The Selamlik and Harem at Dolmabahce Palace: What's the Difference?

The Selamlik and Harem are two distinct sections of Dolmabahce Palace, each serving a different purpose during the Ottoman period. The Selamlik was used for state administration, diplomatic receptions and official meetings, while the Harem contained the private living quarters of the Ottoman sultan and his family.

Both sections are part of the same main palace building, completed in 1856 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. Between them stands the Ceremonial Hall, known as the Muayede Hall, which was reserved for major state ceremonies and celebrations.

What Is the Difference Between the Selamlik and Harem?

The distinction between the Selamlik and Harem reflects the separation of official duties and private family life within the Ottoman imperial household.

Unlike Topkapi Palace, where the Harem forms a separate complex within the palace grounds, Dolmabahce Palace incorporates its private residential quarters into the same main building as the official state rooms.

What Can You See in the Selamlik?

The Selamlik, officially known as Mabeyn-i Hümâyûn, was the administrative section of Dolmabahce Palace. The sultan conducted state business here and received government officials and foreign representatives. Its interiors were designed to express the authority and prestige of the Ottoman Empire through elaborate decoration, furnishings and architectural details.

Important spaces include:

• Medhal Hall: The main entrance hall that welcomed officials and guests arriving at the administrative section.
• Ambassadors' Hall (Süfera Hall): A formal reception space associated with diplomatic visitors.
• Crystal Staircase: One of the palace's most distinctive architectural features, connecting the main floors through a staircase decorated with crystal, brass and mahogany.
• Red Room: A richly decorated room where the sultan received ambassadors and other important guests.

The Selamlik combines traditional Ottoman spatial arrangements with nineteenth-century European decorative influences, including Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical elements.

For a more detailed explanation of the palace interiors, see our guide to the rooms inside Dolmabahce Palace.

What Can You See in the Harem?

The Harem was the private residential section of Dolmabahce Palace. It accommodated the sultan, his mother, wives, children and other members of the imperial household. Although it was primarily a residential area, the Harem also contained reception halls and spaces used for family ceremonies.

Notable areas include:

• Blue Hall (Mavi Salon): A large hall used for gatherings and ceremonial occasions within the imperial household.
• Pink Hall (Pembe Salon): A reception and gathering space distinguished by its decorative colour scheme.
• Valide Sultan's Apartments: Rooms associated with the mother of the reigning sultan.
• Atatürk's Room: The bedroom in the former Harem section where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died on November 10, 1938.

The Harem includes bedrooms, sitting rooms, corridors and halls that illustrate the domestic organisation of the imperial household. Its interiors are still richly decorated, but their historical purpose differs from the official reception rooms of the Selamlik.

Visitors interested in the residential section can read our separate article, Is the Harem at Dolmabahce Palace Worth Visiting?

Is the Ceremonial Hall Part of the Selamlik or Harem?

The Ceremonial Hall, also called Muayede Hall, is a separate functional section positioned between the Selamlik and Harem. It was used for important state ceremonies, official gatherings and the sultan's traditional holiday receptions. The hall is distinguished by its monumental dome, 56 columns and approximately 4.5-ton crystal chandelier. According to the Directorate of National Palaces, the main building of Dolmabahce Palace is divided into three sections: the Selamlik, the Harem and the Ceremonial Hall. Therefore, although visitors often discuss only the Selamlik and Harem, the Ceremonial Hall has its own historical and architectural function within the palace.

Does a Dolmabahce Palace Ticket Include the Selamlik and Harem?

Yes. The standard combined admission ticket issued by the Directorate of National Palaces covers the Selamlik, Harem and National Palaces Painting Museum. The Dolmabahce Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide offered on DolmabahcePalaceTicket.com also includes admission to the Harem section. Visitors do not need to choose between the Selamlik and Harem when purchasing this ticket. Both sections form part of the palace visit, subject to the designated visitor route and any temporary access restrictions. Ticket inclusions may differ for other products, so visitors should check the selected option before booking.