Dolmabahçe palace, Istanbul

Dolmabahçe Palace is located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, on the European coast of the Strait of Istanbul, and served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. It was also the place where Atatürk died, he used it as a summer palace, and was home to the last of the sultans of Istanbul before being handed over to Atatürk. It was decorated like a fine European palace with many objects especially brought over. I loved the views out onto the Bosphorous, it nestled against the shores.

Flying back to the UK this afternoon. I have loved my time in Istanbul it even exceeded my expectations. I’ll be back!