A visit to Istanbul is like an H.G. Wells journey through time, an invitation to discover the remains of a thousand-year-old empire.
Text & photos: Louis-Olivier Maury
This megalopolis, which saw the reigns of Byzantium, Constantinople and the Ottomans, still bears witness to its rich past. And it was at the five-star Hotel The Bank that we decided to set down our suitcases to begin our mission in Istanbul.
Luxury in the shadow of Galata
Located in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from the Galata Tower, The Bank Hotel is a veritable design masterpiece with a luxurious, modern and international approach to hospitality. An architectural marvel created by architect Antoine Tedeschi in 1867, designed in neoclassical style, this former bank is now a renowned 62-room hotel that welcomes its guests with elegance and refinement, thanks to the talent of designer Mimar Han Tümertekin.
Spacious rooms, with comfortable king-size bedding for princely slumbers, adorned with moldings and custom-made wood furniture inspired by the 1900s, are a haven of peace and serenity. Bright marble bathrooms, large walk-in showers, intuitive home automation, quality soundproofing and attentive service leave nothing to chance to satisfy even the most experienced traveler. This stylish setting, with its sober, uncluttered lines, soothing colors and elegant, sought-after retro-modern furnishings, bears witness to our host’s dexterity in offering his guests the quintessence of comfort and modern Turkish hospitality. The layout has been skilfully thought through, from the high ceilings to the skilfully tiled floors, from the mouldings and marble columns in the lobby to the bar with its genuine bottle safe. With the Art Deco elevator, the old cash registers as decorative landmarks, and the spa and fitness center, there’s a successful thread running through the whole where the imprint of the past blends perfectly with the present without losing the cachet of the place, its luxury and its architecture.
Tastes of Istanbul
Of course, gastronomy is also important. While enjoying the contemporary Turkish cuisine of the panoramic Serica restaurant, lucky guests will delight, for example, in trying the beef, buffalo milk yoghurt, green bell pepper and spices: a traveler’s delight that takes us on a journey along the Silk Roads. The trendy rooftop with its bar is not to be outdone: in the evening, like Ulysses weary of a long journey, you can enjoy a cocktail to the strains of spring, with a 180-degree view of Topkapi Palace, Sainte-Sophie and the Bosphorus embracing this enchanting city.
The beating heart of Istanbul’s nightlife is located in the cobbled streets of Beyoglu, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, a cosmopolitan district where you can feel the lively spirit of this giant palafitte. The cafés and bars of Istiklal Avenue, the city’s liveliest pedestrian street, offer a colorful and lively spectacle. It’s an ideal place to sample the culinary specialties of Turkish cuisine, which combines the flavors of East and West. For gourmet travelers, the Mikla restaurant, located in this district, is considered by the Michelin guide (with one star) to be one of the best in the city, a culinary stop worth booking.
A journey through time
It’s impossible not to visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, inaugurated in 537 under the Byzantine Empire and a symbol of the city’s rich history. This former church, converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1453, is a testament to the religious tolerance that reigned in Constantinople for centuries. Its mosaics, domes and minarets attract visitors from all over the world, fascinated by the architectural harmony of this edifice. Nearby, the Blue Mosque, built in 1609 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, is another example of Ottoman architecture. With its tapering minarets and azure earthenware, this mosque is not only a revered place of worship, but also a mecca of Turkish culture. The Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans, is a testament to the pomp and luxury of that era. Built in 1465, the palace offers a glimpse into the daily life of the sultans, with its luxurious apartments, treasure rooms and tranquil gardens. It’s an ideal place to discover the city’s heritage and history.
The Grand Bazaar, or Kapali Çarsi in Turkish, is a must for shopping enthusiasts. This covered market, open since 1461, is one of the oldest and largest in the world. It houses hundreds of stores selling spices, textiles, perfumes, lamps, jewelry, fashion items and much more. Visitors can stroll through the narrow aisles and prepare to discuss prices in any language with merchants who have been experts in the art of trading for centuries. The spice market is also a must for those seeking to discover the flavors of Istanbul. Spices, herbs and fresh ingredients are sold in colorful, aromatic bags, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the scents and colors of Istanbul. The Bosphorus is another testimony to Istanbul’s rich history. A cruise (easily organized by the hotel concierge) on its calm waters offers a breathtaking view of the European and Asian shores that meet in this jewel of a rich past.
