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Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace Kempinski manifests authentic Turkish culture while embodying a picturesque blend of ancient charm and modern extravagance

A TURKISH DELIGHTFEATURE: RANEEM ASAD. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE CIRAGAN PALACE KEMPINSKI ISTANBUL.

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“If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul,” said French writer Alphonse de Lamartine about the majestic city. Renowned for its distinctive

architectural landscape and elaborate scenic beauty, Istanbul is abundant with historical landmarks and marked upon by its rich culture. The Turkish city is further distinguished as the only city in the world that lies upon two continents. It is at this meeting point of two continents that two worlds collide in perfect harmony at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski.

The Ciragan Palace Hotel embodies the best of two worlds, combining East and West to create a grand ambiance of splendid opulence. It combines old-fashioned Turkish grandeur with all the luxuries of the modern world. Originally a palace with history dating back to the 17th century, the Ciragan was once home to the Sultan Abdulaziz and numerous successors. History lovers would be further intrigued by the fact that the palace was host to a number of Ottoman parliament meetings during the era of the Second Constitutional Monarchy. The name “Ciragan” itself originated from the festivals and various sources of entertainment that took place around the palace during the 17th century. Literally defined as ‘light-spreading’ in Persian, the Ciragan is sure to illuminate your visit to Istanbul with its rich history and elaborate grandeur.

The extensive exterior of the Ciragan Palace Kempinski,

overlooking the splendid Bosphorous

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The historic palace was renovated in 1992 and made part of the Kempinski hotel franchise. The hotel boasts 313 rooms, including 20 suites and 11 palace suites located in the historic Ciragan Palace itself. Depending on your room, you may enjoy a panoramic Bosphorus view, enhanced by a spacious, furnished balcony overlooking the resplendent coast.

The authentic Ottoman architecture of the hotel is complemented by the grand décor of its interior as both the exterior and interior designs of the hotel assimilate the majestic history of the Turkish landmark. The hotel’s rooms and suites are distinctive in their antiquated décor, yet all exude touches of modernity. The interior of each room captures the essence of Turkish culture, complemented by extravagant glamour and modern luxuries, ensuring a comfortable, cultural and luxurious stay. This picturesque blend of two worlds is embodied through warm colours and opulent furniture combined with an ornate and meticulous attention to detail in each room. The hotel in its entirety tells a cohesive story as historic architecture and classical

interior design are combined with modern luxury. It boasts a range of exclusive restaurants offering an eclectic range of international cuisine served with true elegance and surrounded by beautiful décor. Its distinguished Gazebo Lounge offers a range of delicacies, accompanied in the afternoon by live music, and is high up on Istanbul’s burgeoning social scene. The Le Fumoir Bar, furthermore, offers a posh and grand ambiance within an ornate Far Eastern setting.

The hotel’s reputation on the high-end of Istanbul’s social scene is further enhanced by its grand and extravagant ballroom, which is perfect for hosting any event, and an ideal wedding location. Love and romance can only be enhanced by choosing to enjoy a honeymoon in the alluring Ciragan. In fact, the palace’s history includes rumours of a forbidden romance between Empress Eugenie de Montijo of France, wife of Napoleon III, and Sultan Abdülaziz, which supposedly transpired here in the 19th century. This sense of romanticism still fills the stunning hotel.

❝THIS PICTURESqUE BLEND OF TWO WORLDS IS EMBODIED THROUGH WARM COLOURS AND OPULENT FURNITURE

COMBINED WITH AN ORNATE AND

METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL❞

The elegantly adorned entrance of the hotel’s Hammam

The Palace’s grand atrium

The ornamental living room of the Sultan Suite

The hotel’s classical interior decor serves as an embodiment of elegance and Ottoman culture

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❝ExPERIENCE THE HARMONIOUS BLEND OF TWO WORLDS, COMBINING THE RICH HERITAGE OF TURKISH CULTURE WITH THE BEST IN MODERN

ELEGANCE❞

The hotel’s central location makes it easy to access the main attractions of the city, with most of Istanbul’s hotspots no more than a 20-minute drive away. Its services make any outing luxurious with an available limousine service and the only rentable Maybach in Istanbul.

The five-star luxury hotel offers a range of outlets for relaxation you might enjoy after a long day spent exploring the vibrant city. When at the Ciragan, it is essential for you to revel in Turkish culture and enjoy a traditional and authentic Turkish ‘Hammam’ in the cool marble bathhouse. You may also choose to bask in modern leisure at the hotel spa with your choice of massage, or take it upon yourself to do some laps in the indoor pool. With various methods of escape and leisure, the hotel spa gives you the additional option of enjoying its vast and enchanting gardens during a unique outdoor massage. Immerse yourself in a world with no limitations in the Ciragan’s impressive infinity pool and feel like you are floating over the splendid Bosphorous.

Those who choose to stay at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski are sure to experience the harmonious blend of two worlds, combining the rich heritage of Turkish culture with the best in modern elegance. The Ciragan Palace Kempinski offers the opulence and luxury of a genuine Ottoman royal experience to all: a true Turkish delight!

The infinity pool

The terrace, incarnating elegance and grandeur

The historic grand Hammam

The Sultan Suite’s grand marble bathroom, embellished with ornamental Turkish detailing