Dolmabahçe Palace is a large and impressive building on the European side of Istanbul, right next to the Bosphorus Strait. Built in the 19th century, it was designed to be the new main office for the leaders of the Ottoman Empire, replacing the older Topkapi Palace. It was also where the Sultan and his family lived until the empire ended in 1922.
Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Türkiye
Built: Construction of the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower took place from 1890 to 1895.
Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Architect: The clock tower was designed by Sarkis Balyan, the son of Garabet Amira Balyan, who was a renowned architect responsible for significant parts of the Dolmabahçe Palace.
Architectural Style(s): The Dolmabahçe Clock Tower features a blend of Ottoman, neo-baroque, and neoclassical architectural styles.
Number of Visitors Per Year: Approximately 1.5 million people visit the clock tower each year.
Function: The Dolmabahçe Clock Tower serves as a public clock tower.
Historical Significance: The Dolmabahçe Clock Tower was built in the 19th century during the time of Sultan Abdulhamid II. It’s next to the palace where the Ottoman Sultans lived. This makes it an important place for those interested in history.
Architecture and Design: The clock tower has a beautiful clock face and detailed carvings. Anyone interested in old buildings and designs will find it worth visiting.
Stunning Views: From the top of the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower, you can see the Bosphorus Strait and the city of Istanbul. It’s a great spot for taking photos.
Impressive Engineering: The clock tower is not just old but also a masterpiece of engineering that still works today. It’s fascinating for visitors to see.
Unique Museum: Inside the clock tower, there’s a small museum that shows the history of clocks and timekeeping. It’s both fun and educational, making it a good place for a family visit.
The Dolmabahçe Clock Tower was built between 1890 and 1895, ordered by Sultan Abdulhamid II. This was part of a bigger plan to update Istanbul by adding things like gas lighting and new buildings with European designs.
The clock tower was designed by Sarkis Balyan, a famous Armenian architect known for his work on many important buildings in Istanbul. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Garabet Balyan, who was the main architect of the Dolmabahçe Palace.
Located near the Treasury Gate of Dolmabahçe Palace and close to the Dolmabahçe Mosque, the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower overlooks the beautiful Bosphorus Strait. It combines Ottoman neo-baroque and neoclassical styles, making it a striking part of Istanbul’s skyline.
The tower is 27 meters tall, has four stories, and a clock on each side. It features arched windows and detailed decorations that make it stand out. Originally, it had a mechanical clock made by French clockmaker Jean-Paul Garnier and set up by Johann Mayer. In 1979, this old clock was replaced with a modern electric one.
Today, the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower is not just useful for telling time; it’s also an important and beautiful historical site in Istanbul.
The Dolmabahçe Clock Tower is important because it shows how the Ottoman Empire tried to keep up with modern changes and connect with Europe. It highlights the cultural and architectural influences from Europe on the empire. Today, this tower is a favorite spot for tourists and is known as one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul.
The Dolmabahçe Palace Clock Tower is a famous part of the Dolmabahçe Palace complex. It’s well-known for its beautiful clock face and detailed designs, making it a must-see for anyone interested in old buildings and designs.
You don’t need a separate ticket for the clock tower; it’s included with your ticket to the Dolmabahçe Palace. It’s best to buy your tickets online to skip the long lines.
Yes, your ticket to the Dolmabahçe Palace includes a visit to the clock tower. Since it’s a popular place, buying your tickets online is recommended.
The clock tower was designed by Sarkis Balyan, a famous architect who also designed many other important buildings in Istanbul. More info on the architecture.
The clock in the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower was made by Paul Garnier and set up by Johann Meyer. In 1979, this clock was partly updated to work with electricity and it still works today.
It was built between 1890 and 1895 as part of efforts to modernize the city during the Ottoman Empire.
The clock tower is an example of how architecture in the Ottoman Empire started including European styles. It shows the mix of old Turkish and European designs from that time.
The clock tower is near the main entrance of the palace, right by the sea. It’s on the right side of the main courtyard and is very easy to spot because of its height and fancy design.
The palace is open from 9:00 to 18:00. Try to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. Here the opening hours.
