In the shadow of the palace wall
Hotel Turkish House, Istanbul (TR)
The boutique hotel Turkish House is both an archaeological site and an inn. The journey through Istanbul's history begins here in the inner courtyard. Modern comfort is provided by Geberit, among others.
The foundations of this house are around 1000 years old, the walls a good 200. Despite its age, this house has been filled with life since its reopening in 2022. In the shadow of the garden wall of the Grand Palace, right next to the most famous sights of Istanbul's old city, people sleep, have breakfast and chat here. Tourists who arrive exhausted from the heat and bustle of the Turkish metropolis find an oasis of calm at the Hotel Turkish House.
Dilapidated
Especially those interested in history get their money's worth at this place. During the renovation of the house, ancient remains of the adjacent imperial palace complex were discovered. The architect and owner of the boutique hotel, Deniz Alkan, had them uncovered and made visible behind glazed panels.
The building erected on these wall remains again dates from the end of the 18th century. The original residential building was rebuilt several times, so that it eventually lost its original use and character.
A Turkish home
Deniz Alkan has restored the building to its character. The house is built in traditional timber construction. The interior walls bear a plaster of lime paste, sand and brick dust, made according to a traditional method. From tiles and tiling to furniture and lighting, local traditional materials and furnishings have been used. “We want our guests to experience the warmth of a Turkish home,“ says Deniz Alkan.
Quality and comfort in the bathroom
Geberit, among others, provides modern comfort and hygiene in the Turkish House hotel. The architect equipped the bathrooms of the boutique hotel with numerous Geberit products, behind and in front of the wall. Deniz Alkan comments: “Above all, both the service and the quality of the Geberit products convinced us.“
Three questions for Deniz Alkan, architect and hotel owner
How comes that you acquired the Turkish House?
Historical buildings are my great passion. I have been involved in the renovation of around 200 historical buildings. So it made sense to acquire and restore such a building.
What makes a successful renovation?
A successful renovation does justice to the building. The original materials and the original building plan are preserved, restored and made usable. It may be necessary to find a new function for the building if the original one is no longer possible.
What was particularly important to you in terms of architecture and design?
We see ourselves as hosts. It is important to us to welcome our guests with the warmth and hospitality typical for our culture. Various structural elements and furnishings also contribute to this atmosphere.
About Deniz Alkan
Deniz Alkan is a Turkish architect and designer. She specialises in the restoration and renovation of historical buildings. She is the chairman of the Association of Historical Environment and Building Conservationists and a member of the board of directors of the Istanbul Chamber of Architects. Since 2022, she has been running the Turkish House hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district of Istanbul as a family business.
