Another magnificent palace that adorns Istanbul is the Cirigan Palace, which has been converted into a hotel. Yes, this is an Ottoman palace that has been converted into a 5* hotel, which today is positioned as a highly sought-after accommodation capacity due to its history, tradition, modern and luxurious appearance and attractive location.
The palace belongs to the Kmepinski hotel chain, located on the Bosphorus. Depending on the type of room, the price is also ranked and is considered one of the most expensive hotels in the world. The rooms are divided into standard deluxe rooms with a view of the park or the Bosphorus, superior rooms and royal suites. The average price of a royal suite for three nights is around 15,000 EUR.
Cirigan Palace is the building of Sultan Abdulaziz, whose sons built this magnificent palace according to the designs of architect Nigogajos Baljan. The palace was built between 1863 and 1867. Sultan Abdulaziz lived for a short time in this palace, where he met his death in 1876. Life in the palace was continued by his nephew Sultan Murad V, but his reign lasted only 3 months. He was replaced by his brother Abdul Hamid II, who, with the intention of taking the throne, deposed his brother, who continued to live under house arrest until his death in 1904.
At the end of 1909, during the reign of Sultan Mehmed V, the Ottoman Parliament held meetings in the palace, but not for long. Already in 1910, the palace suffered a fire in which it was damaged to a great extent. Only the walls remain of the palace. After that, the palace courtyard had only the purpose of being a football stadium for FC Besiktas J.K.
The palace was brought back to life in 1987 when a Japanese corporation bought it and renovated it. The hotel was built in 1990, while the restored building opened its doors in 1992.
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
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Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak on Unsplash
