Day 10- Dolmabahce Palace

Welcome to day 10! 

We started the day by going back to the Yedikule Fortress which we had tried to visit the first day but were kicked out of.  However, we were able to successfully enter the fortress today and learn about the infamous Golden Gate.  Here, kings and emperors were welcomed into the city of Constantinople. We also visited the Rumeli Fortress later in the day, showing how both forts were crucial in the conquest of Constantinople in 1454 considering it landlocked the Byzantines. Between these two fortress visits we also spent a lot of our time looking around the Dolmabahce Palace, whilst is what we will be exploring for most of today's blog!

Originally, Topkapi Palace was the home of the Sultans. In 1843, construction on a new residence would begin near the Bosphorus and would last for another 13 years. This new build was able to be modernized, providing the facade that the empire was growing with their times. Even though the royal family had to stop construction multiple times due to related financial struggles, it was imperative that this new location fit with western necessities. Although, it was safer to keep the Treasury at the original location considering it was more easily defensible.  The new residence was called Dolmabahce Palace, which was built between 1843 and 1856 in Istanbul. The palace's name comes from it  being built in what was once the sea but was filled in once the construction began. The word “dolmabahce” means “filled in garden,” which is fitting considering the lush greenery surrounding the building. 

Dolmabahce Palace is a culmination of multiple styles from outside of Turkiye. The architect, Balyan, was of Armenian origin and was sent to France by the royal family to learn European styles.  He incorporated his newfound styles into the exterior and interior design choices, which are also  heavily influenced by the Ottomans need to assimilate to the larger continent. Baroque, gothic, and french details are positioned directly next to Chinese vases and Russian rugs. While there is the overarching feeling of an Ottoman palace, it’s impossible to ignore the European influence. 

Along with the European influences, the palace is a reflection of the past and the Sultans who lived there. The color red is used prominently throughout the rooms to showcase places where the Sultan resided frequently including his office and the harem. While the Sultan was reflected throughout the building, so were the things he liked or wished to adopt which included many Western ideas. One way this was seen was through the art displayed in the halls of the palace. Many of the pieces were created by famous painters from the 19th century and sometimes by the sultan himself! However, the images portrayed in the paintings were often depictions of seas and ships, with one even being a picture of Napoleon returning from the island of Elba. The imported art, from Napoleon’s conquests to foreign leaders, is all in an effort to appear more westernized and on par with other members of Europe. 

Many of the decorations also incorporated European styles, which could be seen in a variety of places: the British fireplace, Turkish flooring and carpets, and Chinese vases. Outside influences can also be seen in the Sultans’ decisions to incorporate Western design into their tableware. We visited one room in the palace that showcased some of the Sultans’ valuable collections. One section showed how the tableware had been created with Western pieces in mind, specifically cake molds and ice cream bowls. Lastly, in the transition hall, a statue of Attaturk can be seen wearing a suit and tie, a very Western ensemble that was not traditional for Turkiye at the time. These references to the West further the theme of intentional westernization by the Sultans on the nation.

The Rumeli Fortress was the foothold to the city as the Ottomans fought to gain control. Right next to the water, watch towers were poised across the Bosphorus towards a different garrison to watch for attacks. The area was used for concerts because of its gorgeous view and acoustics; however, a mosque was recently reconstructed within the walls so no further concerts have been held. Visitors are currently welcome to explore the grounds, as long as they are willing to hike a steep hill for the view!