ISTANBUL - The 150th anniversary of the opening of Dolmabahçe Palace, which is among Istanbul`s most unique historic places, will be celebrated with various activities.
The program was announced on Monday by Parliament Speaker Bülent Arynç. An anniversary evening, an international symposium, exhibitions, concerts, and painting and photography competitions are among the activities that will take place throughout the year.
Noting that the palace was opened on June 7, 1856 Arynç said the evening of June 7 would be one of the most spectacular activities of the 150th year celebrations. He stated that national palaces have been affiliated with Parliament since the time of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and added: "I'm proud to be the speaker of the assembly responsible for keeping our cultural inheritance alive. We hope that Dolmabahçe Palace's 150th anniversary celebration program will be a reflection of the culture of our civilization."
Dolmabahçe Palace, where the Ottoman sultans lived and Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died, has 285 rooms and 43 halls. It is surrounded by an elaborate garden, and there is a ballroom located at its center.
The palace can be visited on specified days of the week.