ORTAKÖY MOSQUE

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'50.3"N 29°01'36.7"E / 41.047306, 29.026861



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The Ortaköy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye Camii) is situated on the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square in the Beşiktaş District, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. The mosque was built on the order of Sultan Abdülmecid I (1839-1861), the ruler of the Ottoman Empire, and was constructed by the Nigoğos Balyan in 1853. Ortaköy Mosque, officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) in Beşiktaş, Istanbul.

It was during the same century that the mosque rose to a higher level of importance on the European side of Istanbul. It is also known as “Great Mecidiye Mosque” and is one of the most beautiful samples of the Baroque architecture in Istanbul. Previously, there was a little mosque built by Mahmut Ağa, the son-in law of the Vizier Ibrahim Paşa, on the former site of the mosque. The little mosque built in 1721 but was destroyed during the revolt of Patrona Halil in 1730.

The current mosque, which was erected in its place, was greatly damaged during the earthquake of 1894, and the spire of the minaret needed to be rearranged. When it was understood that the building was in danger of collapsing in 1960, ground reinforcement efforts were carried out. After the conflagration in 1984, it was completely restored and reattained its previous magnificence.

Designed in a neo- Baroque style, its wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque. It is composed of a Harim (sanctum sanctorum) and a Hünkar Kasrı (sultan’s summer palace). The Harim section is composed of a square-shaped main chamber with an edge length of 12.25 m, and the middle chamber which passses through the main chamber. The ceiling of the Harim section consists of a dome construction covered with pink mosaics and the dome was placed on the main wall.

The stair cased building has two minarets with single balcony each. The walls are made of white hewn stone. The walls of the single dome are made of pink mosaics. The mihrab again is made of mosaics and marble and the mimbar is made of porphyry coated marble, all products of an elegant workmanship.  Designed in a neo- Baroque style, its wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque.

Within the mosque hang several examples of Islamic calligraphy executed by Sultan Abdülmecid I himself, who was also a hattat (master calligrapher.) The wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque. There are two minarets and when entered the mosque Allah, Muhammad and the four caliphs’ names in calligraphy draw the attraction, they were written by Sultan Abdülmecid I.

Ortaköy Mosque, which is composed of parts of prayer hall and the sultan, was built to reflect the lights of Bosporus inside with its wide and high windows. The walls of mosque were made of white hewn stones and the walls of dome were made of pink mosaics, all of them are hand works. The mosque has a whiter appearance thanks to water conditions and the blue waters of Bosporus.

The mosque has two minarets with a single sherefe (minaret balcony) each, the niche is made of mosaic and white marble, and the pulpit is a marble craftsmanship covered with porphyry. The two-storey house, with its elliptical stairs at the northern entrance, is called Hünkar Kasrı. The Ortakoy Mosque, built in the 19th century, has reached our times as the main component onlooking the Bosphorus.

The foundation of mosque was damaged by the flows of Bosporus and restored with extensive work. After a fire in 1984, the mosque was damaged and restored again then it gained current appearance.

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FERİYE PALACES - 2

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'41.8"N 29°01'07.3"E / 41.044944, 29.018694



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In 1927, the Maritime College (Turkish: Denizcilik Yüksek Okulu) settled in some buildings of Feriye Palace. In the 1928-29 academic term, Kabataş High School also moved into some buildings of the palace complex. Part of the palace hosted the girls' section of Galatasaray High School when in 1967 the institution started mixed-gender education. Part of the complex in northeastern remained years long neglected.

The Maritime College was transformed into Istanbul Technical University's School of Maritime in 1981, and moved to Tuzla, Istanbul. The buildings became temporarily vacant, were then assigned to Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational High School in 1982.

Çırağan Palace is accepted as the last example of Ottoman Empire’s glory. Sultan Abdülaziz ascended to the throne in 1861 and the palace was constructed between the years of 1861 and 1872. The palace is actually a complex alongside of Bosphorus up to 1.5 km.

There are two Feriye (secondary) palaces next to the main palace. These secondary palaces are still being used. The secondary palaces that are located in Ortaköy are used as Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational High School, Galatasaray University and Kabataş High School.

ZİYA KALKAVAN MARITIME VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Since 2007, the school has been offering free, four-month-long maritime classes to people interested in captaining small sailboats, a liberating pursuit that has generally been beyond the means of the masses. Students learn crucial information covering both practical and theoretical aspects of sailing, including how to navigate and operate motors, as well as the details of national and international laws governing the vessels’ operation.

The classes are open to everyone with a high school diploma and an interest in sailing, adding that the program is offered several times a year and draws great interest from people of various backgrounds, ages, and occupations.

At the end of the course, students take an exam administered by the Amateur Maritime Federation. Those who pass receive a license to operate 14 to 16-meter-long sailboats within Turkish territorial waters. Though non-Turkish citizens can enroll in the classes, they are not eligible to take the exam to receive a sailboat license, the school’s director added.

Over the last three years, the maritime school has offered more than 200 classes under the auspices of the Provincial Special Administrative Vocational and Technical Education Classes, or ÖZİMEK, project, which was launched by the Istanbul Provincial Special Administration, or İPSA. The project aims to provide free training to Istanbul residents in various fields, including mechatronics, furniture design and production, restoration, elevator repair and even tomb making.

“There are currently courses in 158 branches offered at 79 schools in Istanbul,” the secretary-general said, adding that the numbers change according to the seasonal demands of students. Classes are held in public school buildings in the evenings or on weekends so that people with jobs can also participate. One course can last between 240 and 400 hours, depending on its level of difficulty.

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WEB SITE : Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational High School

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@zkadml.org.tr
Phone : +90 216 261 6303
Fax : +90 216 260 6705

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FERİYE PALACES - 1

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'47.7"N 29°01'19.8"E / 41.046583, 29.022167



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Kabataş Erkek Lisesi or Kabataş High School (Ottoman Turkish: Kabataş Mekteb-i İdâdisi) is one of the oldest and the most prominent high schools in Turkey. It is located in Ortaköy at Bosphorus in Istanbul. Kabataş Mekteb-i İdadisi had served to raise qualified leaders for the Ottoman Empire for 15 years.

Established in 1908 by the Ottoman Empire Sultan Abdülhamid II, the high school educated new generations for the Ottoman Empire. During the Balkan Wars, Kabataş sent numerous students to the battlefront. In early years, only boys were educated at the high school.

After Turkey became a republic in 1923, the institution became a standart high school with its new name: Kabataş Erkek Lisesi. Owing to the inadequecy of the building used by the school, Kabataş Erkek Lisesi had to move to the nearby Feriye Palaces, where the relatives of Sultans - the royal families - had previously been accomodated. Feriye Palaces are known for not only their fascinating view of the Bosphorus but also an unfortunate event, the imprisonment and alleged murder of Sultan Abdülaziz II, which took place in the buildings.

Since we referred to royalty, we would also state that our school is literally set on royalty. Being part of the “Feriye Palaces” complex where relatives of Ottoman Dynasty used to accomodate, presently split up between different institutions like Galatasaray University beside us, our school literally is a palace by Bosporus.

KABATAŞ HIGH SCHOOL

Later in the first half of the 20th century, the Dormitory and the Dining Hall were added to the buildings of Kabataş Erkek Lisesi as well as the building that contained the Conference Hall and the laboratories.

With the admission of female students at the high school in 1994 and the establishment of English preparatory classes in 1997, this very school has confirmed its prominent place in field of education of the country. Due to the quality of education it has provided and the success it has proven, Kabataş Erkek Lisesi was promoted to an Anatolian High School in 1998. In 2006, the duration of education in the high school was increased to 5 years.

Its long-standing and prestigious past would be on the lead, as much as being open to innovations in all areas and possesing a topline student profile. Established in 1908, being older than the Republic Of Turkey, Kabataş Erkek Lisesi has always been known for its alumnis and teachers being useful for the country and the planet, its traditions which are definitely well-preserved by its students and of course for its Bosporus-overlooking location which makes secondary school students dream themselves.

As it graduated that much significant people, our school has also witnessed numerous events of importance. 2008 was a year full of ceremonies and festivities as our school became centanarian. Suiting our honourary title “royal”, Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom paid a visit with her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh during their Turkey trip and honoured us by making her speech at our schoolyard. There couldn’t be any better place to make that kind of a speech than somewhere like our school with the magnificent view of Bosporus, anyway.

Kabatas High School Educational Foundation Sabanci Cultural Complex - Istanbul

"Feriye Karakolu", which is located within the Feriye Palaces complex, built in the second half of 19th century, has been restored with the contributions of Sabanci Foundation. The building is commissioned in 1995 as Kabatas High School Educational Foundation Sabanci Cultural Complex for educational and cultural purposes.

The usage rights of the Cultural Complex is 12.311 square meters of area and it has a closed area of 6.086 square meters.

Inside the Complex, there is Cahit Kocaomer Library with 40,000 books, 3 movie theaters, each with 400-seat capacity, music rooms, each with 40-person capacity, for musical studies, special days and functions, and a kindergarten with a capacity of 55 children.

Kabatas High School Educational Foundation Sabanci Cultural Complex provides service with its 120-person Feyyaz Tokar Restaurant, ideal for special occasions, 100-person Garden Restaurant and 6 meeting rooms convenient for national and international meetings.

Due to his contributions to the construction of the Cultural Complex, a bust of late Sakip Sabanci was erected in the garden to perpetuate his memory and unveiled on April 10, 2015 which is the 11th anniversary of his death.

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WEB SITE : Kabataş High School

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : vakif@kelev.org.tr
Tel : +90 212 260 4870
Fax : +90 212 227 9154

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IBRAHİM TEVFİK EFENDİ PALACE 1871

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'44.4"N 29°01'12.0"E / 41.045667, 29.020000



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The Feriye Palace (Turkish: Feriye Sarayı) is a complex of Ottoman imperial palace buildings along the European shoreline of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. Currently, the buildings host educational institutions such as a high school and a university.

The palace complex was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz (reigned 1861-76) in 1871, and designed by architect Sarkis Balyan. The buildings were built to meet the need of the extended family members of the imperial court for residence.

The palace, which was constructed in addition to Dolmabahçe Palace and Çırağan Palace, took the name "Feriye" meaning "secondary" or "auxiliary" in Ottoman Turkish language. It consists of three main buildings on the waterfront, a ward for concubines, a small two-story building and outbuildings on the backside.

On May 30, 1876, Sultan Abdülaziz was deposed by his ministers. He moved to Feriye Palace at his own request after a four-day stay in Topkapı Palace. Shortly after, he was found wrists cut at Feriye Palace. This was documented as a suicide at the time.

Various members of the Ottoman imperial court resided in Feriye Palace until March 3, 1924, the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate by the parliament of the newly founded Republic of Turkey. The buildings remained vacant for a period of time following the external deportation of the last caliph Abdülmecid II together with the court members.

GALATASARAY ÜNİVERSİTESİ

Galatasaray University is located at Ortaköy within the borough of Beşiktaş, a populated central district on the European side of İstanbul. The building which accommodates Galatasaray University was originally the Feriye Palace, a coastal summer palace on the Bosphorus built in 1871.

In 1871 during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, the building was built by Ottoman Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan. The building was used as a dormitory for the female students of the Galatasaray High School until 1992, when it was inaugurated as the Galatasaray University.

The Galatasaray Education and Training Institution was transformed into a university on June 6th, 1994, and received the name of “Galatasaray University” as a state university in accordance with its legal status.

Despite having received the university status, the institution kept the character of being an integral education and training institution, and Galatasaray High School and Galatasaray Primary School connected to it were also identified as education units affiliated to the Rectorship.

Galatasaray University offers following programs :
Faculty of Communication, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Department of Computer Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Law school

Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences
Department of International Relations, Department of Business Administration, Department of Economics, Department of Political Sciences

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Communication

Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Department of Computer Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering

Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy, Department of Sociology, Department of Comparative Linguistics and Applied Languages, Department of Mathematics

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WEB SITE : Galatasaray Üniversitesi

MORE INFO & CONTACT
Phone : +90 212 227 4480
Fax : +90 212 259 2085

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SIMON MANSION

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'51.8"N 29°01'30.9"E / 41.047715, 29.025249



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The historic building is the former home of Ottoman-era architect Simon Balian, a member of the Armenian family behind many of Istanbul's landmark imperial buildings, including the Dolmabahçe and Çırağan palaces. Simon Kalfa building and the historical mansion next to it built in the 19th century.

He was part of the prestigious Balyan architectural team, who created many of the most admired mosques and Ottoman palaces. The building was a Mansion, the waterside home to a diplomat or wealthy merchant. It has been preserved as a Grade A listed building and is one of the defining landmarks of the Ortaköy district.

HOUSE HOTEL BOSPHORUS

Renovated by the internationally acclaimed design firm Autoban, the hotel has been transformed into a luxury design boutique hotel of 26 rooms. With its original features that have been restored, The House Hotel Bosphorus combines historical glamour with contemporary design.

The House Hotel Bosphorus consists of 26 rooms and suites in a 5-storey, 19th-century Ottoman mansion at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge; most of these twenty rooms have balconies directly facing over the water. Interiors are equally attractive in the crisp, neutral-toned style Autoban have become renowned for and are more than in keeping with the most stylish to be found in Istanbul.

Ortaköy is a lively area right on the Bosphorus with restaurants, cafes and a wide range of stores. A few minutes away from The House Hotel Bosphorus are the landmarks Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge. Our hotel overlooks the Bosphorus and has one of the most iconic views of Istanbul.

The centerpiece, in this, as in the other House hotels, is the capacious first-floor lounge where public spaces are a treat. The Bosphorus Lounge offers a stunning view stretching from the bridge to the Topkapı Palace, serving a delicious buffet breakfast, snacks and drinks. Or guests can head to sister establishment, The House Café on the ground floor where meals are served on a patio overlooking the Bosporus, the bridge and the mosque.

On the second storey there is also a small fitness centre.

ROOMS
Superior, Superior Bosphorus, Deluxe Suites, Deluxe Bosphorus Suites, Penthouse Suites, Penthouse Bosphorus Suite

LOUNGE BAR
You will enjoy amazing Bosphorus views, from Ortaköy Mosque to Topkapı Palace. Breakfast buffet, light snacks and drinks are served from 07:00 until 01:00

COCKTAIL
The Lounge Bar is also appropriate for social events or cocktails up to 100 persons.

MEETING ROOM FACILITIES
Bosphorus
With its perfect view, airy atmosphere and different set-up options, The Bosphorus is a perfect match for your meetings and organizations.

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WEB SITE : House Hotel Bosphorus

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info.bosphorus@thehousehotel.com
Phone : +90 212 327 7787
Fax : +90 212 327 7793

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2018, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

ÇIRAĞAN PALACE

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'40.2"N 29°00'57.1"E / 41.044513, 29.015849



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Çırağan Palace (Turkish: Çırağan Sarayı), a former Ottoman palace, is now a five-star hotel of the Kempinski Hotels chain. It is located on the European shore of the Bosporus between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy in Istanbul, Turkey.

The area whereabouts the Çırağan Palace used to be known as the "Kazancıoğlu Gardens” at the beginning of the 17th century. The first structure of the region was the mansion that belonged to Admiral Kılıç Ali Pasha. Damat İbrahim Pasha of Nevşehir, the Grand Vezir, has built a summer mansion for his wife (the daughter of Sultan Ahmet III) in 1719 at the same spot.

The name of the palace, “Çırağan” is sourced from the flambeau entertainments that took place in this area between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy around the palace, the so-called “Çırağan Festivals”; “Çerağan” meaning “light spreading” in Persian.

Sultan Mahmut II reconstructed the area that by then had a mosque, a school and a Mevlevi lodge by demolishing the summer villa and building the first Palace. But then in 1857, Sultan Abdülmecid demolished the Palace that he had built, and made plans to rebuild a new palace but as his life span did not allow him, his wishes were carried out by his brother Sultan Abdülaziz. Sultan Abdülaziz finished building the Palace in 1871, and in the following years Çırağan became his residence, and then after him the residence Sultan Murat V.

Many legendary tales lie hidden behind the doors of history. Some tales are lost, but many survive to this day. Such tales become “living legends”. The Çırağan Palace is indeed one of those great living legends, a colourful part of the magnificent legacy left by the Ottoman Empire.

Kazancıoğlu Gardens During the 17th Century : The area around the Çırağan Palace was known as Kazancıoğlu Gardens during the 17th Century. These lush gardens extended from Beşiktaş to Ortaköy.

Sultan Ahmet III - The Tulip Period (1718 - 1730) : The gardens and the water-side palaces that adorned the Beşiktaş shores were to enjoy their most brilliant epoch during the colorful years that came to be known as the Tulip period, a period characterised above all by a passionate love of flowers and music. It was during these years that Sultan Ahmet III. presented this property to his favorite and son-in-low, the Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha, who had joined with him in initiating this era of pleasure and cultural refinement.

Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha (1719) : The first  “Yalı” (water side villa) in these richly green Kazancıoğlu Gardens was constructed by Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha of Nevşehir in 1719 for his wife Fatma Sultan. She frequently organized torclit celebrations or “Çırağan Festivals” in the gardens of the Palace. From Persian the word Çırağan suggests a “special light source”. The word soon became synonymous with the Palace.

Sultan Mahmut II (1834) : In 1834 Sultan Mahmut II decides to rebuild the entire Palace. He demolished the yalı (water side villa) together with the school and the mosque. The house of the Mevlevi dervishes had been moved to another "yalı" which was around. Following eight years of construction, the classical appearance of the new Palace adorned the shores with a foundation of stone -including forty grand columns- and extensive use of rare woods.

Sultan Abdülmecid (1857) : Sultan Abdülaziz's brother Sultan Abdülmecid has demolished the first Palace in 1857 which was constructed by Sultan Mahmut the IInd. He had planned to build  a palace in "Western" style but unfortunately he died in 1861. The construction of the Palace had not been completed due to economical and political circumstances of the Empire.

Sultan Abdülaziz (1871) : Despite being dethroned following his brother's death, Sultan Abdülaziz was allowed to continue his brother's dream of expanding the Palace, this time in a more “Eastern” architectural style. As a tribute to himself, Sultan Abdülaziz ordered Agop Balyan to build a palace in Arabian style. The old wooden structure of the palace was destroyed and a new stone foundation was built in its place. The magnificent priceless doors of the Palace were each made by Vortik Kemhaciyan and worth 1000 gold coins. Sultan Abdülhamid II gave one of these doors as a gift to his friend the German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II. Wilhelm put that door on display at the Berlin Museum.

The palace, built by Sultan Abdülâziz, was designed by the palace architect Nigoğayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Sarkis and Hagop Balyan between 1863 and 1867. This was a period in which all Ottoman sultans used to build their own palaces rather than using those of their ancestors. Çırağan Palace is the last example of this period. The inner walls and the roof were made of wood, the outer walls of colorful marble. The palace is connected with a beautiful marble bridge to the Yıldız Palace on the hill behind. A very high garden wall protects the palace from the outer world.

During the time of Sultan Abdülaziz, the Empress Eugenie of France, who was said to be in love with the Sultan visited the most famous bath of the new Çırağan Palace during her stay in Istanbul on her way to open the Suez Canal in 1869.

Material including rare marble and mother of pearl were imported from different parts of the world for the construction of the palace. The waterfront construction alone cost 400,000 Ottoman Liras. The construction of the Çırağan Palace, which began in 1863, was completed in 1871 and 2.5 million gold coins were spent. Due to rumors among the public that the destruction of the house of the Mevlevi dervishes and the incorporation of its land into the Palace's estate would bring bad luck, Sultan Abdülaziz stayed for the last time at the Çırağan Palace in March of 1876 making Dolmabahçe Palace his new residence.

Sultan Murat V (from 1876 till 1904) : Sultan Murat V was the nephew of Sultan Abdülaziz and became “Sultan” on May the 30th, 1876. Unfortunately, Sultan Murat V was soon deposed by his brother Sultan Abdülhamit II but he continued to live in Harem building of the Palace until his death. He was an art lover, especially music.

The construction and the interior decoration of the palace continued until 1872. After he moved in, Sultan Abdülâziz was, however, not able to live long in his magnificent palace. He was found dead in the palace on May 30, 1876, shortly after he was dethroned. His successor, his nephew Sultan Murad V, moved into Çırağan Palace, but reigned after only 93 days. He, who was deposed by his brother Abdülhamid II due to alleged mental illness, lived here under house arrest until his death on August 29, 1904.

Parliament Building (1909) - Fire (1910) : On November 14th 1909, with a slightly revised name change the Çırağan Palace was selected as the site for a significant meeting of the Turkish Parliament. For the event the Palace was refurnished in grand style including valuable paintings from the art collection of Sultan Abdülhamid of the 1860's. Works by Rembrandt and Ayvazovsky were included in the priceless collection. Dramatically, however, shortly after the conclusion of the Parliament meeting in January 1910, a fire which is known to have started in the attic, destroyed the entire inside of the Palace including significant antiques and art pieces of Abdülhamid and books from the renowned library of Murat the V.

During the Second Constitutional Monarchy, Sultan Mehmet V Reşat allowed the parliament to hold their meetings in this building. The Ottoman parliament was opened with great ceremony in the Palace after the announcement of the Constitutional Monarchy II in the era of Sultan Abdülhamit II. The building of the Palace into a hotel was talked about in 1930s but it stayed unkempt for a long time after the big fire in 1910.

Çırağan Palace During the Occupation of Istanbul City (1920) : At the end of the First World War, during the occupation of Istanbul, the ruined Palace was used as “Bizo Barrack” by the French military field corps engineers.

Palace was left to the Municipality (1946) : In 1946 an army captain damaged the grave site of the whirling dervishes in the basement of the Palace while digging for gold. That same year it was decided that the Palace was to be left to the municipality.

Football Stadium in the Çırağan Palace Garden (1968) : Only two months after, on January 19, 1910, a great fire destroyed the palace, leaving only the outer walls intact. Called "Şeref Stadı", the place served for many years as a football stadium for the club Beşiktaş J.K.. Beşiktaş Football Team used the garden of the Palace as stadium in 1930. Then Prof. Bonatz and famous Turkish Architect Prof. Sedat Hakkı Eldem had investigated the possibilities of building a hotel in this area.

ÇIRAĞAN PALACE KEMPINSKI 5*

First Restoration After the Fire (1987) : In 1987, the Japanese Company Kumagai Gumi and the Turkish Company Yüksel Inşaat began restoring the Palace and built an adjacent Hotel. In 1990 the Hotel was opened and in 1992 the Palace also re-opened its doors. In 1989, the ruined palace was bought by a Japanese corporation, which restored the palace and added a modern hotel complex next to it in its garden. Today, it serves as luxury suites for the five-star Kempinski hotel along with two restaurants that cater to guests.

In 1989, the ruined palace was bought by a Japanese corporation, which restored the palace and added a modern hotel complex next to it in its garden. Today, it serves as luxury suites for the five star Kempinski hotel along with two restaurants that cater to guests. The restoration of the Palace was considered a travesty by many, who criticized the government for allowing an independent company to restore a Turkish landmark at minimal cost and with absolutely no regard for the historical or architectural history of the building.

The Opening of the Palace After the Restoration (1992) : The Imperial Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul opened its doors to the curious and appreciative public in 1990. More significantly, however, after years of redesign and construction the "new" Çırağan Palace opened the doors of its four immense historic gates in 1992. This historic reopening of the great Palace on the Bosphorus was an amazing tribute to the commitment, the creativity and the perseverance of many visionaries. The second renovation after 1992 has been completed on April the 20th, 2006 and all the Palace suites have been renovated.

Çırağan Palace Renovation (2007) : The meeting rooms and public areas of the Palace underwent a renovation in 2007 in which it was restored to its original color scheme and glamour, as well state-of-the-art technology was placed in all the meeting rooms. The pearl of Ottoman and classical Turkish cuisine, Tuğra Restaurant was also part of the renovation project. The Palace now resembling the authentic palace with the baroqe style and soft colors.

Instead, proud Çırağan Palace has risen again in all its glory. Lovingly restored for the Kempinski Hotel group, the Palace hotel has given a new meaning to the world "luxury". The unique atmosphere of Çırağan Palace Hotel Kempinski İstanbul comes from its subtle blend of the ancient and modern. First the original front of the Sultan's palace, which stretches for more than 400 metres along its own private coastline, was restored to its own previous grandeur; this task called for a small army of highly-skilled artisans.

A number of stones and other original fragments from the palace were found still lying where they fell in the palace gardens. These served as models for the master stone masons engaged to recreate the front. Like their ancestors a hundred years ago, these craftsmen worked the intricate stone latticework and marble colonnades by hand.

The whole construction process, which took six years, was overseen by the Turkish curator of Historic Monuments, who insisted that the same materials be used as for the original construction. When the outer walls were restored to their former state, work started on transforming the ancient building into one of the world's leading luxury hotels.

The interior of the building was a very bright neon pink and contained several stores and areas for events such as banquets, many have criticized it for resembling the interior of an American shopping mall. The German Artist Rainer Maria Latzke redecorated the interior with a bright and colorful Mediterranean ambiance by equipping the interior swimming pool with beautiful murals.

The Hotel and The Sultan's Palace... Once the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only hotel situated directly on the shores of the Bosphorus. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is actually two hotels: the restored Sultan’s Palace itself and a grand deluxe hotel featuring five star luxury.

ROOMS AND SUITES
Luxury Rooms and Suites all providing a relaxing atmosphere. Tastefully decorated rooms and suites lavish in style and comfort and capture the essence of pure luxury. Most of them offer a balcony that welcomes you into breathtaking views from the Bosphorus. Combining the architectural grandeur of the Sultan's Imperial Palace with the modern comfort of a luxury hotel by the Bosphorus, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers the ultimate in luxury in the center of the city with 313 rooms.

282 Rooms + 31 Suites 11 suites in the imperial Palace will treat you to the exclusive ambience once enjoyed by majestic Sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

102 Park View Rooms, 126 Superior Bosphorus View Rooms, 20 Deluxe Bosphorus View Rooms, 34 Grand Deluxe Bosphorus View Rooms, 20 Hotel Suites, 11 Palace Suites

HOTEL ROOMS
Anticipate refined luxury… Decor and lighting that project quiet, distinctive taste... and a balcony opening up to the Bosphorus or the former Palace garden, Yıldız Park which was once the hunting forest of the Sultans.

Park View Room, Superior Bosphorus View Room, Deluxe Bosphorus View Room, Grand Deluxe Bosphorus View Room

HOTEL SUITES
Endless views of the city where east meets west from your balcony vying for your attention offered in various attractive choices.

Studio Suite, One Bedroom Suite, Lale Suite, Vali / Vezir Suite, Pasha / Presidential Suite

PALACE SUITES
Be greeted at a genuine Ottoman Palace helipad by your private butler. Then encounter an entrance even grander... opening to expanses of individually curated furniture, decor, and majestic Bosphorus views.

One Bedroom Park View Palace Suite, One Bedroom Bosphorus View Palace Suite, Two Bedroom Park View Palace Suite, Two Bedroom Corner Palace Suite, Three Bedroom Corner Palace Suite, Sultan Suite

DINING
Fine Dining Restaurants and Bars... Few cities have as many world-class restaurants uniting old and new, east and west as Istanbul. To get an idea of endless dining options the city has to offer, you do not have to roam around Istanbul as Çırağan Palace Kempinski reigns supreme in Istanbul’s top-end dining scene. Each accented by a balcony or terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, four restaurants promise essential gastronomic experiences. Embark on a journey of culinary delights at fine dining restaurant Tugra, Gazebo Lounge, Laledan Restaurant and Bosphorus Grill. And you will find the essence of Istanbul’s social life for pre- or post-meal socializing, imbibe atmosphere of our bars.

RESTAURANTS
Gazebo Lounge, Laledan Restaurant, Tuğra Restaurant & Lounge, Bosphorus Grill

BARS
Le Fumoir, Çırağan Bar

MEETINGS
Business meetings and events in Istanbul... Whether it be for business or social gatherings, Ciragan Palace Kempinski is proud to provide today’s most illustrious meeting venues paired with the very latest in conference technology and legendary Kempinski service for 10 to 1.000 guests. Prestigious location , grandiose architecture, majestic ambience, venues with daylight, the terrace offering the fresh breeze from the Bosphorus and superior cuisine that inspires ... all comes together to create flawless meetings and social events, which are turned into treasured memories.

Meetings & Conferences, Wedding Celebrations, Social Occasions

LUXURY SPA
Spa and Wellness, Spa Features & Treatments, Fitness Centre and Pools

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Çırağan Palace Kempinski

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : reservationoffice.ciraganpalace@kempinski.com
Phone : +90 212 326 4646
Fax : +90 212 259 6687

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2018, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

15 JULY MARTYRS BRIDGE

Bosphorus, İstanbul - Turkey



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The 15 July Martyrs Bridge, also called the First Bosphorus Bridge (Turkish: Boğaziçi Köprüsü or 1. Boğaziçi Köprüsü) is a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey spanning the Bosphorus strait (Turkish: Boğaziçi). The bridge is located between Ortaköy (European side) and Beylerbeyi (Asian side). It is a gravity anchored suspension bridge with steel pylons and inclined hangers.

The aerodynamic deck is hanging on zigzag steel cables. It is 1,510 m long with a deck width of 39 m. The distance between the towers (main span) is 1,074 m (World rank: 15th) and their height over road level is 105 m. The clearance of the bridge from sea level is 64 m. It was the 4th longest suspension bridge span in the world when completed in 1973, and the longest outside the United States of America.

History
The decision to build a bridge across the Bosphorus was taken in 1957 by Prime Minister Adnan Menderes. For the structural engineering work, a contract was signed with the British firm Freeman Fox and Partners in 1968. The bridge was designed by the famous British civil engineer Sir Gilbert Roberts who also designed the Humber Bridge, Severn Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Volta River Bridge.

The construction started in February 1970, the ceremonies were attended by President Cevdet Sunay and Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel. The construction was carried out by the Turkish firm Enka Construction & Industry Co. along with the co-contractors Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Co. Ltd. (England) and Hochtief AG (Germany). 35 engineers and 400 men worked on the project.

It was completed on October 30, 1973, one day after the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey, and opened by President Fahri Korutürk and Prime Minister Naim Talu. Ernest Frederick, a civil engineer working for the US government and stationed in Turkey at the time, was the first American to cross the bridge. American comedian and Ambassador for UNICEF Danny Kaye, dressed like a clown, followed him with a pack of Turkish children. As a huge crowd of people started to run after them, the bridge began to vibrate, and the crowd had to be held back to avoid any damage. The cost of the bridge amounted to USD 200 million.

Transportation
The highway bridge has a total width of eight lanes. Each direction has three lanes for vehicular traffic plus one emergency lane and one sidewalk. On weekday mornings, commuter traffic flows mostly westbound to the European part, so four of the six lanes run westbound and only two eastbound. Conversely, on weekday evenings, four lanes are dedicated to eastbound traffic and two lanes only to westbound. In the first four years, pedestrians could walk over the bridge, reaching it with elevators inside the towers on both sides.

No pedestrians or commercial vehicles like trucks are allowed to use the bridge today. Nowadays, around 180,000 vehicles pass daily in both directions, almost 85% being automobiles. On December 29, 1997, the one-billionth vehicle passed the bridge. Fully loaded, the bridge sags about 90 cm in the middle of the span.

Other uses
The Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon, organized annually in October, starts from the Anatolian part of Istanbul, crosses the Bosphorus on the bridge and ends in the European part during which the bridge is closed to the vehicular traffic. Visitors to Istanbul in October can sign up for the 'fun run' at many points round the city and take the opportunity to cross the bridge by foot - many take picnics to enjoy the view. On a merrier point of view, it is a popular belief that a wish made while going under the bridge will come true.

Trivia
On May 15, 2005 at 7.00 local time, U.S. tennis star Venus Williams played a show game with Turkish standout İpek Şenoğlu on the bridge, the first tennis match ever to be played on two continents. The event was organized as a promotion ahead of the 2005 WTA’s Istanbul Cup and lasted five minutes only on the north side of the bridge. After the exhibition, they both threw a tennis ball into the Bosphorus.

On July 17, 2005 at 10:30 local time, British Formula One driver David Coulthard drove his Red Bull racing car on the bridge first from the European side to the Asian side, and then turning with a spectacular power slide at the toll plaza back to the European side for show. He parked his car in the garden of Dolmabahçe Palace where his ride had started.

During his ride to the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Racing Circuit on August 21, 2005, David Coulthard was picked up by the automatic surveillance system and charged with a fine of 20 Euro when he passed through the toll booths without payment, as only the president, traffic police and emergency workers have the right to cross the bridge for nothing. His team accepted to pay for him. Since April 23, 2007, a fully computerized LED lighting system of changing colours illuminates the bridge at night.

On 15 July 2016, the bridge was blocked by a faction of the Turkish Armed Forces during a coup attempt.[19] The soldiers involved surrendered to police the next day. On 25 July 2016, prime minister Binali Yıldırım announced that the bridge would be renamed as the 15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü (July 15 Martyrs Bridge).

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

MARMARA ESMA SULTAN MANSION

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'54.0"N 29°01'38.0"E / 41.048333, 29.027222



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Taking its name after Esma Sultan, the daughter of the 32nd Ottoman ruler, Sultan Abdülaziz, the historic mansion has bore witness to a number of historic events and figures over time.

Esma Sultan, born in 1873 at Dolmabahçe Palace, is the daughter of the 32nd Ottoman Sultan, Abdülaziz I. When she was 3 years old, her father was forced to step down from the throne, and Esma Sultan was sent to the Harem in Sultan Abdülhamit I’s Yıldız Palace. At the age of 16, she was married to Circassian Mehmet Paşa, an important political figure of the time, in the Ortaköy Mosque situated beside the mansion. The mansion was given to Esma Sultan as a wedding present.

When Esma Sultan died in 1899, Sultan Abdülhamit II passed the mansion on to his other daughter Cemile Sultan, and upon Cemile Sultan’s passing, it was imparted to her daughter Fatma Hanım Sultan. Finally, in 1915, the mansion was claimed from the Ottoman Empire, and in succession, was used as a Greek school in 1918, a tobacco depot in 1922; changing hands in the 1950s, it was used as a storage facility and carpenter’s workshop until it suffered a fire in 1975.

The three-storey brick building was designed by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan and finished in 1875 next to Ortaköy Mosque. It was presented to Esma Sultan (1873-1899), the daughter of Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz, as a wedding gift. The mansion remained in the possession of the Ottoman dynasty until 1915.

Esma Sultan, is used today as a cultural center after being redeveloped. The Marmara Collection purchased the Esma Sultan Mansion in the early 90’s. The building’s original character and floor plan was preserved, as it adopted a new cultural identity. In 2001, Philip Robert’s project saw the building undergo renovations from within, gaining a sturdy, yet classy iron and glass interior. This renovation allowed for the mansion to remain open all year-round.

The building includes a bar, a restaurant, and an event hall at several levels. The building is situated in a garden of 2,226 m2 (23,960 sq ft). The ground floor is 31.5 m (103 ft) wide, 27 m (89 ft) long and 3.80 m (12.5 ft) high. The first floor is merged with the second floor, having dimensions of 31.5 m (103 ft) wide, 31 m (102 ft) long and 6.80 m (22.3 ft) high.

Esma Sultan Mansion, run by The Marmara Collection chain as a venue for various meetings and conferences, offers banqueting space in a historical atmosphere for up to 1,000 guests in the garden, 180 guests in the ground floor and 330 guests in the first floor. Space for reception is available for up to 3,000 guests in the garden, 300 guests in the ground floor and 600 guests in the first floor. The venue also hosts concerts of the Istanbul International Jazz Festival and the Istanbul International Music Festival.

The incorporated structure is built out of steel and glass within the original brick exterior. The glass box is tethered to the walls with suspension rods, which ensure that the structures remain equidistant from each other and are able to withstand bad weather and earthquakes. The building is set on several levels and includes a bar, a restaurant, and an event hall. The garden still contains the remains of the cistern, the Turkish bath and the stable.

Plan Your Event
Celebrate the happiest day of your lives surrounded by the footprints of the grand Ottoman Empire in the wonderfully historic atmosphere of The Marmara Esma Sultan. The wedding of your dreams awaits you as you take an enchanting journey through time in the elegantly renovated The Marmara Esma Sultan.

The Marmara Esma Sultan, seated proudly along the shores of the glistening Bosphorus, sheltered under the towering Bosphorus Bridge above, brings a unique vibrancy and unforgettable quality to each wedding with its chic and stylish atmosphere, first-rate cuisine and professional service team. The Marmara’s award-winning chefs prepare and serve The Marmara Esma Sultan’s custom menus, designed to suit the theme of each unique event.

The Marmara Esma Sultan is a wildly popular summer wedding venue. This is attributed to its beautiful green garden, its location on the shores of the Bosphorus, and its accessibility by boat from its private dock. The 4-sided glass interior welcomes views of the surrounding Bosphorus for the perfect winter weddings.

The Marmara Esma Sultan’s Banquet Sales Associates provide professional consulting, while taking into account the unique requests of the bride and groom, prior to, and on, the wedding day. Not to mention, a “designated bridesmaid” is provided to accompany and assist each couple on their big day.

The Marmara Esma Sultan Wedding Package features: full access to the mansion, a 4-course menu, wedding cake, a special private pavilion in the mansion gardens for the bride and groom to prepare, and a complimentary night’s stay in The Marmara Taksim’s Honeymoon Suite.

More than 20 years of irresistible flavours; The Marmara Catering
Since 1990, The Marmara Catering has been offering its five star services with a variety of unique Turkish and International menus to various organisations and events outside of the hotel. The Marmara Catering offers its services for up to 4000 people at any location, in any surroundings in both Istanbul and across the nation. With its flexible, knowledgeable and trendsetter team nothing is impossible!

Meeting And Wedding
Our meeting venue in Istanbul... If the location of a meeting or conference can influence its quality and accomplishment, then there is no better place to meet than in The Marmara Esma Sultan. With its historical atmosphere Esma Sultan Mansion presents a privileged venue for meetings and conferences.

Offering 1000 guests for dinner and reception space for up to 3000 guests in the garden,
336 guests for dinner and reception for 600 guests, in the indoor first floor,
180 guests for dinner and reception for 300 guests at the entrance floor throughout the year.

Esma Sultan (exterior) : Area 2226 m2, Cocktail 3000, Buffet 2000, Round Table 1000
Esma Sultan (interior upper floor) : Area 388 m2, Width 12.5 m, Length 31 m, Height 6.8 m, Theatre 400, Cocktail 600, Round Table 336
Esma Sultan (interior ground floor) : Area 388 m2, Width 12.5 m, Length 27 m, Height 3.8 m, Theatre 250, Cocktail 300, Round Table 180

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : The Marmara Esma Sultan Mansion

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : esmasultan-info@themarmarahotels.com
Phone : +90 212 334 8300
Fax : +90 212 244 0509

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

ORTAKÖY MOSQUE

Ortaköy - Istanbul - Turkey



MORE 52 PHOTOS BY PHOTOBUCKET ALBUM

Ortaköy Mosque, officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) in Istanbul, is situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. The mosque is located on the shores of the Bosphorus in Ortaköy.

It was built in 1853 by the architect, Nikoğos Balyan, during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. The mosque is designed in Baroque style and has a fine location. It is composed of intimate rooms and a private area for sultans. The wide and tall windows were designed to let in light from all around the Bosphorus.

Previously, there was a little mosque built by Mahmut Ağa, the son-in law of the Vizier Ibrahim Paşa, on the former site of the mosque. The little mosque built in 1721 but was destroyed during the revolt of Patrona Halil in 1730. The current mosque, which was erected in its place, was greatly damaged during the earthquake of 1894, and the spire of the minaret needed to be rearranged. 

When it was understood that the building was in danger of collapsing in 1960, ground reinforcement efforts were carried out. After the conflagration in 1984, it was completely restored and reattained its previous magnificence.

It has two minarets each with a single gallery that are be reached by a flight of stairs. The walls are made of white stone. The walls of the mosque's only dome were decorated with pink mosaics. The niche is made of mosaic and white marble, and the pulpit is a marble craftsmanship covered with porphyry. 

It recess in the wall of the kiblah was made of marble and decorated with mosaics, and the pulpit where the preacher stands was made with porphyry-covered marble.

The original Ortaköy Mosque was built in the 18th century. The current mosque, which was erected in its place, was ordered by Sultan Abdülmecid and built between 1854 and 1856. Its architects were designed it in Neo-Baroque style. 

Within the mosque hang several examples of Islamic calligraphy executed by the Sultan Abdülmecid himself, who was also a hattat (master calligrapher). The wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque.


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MORE INFO BY
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Wikipedia / Ortaköy Mosque

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2012, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Wikipedia / Ortaköy Mosque. All Rights Reserved.