Ottoman descendent seeks to get married in 'grandfather's palace'

ISTANBUL

Turkish President Abdullah Gül makes a speech during an invitation at the Dolmabahçe Palace. AA file photo

A descendant of Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II has asked for permission to conduct her wedding ceremony at the Dolmabahçe Palace and Museum, broadcaster NTV reported on its website today. 
 
Nevin Osmanoğlu sent an email to Turkish deputies, asking for permission to get married in her "grandfather’s palace." 
 
"We are the first family from the dynasty to have returned to Turkey after we were pardoned. I kindly ask you to deliver my request to host my wedding at Dolmabahçe Palace, the palace of our grandfathers, to the Gentleman [Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan],” she said.
 
Osmanoğlu said the event would serve as more than just a wedding if they were granted permission and would "reinstate their dignity."
 
Members of the Ottoman dynasty were forced into exile after the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1924. The female members of the dynasty were allowed to return to Turkey after 1951 and the males after 1973.