The Sultan of Turkey has many palaces, but most of them were built by his predecessors, not by him. He has not built any palaces himself, but he did alter and modernize the Yildiz Kiosk, which is where he lives in seclusion. Most of the Sultan’s palaces are occupied by his seven brothers and sisters, three married children, and other relatives.
Only two of the palaces are open to visitors. To enter these palaces, you must get a special permit from the Sultan himself. To apply for the permit, you need the support of your ambassador. These two palaces are Dolma-Baghtcheh Palace and Beyler-Bey Palace Bulgaria Vacation.
Dolma-Baghtcheh Palace
Dolma-Baghtcheh Palace is an enormous palace made of glittering marble. It has beautiful gates and a lovely garden around it. The palace is located on the European side of Istanbul, not far from the city.
When you look at the palace from a distance, it creates a very impressive view. However, when you get closer and look at the details, you may feel surprised at some of the choices in design. For example, the palace has lace-work doors, massive gilt columns, and barbaric domes. There are also Saracenic arches and a crystal staircase that must have cost a lot of money The Nine Gates of St. Sophia.
Despite its grand size and luxurious materials, many people may wonder about the tastefulness of the design. Everything in the palace is made from the costliest materials.
Beyler-Bey Palace
On the Asiatic side of Istanbul, there is Beyler-Bey Palace. Like Dolma-Baghtcheh, this palace is also huge and is decorated in glittering style. Beyler-Bey Palace has exquisitely carved marble, carved wood, gilding, and mosaics. There are also mirrors, crystal chandeliers, beautiful frescoes, and expensive rugs. The furniture is gilded, and the divans are upholstered in costly damask.
If you want a palace with luxury but lacking in taste, Beyler-Bey could be considered the ideal palace.
Luxurious Details of the Palaces
Both Dolma-Baghtcheh and Beyler-Bey are a mix of Moorish, Arabic, Turkish, and French styles in terms of architecture and decoration. For example, the big ballroom in Dolma-Baghtcheh, where the Sultans used to host receptions, is decorated entirely in the French style.
One of the most proudly displayed features in Dolma-Baghtcheh is the bathroom connected to the Sultan’s private apartments. This room is lined with slabs of alabaster, including the floor, walls, and ceiling. The bathtub is also made of alabaster. In nearly every reception room, you can find wash-basins made from onyx and alabaster. These basins are used to replace finger-bowls after court members have eaten sweets.
The Sultan’s palaces are grand and luxurious but often criticized for their lack of taste. Despite this, they remain an important part of Istanbul’s history, showcasing a mixture of architectural styles from different cultures and periods. The palaces are a symbol of the Sultan’s wealth and power, and they continue to be a source of interest for visitors and historians alike.
