Dolmabahce Palace, built by the Balyans, took 13 years to build (1843-1856). It had no fewer than 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets and six baths. Fourteen tons of gold leaf was used to gild the palace ceilings, from which hung 35 chandeliers. The palace’s biggest room, the Muahele Hall, boasts an immense one-piece carpet measuring 1,300 square feet and a chandelier that weighs over 4 tons.

Dolmabahce Palace, built by the Balyans, took 13 years to build (1843-1856). It had no fewer than 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets and six baths. Fourteen tons of gold leaf was used to gild the palace ceilings, from which hung 35 chandeliers. The palace’s biggest room, the Muahele Hall, boasts an immense one-piece carpet measuring 1,300 square feet and a chandelier that weighs over 4 tons.