The Dolmabahce Palace is situated along the European shoreline of the Bosphorus Strait. initially there was a shallow cove where the Ottoman navy used to anchor their ships. After the seventeenth century the shoreline was filled in and rehabilitated into a pleasant garden with several  pavilions named as Besiktas Waterfront Palace compound, where the sultans used to rest enjoying the scenery.

With over 110,000 square metres of building on 250,000 square metres of property, it certainly is an remarkable palace on the Bosphorus. The palace is consisted of three major sections: managerial apartments, Ceremonial Hall, and Imperial Harem. The extraordinary Ceremonial Hall was constructed between other two parts, where the sultan received his significant visitors and foreign politicians. Apart from the central palace, there are a number of other buildings in the compound such as royal kitchens, Crown Prince rooms, garrison, stables, pharmacy, aviary, plant quarters, and glasshouse.

The Harem was attached to the Selamlik section by a lengthy hallway which was protected all the time to make sure that no one passes. It was strictly forbidden by any man to enter, excluding the sultan and the eunuch servanst. The Harem section is fashioned by several chambers, baths, and hallways.