The history of the site of the Armada Hotel in the ancient district of Ahırkapı extends back to the 16th century, when the Turkish Admiral Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, known in the West as Barbarossa, had a series of buildings constructed to house his sailors after their long days at sea and perhaps to keep them in sight of the sea as well! The buildings were destroyed in one of the great fires of Istanbul during the 18th century. The 16 separate houses that were constructed in their place at the beginning of the 19th century to generate revenue for the Directorate of Foundations eventually fell into ruin, and by the 1980s the area was being used as a parking lot.The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Armada International Hotel Corporation, experienced tourism professional Kasım Zoto, obtained a 49-year lease from the Directorate of Foundations for the purpose of transforming the property into a 4 star hotel. The project was drawn up by architects Murat Sümen and Haydar Karabey, and with the consultancy of interior designer Gürel Yontan, construction began on the 2300 square meter lot and was completed in 18 months under the direction of Mehmet Ata Tansuğ. And so the home of Barbarossa’s sailors was transformed into the 4 star Armada Hotel...The facade of the Armada Hotel is a reconstruction of the original rowhouses, based on their depiction in period engravings. Since its inauguration on 7 May 1994, the Armada Hotel has set a successful precedent for the renovation of other local historical buildings. The interior is in keeping with the historic nature of the site, and the rooms are ornamented with decoratively painted wooden panelling of the traditional type known as "Edirnekari." At every turn, you will find reminders of Istanbul’s rich historical past, from the vast collection of photographs and engravings on the walls to cozy oriental divan seating areas and traditional decor and service items, all discreetly combined with thoroughly modern comfort and convenience. Most importantly, the staff of our 4 star hotel in Istanbul, the Armada Hotel strive to provide the highest level of traditional Turkish hospitality, which we hope will be the most memorable souvenir of your stay.
(A-8315)
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