Tören (Muâyede) Salonu,
Situated between the Selamlık and the Harem, linking both these sections and the ground level. This stuning hall is the most impressie part of the palace. The official entrance is on the seaside. It also has a sea gate for visitors arriving by boat.
Standing on the 56 columns, the square hall has an area of 2,000 square meters. Its 36-meter-high dome has a diameter of 25 m. The hall was heated by six stoves situated under the floor.
The sultans received their important guests and foreign diplomats here. During the special days, the ceremonial throne, brought from Topkapi Sarayi, was placed on the west side of the hall. The installation ceremony of Sultan Murad V took place in 1876 in this hall, instead of the traditional hall in Topkapi Palace. The other name of the hall is the Throne Room. As a President, Ataturk made his first official speech in this hall.
The hall houses the huge Bohemian crystal chandelier, purchased by Sultan Abdülmecid. Produced in England in 1853, the chandelier was shipped in separate pieces and was assembled in the hall. The 4.5-ton gorgeous chandelier was among the biggest in Europe. There are 464 light bulbs, at that time energized by natural gas. Electricity was installed between 1910 and 1912.
The biggest rug of the palace also decorates the floor of the hall. This 124-square-meter rug was produced in Hereke.
Hours: They are from 09:00 am to 16:00 pm every day, except Monday and Thursday.
Rules: If there are signs, such as clearly prohibiting the use of flashes to protect the artwork, please, follow the rules.
