Dolmabahce Palace Harem Section Guided Tour

Istanbul E-pass includes Dolmabahce Palace Harem Section with English speaking Professional Guide. For details, please check "Hours & Meeting."

Dolmabahce Palace Harem Section can be visited with Dolmabahce Palace Tour

The audio guide is also available in Russian, Spanish, Arabic, German, French, Italian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Greek, Dutch, Persian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Hindi, and Urdu languages provided by Istanbul E-pass live guide.

Dolmabahce Palace Harem Section

Harem section is a significant section of the Dolmabahce Palace. It requires having the ticket for the Harem section. It is also called Harem-i Humayun, which means Imperial Harem. The Selamlik and Harem sections are connected by a 160-meter-long corridor. According to the rumors and TV series, most senior men could enter the Harem section. However, Harem prohibited any man to enter it. Except for Sultans and eunuch servants could enter the Harem section.

The Harem section is under the same roof as the Dolmabahce Palace. There are six doors in the 300-meter corridor connecting the Selamlik to the Harem. There are five big halls, and the most important of them are located on the second floor, which is called the Blue Hall and the Pink Hall because of their colors. The Blue Hall was the place where the Sultan feasted with the people who live in the Harem. The Pink Hall was used as a place where the people of the Harem had their daily conversations.

This magnificent section also has the Valide Sultan Apartment, Rooms of Abdülmecid, Abdülaziz, and Resad, Concubines part, Ladies' rooms, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's study and bedroom, bedrooms of Sultan's wives, women with various duties, princes and sultans. The Harem section also has six baths which, if we think about that time, is really impressive. In these baths, you can see Carved alabaster marbles.

What Is the Harem Section of Dolmabahce Palace?

The Harem Section of Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most intriguing parts of this historic site. Known as the Harem-i Humayun, or Imperial Harem, it served as the private living quarters for the sultan's family and close members of the royal household. This section was not accessible to the public or even most palace officials, embodying a space of privacy, culture, and intimate family life within the grandeur of the Ottoman court. Today, it stands as a representation of the opulent lifestyle, values, and traditions of the Ottoman era.

Why Is the Harem Section Considered a Significant Part of Dolmabahce Palace?

The Harem Section holds great cultural and historical importance as it reveals the private side of the Ottoman sultans’ lives. Its unique layout and features, such as elaborate rooms for the sultan’s family members and the lavishly decorated Blue Hall and Pink Hall, reflect the importance of family hierarchy and royal customs. The Harem Section also embodies the architectural mastery and luxury of the period, making it a valuable addition to the Dolmabahce Palace experience.

What Does Harem-i Humayun Mean, and Why Is It Important?

The term Harem-i Humayun translates to "Imperial Harem." It denotes the secluded quarters where the royal family resided. This area was a central feature in Dolmabahce Palace and other palaces of the Ottoman Empire. It symbolizes not only the hierarchy within the royal family but also the strict cultural codes regarding privacy and security. As a term and a place, the Harem-i Humayun holds symbolic weight, illustrating the Ottoman Empire's respect for family, social order, and the complex cultural norms of the time.

Who Was Allowed to Enter the Harem Section?

Access to the Harem Section was highly restricted. Only the sultan, his family members, and designated eunuch servants were permitted entry. In Ottoman culture, the harem was considered a sanctuary, off-limits to most men outside the royal family. Even high-ranking officials were barred from this space, with few exceptions, to maintain privacy and uphold the family's sanctity. This exclusivity adds to the mystique surrounding the Harem Section of Dolmabahce Palace.

How Is the Harem Section Connected to the Selamlik?

The Harem Section and the Selamlik (public or ceremonial section) of Dolmabahce Palace are linked by a grand, 160-meter-long corridor. This passage allowed controlled movement between the private and public sections of the palace. While the Selamlik hosted official gatherings, ceremonies, and audiences with guests, the Harem remained the secluded, private realm. The impressive corridor connecting them showcases the architectural planning to separate yet connect these two distinct parts of palace life.

What Are the Key Architectural Features of the Harem Section?

The Harem Section features intricate architectural elements, including towering ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and finely carved marble. Highlights include the Blue Hall and Pink Hall, which are noted for their distinct colors and decorative styles. The Harem also has separate chambers for the Valide Sultan (mother of the sultan) and apartments for each of the sultan's family members. The luxurious materials used in the Harem Section underscore the opulence and high status of its inhabitants, setting it apart from other sections of the palace.

Why Are the Blue Hall and Pink Hall Important in the Harem Section?

The Blue Hall and Pink Hall are two of the most significant rooms in the Harem Section of Dolmabahce Palace. The Blue Hall served as the gathering place for the sultan to host feasts with his family members, while the Pink Hall was used for daily interactions among the harem residents. These rooms not only add color and vibrancy to the Harem Section but also symbolize the structured social life within the palace. Their unique decoration and purpose make them standout features of the Harem.

What Can Visitors Expect to See in the Harem’s Baths?

Visitors to the Harem’s baths in Dolmabahce Palace can admire their magnificent design, including carved alabaster marble and luxurious fixtures. The Harem Section houses six impressive baths, each meticulously designed to provide a private and tranquil space for the residents. The intricately carved marble and attention to detail in these baths highlight the importance of relaxation and hygiene in the palace's daily life, as well as the Ottoman Empire's skilled craftsmanship.