- History and Architecture
- Built between 1843-1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid I as replacement for Topkapı Palace
- Largest monoblock palace in Turkey with 285 rooms and 46 halls
- Features 14 tons of gold on ceilings and 4.5-ton crystal chandelier
- Blends Ottoman Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and traditional Ottoman styles
- Key Features
- Contains 68 washrooms, 6 baths, and 68 toilets
- Houses 202 oil paintings by Turkish and Western artists
- Includes four gardens: Hasbahçe, Bird Garden, Harem Garden, and Crown Garden
- Features Clock Tower built by Sarkis Balyan in neo-baroque style
- Notable Rooms
- Medhal Hall serves as main entrance with sea-facing rooms
- Harem contains eight rooms for Sultan's family and concubines
- Atatürk's Room features clock stopped at 9:05 AM
- Sufera Hall displays opulent gold decorations and bohemian chandeliers
- Practical Information
- Open daily from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM except Mondays and Thursdays
- Located on European coast of Bosporus strait
- Requires advance ticket booking and guided tours
- Photography restricted within palace's interior spaces