Day 10 (3.11.2023) - Çanakkale

Day 10 (3.11.2023) - Çanakkale - Istanbul

It was a long 5 hour bus ride back to Istanbul, but we were well entertained with chit-chats (by now we were like old friends), singing (one of the group members, Winnie, with her beautiful singing had been entertaining us along our route...bravo, Winnie!)

After a seafood lunch by the harbour, we boarded a private charter boat that took us on an one-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia, the city is located on either side of the southern end of the strait. The Strait makes Istanbul one of the few cities in the world that lie on two continents. Bosporus (from Greek boos poros) literally means “ox ford”

The strait is 19 miles long connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Wrapped around Ottoman palaces, and spanned by three intercontinental bridges - the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (1973), Fatih Sultan Mehmet (1988), and Yavuz Sultan Selim (2016).

After the cruise, we visited the world famous Dolmabahçe Palace - it was ordered by the Empire's 31st Sultan, Abdülmecid I, and built between the years 1843 and 1856. It's the largest palace in Türkiye boasts 258 rooms and 46 halls. Its historical significance as the official residence of six Sultans and a Caliph from 1856 to 1924.This Palace showcases Ottoman architecture accentuated by 14 tons of gold adorning its ceiling and multiple structures within the palace. The Medhal Hall, Red Room, and Blue Hall are some of the lavishly decorated rooms that exhibit a blend of Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles. One of the palace's most striking features is a stunning bohemian crystal chandelier, believed to have been a gift from Queen Victoria. Housing an impressive collection of paintings by Turkish and Western artists.

The Medhal Hall is the main entrance hall of the Dolmabahce Palace. It features a grand staircase, ornate ceilings, and crystal chandeliers. It was designed to impress visitors and create a sense of grandeur.

The Blue Hall, also known as the Suffer Salon with a crystals covered ceiling.

The Red Room

Above photo is the Muayede, also known as the Ceremonial Hall, showcases crystal chandeliers, gilded columns, and intricate marblework. It has hosted many significant events in Turkish history and is known for its lavish decorations.

At the entrance of the Palace is The Dolmabahce Clock Tower. The Tower was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II in the 19th century, features an elegant clock face, ornate carvings, and intricate decorations. It was designed by the famous Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan, who also designed many other prominent buildings in Istanbul. The Clock Tower, an engineering masterpiece is still in use today. Apparently, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and Istanbul from the top of the Tower. Unfortunatley, I didn't know until I googled it afterwards.

Set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait, the palace and its surrounding gardens offer breathtaking views. It was the Presidential Palace for Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Republic of Turkey.

Personally, I preferred the exterior of the Palace - the architecture and the gardens, than the interior.