The story began when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, visited Turkey in 2005 to announce his fascination with the Ottoman architectural designs and the splendor of the historical buildings in it, after his visit to the ancient "Dolmabahçe" palace, which was built by Sultan Abdul Majeed on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait.
Al Maktoum praises the Ottoman palaces
After a tour by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, accompanied by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Al Maktoum focused on his fascination with the design of the Dolmabahçe Palace after touring its halls and facilities.
The beauty of the Ottoman palaces and the grandeur of their urban art becomes clear to those who view the palace from within, in addition to the indications that these palaces bear on the life of luxury enjoyed by the sultans at the time.
What do you know about Dolmabahçe Palace?
This palace is considered one of the largest Ottoman palaces, and it was built during the reign of Sultan Abd al-Majid, specifically in the year 1856 AD, and was distinguished by its vital location next to the Bosphorus Strait on the European side of Istanbul.
6 Ottoman sultans lived in this palace, then President Mustafa Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, settled in it in the last days of his life, and died there.
The palace was later turned into an archaeological museum run by the Ministry of Tourism in Turkey, and inside it keeps a large collection of antiquities, especially the distinctive Ottoman furniture.
The area of the palace is about 110 thousand square meters, and the walls and ceilings were decorated with tons of gold and silver, in addition to the oil paintings, which are now worth millions of dollars.
Al Maktoum Palace .. From here the beginning
After Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was dazzled by the beauty of the Ottoman design, he decided to build himself a private palace on Turkish lands, and he chose Gebze as a site to build the palace, as the area is rural and close to Istanbul and enjoys a pleasant and distinctive atmosphere.
One of the largest construction companies in Turkey oversaw the task of constructing the palace, and took great care of it, as it turned into a distinctive modern icon.
You can find more details about the palace by reading our article: The Million Dollar Al Maktoum Palace in Turkey
