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The ancient name Constantinople merges seamlessly with the modern name ISTANBUL. An International City at the crossroads of the West and Europe, and the East and Asia. A City that pulsates with life, and tension, and an undercurrent of danger.
It is a city in perpetual motion, a confluence of so many influences. It is a city of many religions, and not always calm or inviting. Istanbul has had its share of hostilities of late as ancient culture and beliefs cross paths with younger folk seeking more secular lifestyles. How the City will balance this growing divide will be one for the books. For sure, it's instability of late cost it the 2020 Olympics.
I went with a party of good friends, mostly New Yorkers, and stepping into the Ciragan Palace Kempinski was stepping into the lap of 21st Century luxury. You entered a cocoon where everything was safe and normal. Tall ceilings, marble, granite, elegant multi-language staff, the finest of any luxury European property. It also had amazing architecture, ancient art and tapestry work, and from the moment you stepped into the Palace, you knew it was a special place.
What we learned immediately was that for hundreds of years the Kazancioglu Gardens with their magnificent sea views had been home for the Turkish Sultans. At the beginning of the 18thcentury, Sultan Ahmet the 3rd had given this Palace to his daughter and her husband as a gift. As the fun-loving couple organized "Ceragan" (torchlight) festivities, the Palace was given the name of Ciragan. Years later, the Palace has been converted in a Palace Hotel, and it will stun you.
There are many fine hotels in and around the City, but once you visit here, there is no need to
go elsewhere. The sleeping rooms are as elegant and well appointed as the finest 5 star hotels
throughout the world. But, don't stay in your room - explore this property. Breakfast or dine on the waterside terrace, and watch the Bosphurus world go by. It's slow, elegant and exotic. Make sure you take a trip on the Sultan's Barge - which indeed replicates the original barges used by the ruling Sultan. Costumed "sailors" are in charge, but I did wish the crew of sailors were English, I would have felt a lot safer. We sailed the barge over to friends on the European side of the river. Missing all the enormous "rush" hour traffic on the bridge. On the waterside of the European district, it reminds you of beautiful little towns nestled on the side of European hills. Trees, flowers, charming small houses hiding from the water their very vastness. A shock when you enter to find that small facade in fact hides a huge mansion. But, they are so well protected also from the road and any robbers.
You stay in the Palace Hotel, and they've built an adjoining Palace offering meeting and conference rooms, Banquet Halls, public spaces and shops. If you're only staying 1 or 2 days you hardly need leave the property. Just what they had in mind. Health Spa, Beauty Salon, business center, whatever you need, they will supply. Five star restaurants, informal dining, whatever you want, they stand ready.
There is so much more to tell you about this exotic paradise, and that will be coming soon.For now - just think on the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul and it's magical soothing effects on you. After all, it is the place John Kennedy and his new bride Carolyn chose to visit on their honeymoon.................................
November 2, 2022
