One of Istanbul's major landmarks, Pera Palace, keeps up with the modern age with its trendy restaurant, frequented by well-recognized guests and hosting events throughout the year
Pera Palace is, without a doubt, the most historic hotel in Istanbul. Built in 1892 to host passengers of the Orient Express, the hotel is still a world favorite and has hosted the legendary Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and Turkish President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose special room is still reserved. Pera Palace is owned by Demet Sabancı and the DEMSA Group and managed by Kartal Timer and run by Jumeirah. Sabancı is a true lady who will match the nostalgic texture of Beyoğlu. She volunteers to be a promotional ambassador of Turkey while serving as a successful professional who has worked for numerous world-renowned tourism groups.
Pera Palace's Agatha Restaurant has quite an impressive menu that that will indeed take you on a journey through time, along with its nostalgic atmosphere and classy waiters and waitresses. The area that impresses me the most is the domed lounge. Here, you can taste the offerings of pleasant afternoon tea at this lounge that is one of the most successful examples of gothic architecture. You can also organize functions for your special invitations or parties and indulge yourself and your guests in an atmosphere straight out of an elegant British or French home of the 1970s. Adorned with oil paintings, velvet armchairs and antique furniture, you can also taste fruit liqueurs at the Orient Bar adjacent to the magnificent lounge and enjoy one of the musical events organized weekly at the hotel. Last week, I participated in the events titled, "Two Tenors" and "Kargalar Kafeste-Crows in a Cage," where American songs were performed. I loved these two concerts, which were attended by elegant ladies and gentlemen. The band Crows in a Cage that vivifies the pieces of timeless musicians such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis will continue to meet music fans at Pera Palace every month. Booking is a must!
Two other special events that I joined at Pera Palace were much different from all others. The first was the launching of a book by author Başak Sayan. The book titled "The Silence of Dead Birds (ÖlüKuşların Sessizliği) was published by Destek Publications. Sayan's crime fiction novel shines with the theme, "Every Debt is Eventually Paid." I quickly became engrossed in this novel and I believe Sayan, who is also a successful actress, has proven her mastery of writing with this novel, which is her fourth. I congratulate this artist, who is beautiful, talented and eager to touch the lives of the masses with her new book. Sayan was joined by other artist friends of hers at the autograph session that we attended with artist Tuba Ünsal. Meanwhile, speaking of Tuba Ünsal, I strongly recommend that you see the play "Nameless Star" (İsimsiz Yıldız) of this beautiful and successful artist, which began at Zorlu Center PSM. Obviously, Tuba put all her acting skills and elegance onto the stage successfully. Tickets are available at Biletix.com.
Another book launching was carried out by Metin Hara. Having published "DEM" after his first book "YOL" (Path in English), which had a tremendous impression on readers, Hara has once again asserted himself with a book that opens the doors of the spiritual world through epic prose, taking you on a journey back to childhood. Hara, who built a labyrinth in the ballroom of the hotel at the launching at Pera Palace, presented us with a short summary of the book in the labyrinth on which the prominent points of the book are written. It was a mysterious, impressive and different experience. I recommend that you read DEM the first chance you get and explore Hara's training centre, called the Trust Human Academy.
Another event at Pera Palace is the fashion show held within the scope of Istanbul Fashion Week. The brand Lug Von Siga is featured with designs by creative director and founder of the brand Gül Ağışand are directly inspired by the courage and intelligence of author Christie. It was a magnificent experience to watch such a fashion show at this historic hotel that hosted the very first Republic Ball of Turkish history. I strongly recommend reserving this historic room for your special events.
Another Pera Palace event that I'd like to mention is a rather interesting theatre play. The hotel led the way with the Kumbaracı 50 stage under the theme of events for its 125th anniversary. The interactive theatrical play in which the hotel rooms and other spaces are used as a stage began with a performance titled the Time of Pera (Pera'nın Zamanı). The audience watches the theatrical play in different areas by visiting the rooms one by one. This is a magnificent idea and quite creative, which means there is not one single stage. The entire hotel is a stage. The new staging dates of the performance, which played to a full house are Oct. 10, 11 and Nov. 27. Do not miss this play directed by Yaman Ömer Erzurumlu! Tickets are available at Biletix.com.
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