Dolmabahce Palace, a blend of various
European architectural styles, was built in1856. The palace
has 285 rooms and 43 halls. Well-kept, beautiful gardens surround
this seaside palace. The palace has survived intact with its
original decorations, furniture, and the silk carpets and
curtains. It surpasses all other palaces in the world in wealth
and magnificence. The walls and the ceilings are covered with
paintings by the famous artists of the age and decorations
made using tons of gold. The ornate wooden floors have different
designs in each room. Rare handmade artifacts from Europe
and the Far East decorate every room in the palace. Brilliant
crystal chandeliers, candelabras and fireplaces add to the
lavish decor. The ballroom is the largest of its kind in the
world. A 4.5 ton colossal crystal chandelier hangs from the
36 m high dome. In the Republican era, Atatiirk used to reside
in this palace when he visited Istanbul. He died here in 1938.
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