. It was built in the mid-19th century during the Ottoman Empire as the new palace for Sultan Abdulmecid I. The palace is considered one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture in the world. It is a blend of traditional Ottoman architecture and European styles such as Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical.

The Palace has more than 200 rooms, 43 halls, and galleries, and stretches over an area of 45,000 square meters. The most famous rooms in the palace are the Ceremonial Hall, the Crystal Staircase, and the Blue Room, which is decorated with blue and white porcelain tiles from İznik. The Palace is also adorned with magnificent chandeliers, candlesticks, and crystal curtains.

The Palace was used as the residence of Ottoman Sultans until the fall of the empire in 1922. Afterwards, it became the Presidential Palace of Ataturk, the first president of the Republic of Turkey. Since then, it has been used as a museum and is open to the public for tours. The Palace is a popular tourist destination and a major cultural landmark of Istanbul.