Towards the end of the Ottoman Empire , in the 19C, the Westernization movement was dominant. For the Ottomans who lived in Istanbul , "West" was in the "north" beyond the Golden Horn . In mid-nineteenth century they moved a few kilometers to the north for ( Dolmabahce Palace ) and this change took the Empire to an entirely different dimension. The architect Garabet Balyan managed to combine the Oriental and Western styles.
It covers an area of 25 hectares / 62 acres. The palace was built by Sultan Abdulmecit as the outcome of his Westernization influences between the years 1844 and 1853. The palace consists of 285 rooms and 46 halls. There are approximately 600 paintings and very beautiful huge Hereke carpets specially woven for Dolmabahce. The Dolmabahce Palace is an impressive building facing the sea with very high walls on the side facing inland. The main building is surrounded by magnificent palace gardens. |
