To Examine the techical and artistic caracteristics of the exhibiting carpets in Dolmabahçe Palace

ABSTRACT The Dolmabahçe Palace was built in Beşiktaş Bay, in istanbul by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid (1839-1861) between 1842-1856. The palace was constructed in a western European style, in accordance with the military, economical and cultural ties. The architectural features and decorations show a different influence. The furniture and other decorative ornaments filling Dolmabahçe Palace were either bought from European or were ordered to be made in Europen countries. The furnishing needs of the palace were met by the " Hereke Fabrika-i Hümayun". In the "Mefruşat" department of the palace. The Hereke fabrics used in the palace were designed for this purpose, and their colour and design features were designed in harmony with the architectural features of the palace. The carpets that were used in the Dolmabahçe Palace were woven exactly to the dimensions of the palace rooms most of the carpets contain western style motifs which show a direct European influence. All the carpets are of Hereke origin. Besides those carpets in the palace, there are some carpets that are called "Gördeskari" which were produced during the reign of II. Abdiilhamid (1876-1909) These carpets contain "rumi" and "hatai" motifs. There are also carpets in the palace which were produced in Hereke, Feshane, Iran, Uşak, Gördes and Ladik. In this research, 45 carpets which were displayed for examination out of total of 128 by the carpet section of the palace - have been examined in the light of their dimensions, compositions, motifs, compositional plans, and artistic qualities. VI