Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace

After breakfast, I took the tram to Dolmabahce Palace.  This palace had been on my radar since my first visit 27 years ago.  But having seen a few opulent palaces through the years, in fell down my priority list.  But now, I have done and repeated many things in Istanbul, so it’s popped up on my radar again.

I got to the gate around 0900 and bought the combined ticket for the main palace and also the harem.  Then I picked up the free audio guide (which required a “per device” deposit of EUR100 / USD100 / TRY200 or a form of ID).

First up, I visited the main part of the palace.  It had a grand entrance hall but photos weren’t permitted.  It was room after room of elegance and opulence interspersed with some that were less so.  With staff not in sight, I did take a few photos here and there.

The second part of the visit was to the harem.  It had a separate entrance on the landward side of the palace.  In contrast to the main part of the palace, it was less elegant and opulent.   But it was till plenty gorgeous.

The audio-guide gave an insight into life in the harem.  There were rules and protocols to be followed.   Eg. wives and concubines couldn’t visit each other as they wished; the staff would convey communications between them to facilitate appointments.

The palace complex included a few secondary sights.  I skipped the painting museum.  The clock museum displayed beautiful antique clocks was worth a quick walkaround.  Finally was the crystal pavilion, which was closed for renovation.  From what I can gather, it is a glass house with a display of chandeliers and lamps.

All-up, I spent two hours in the whole complex.

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Random exploration

With time on my hands, I decided to take the tram from Kabatas to the opposite end of the line at Bagcilar.  The route took me through my area Sirkeci/Gulhane, then Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar into new territory.

Much of the non-touristy area comprised of residential buildings that were around seven storeys with businesses on the ground floor.  There was an entire suburb dedicated to textiles, then some local-style street market that had fruit and poultry.

I stumbled upon my favourite store Decathlon but there was no point visiting as I had nothing to buy.  I finished my outing by making a stop at an Indonesian restaurant that I had spotted from the tram.  It turned out OK, not great.

Returning to my room mid-afternoon, it was time to relax for the day.  The loss of a night’s sleep yesterday took its toll around 1600 (despite a full lunch).  I hunger pangs so popped out for some Turkish dessert (just like I did yesterday).  I managed to control myself a little and had a late and light dinner.