The Dolmabahçe Palace was our main destination today. This was the main administrative centre for the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. A mixture of elaborate styles, the massive structure is covered in elaborate paintings, gold and crystal. The three sections took quite some time to explore - residence of the men, the harem (residence of the women and children) and the extensive reception areas.
After Turkey became a repulic, the founder and first president, Ataürk, used the palace as a presidential residence and spent the last days of his life in this palace in 1938. Everywhere we go, his picture lines the streets and business walls. It is apparent how much the Turkish people honour this man. My father pointed out how Ataürk's rooms were simplier and smaller than those used by the Sultan and his family.
On returning to our hotel, we ate and then strolled the surrounding streets trying to resist the expert sales techniques of the carpet salesmen.
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| The doors are too small! |
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| The main gates to the palace |
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