10 Karaköy Istanbul’s General Manager Eylem Atalay talks about the hotel which promises its guests an accommodation experience embedded in gastronomy, entertainment, design, and art.
What does Karaköy represent for you?
I’m most impressed by its history and narrative. This district is the meeting place of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn in Istanbul and is one of the oldest areas of the city. The building of 10 Karaköy dates back to the 18th century. This was the first building of the Balıklı Greek Hospital, also known as Seamen's Hospital back then. The district became a finance centre in the 19th century and, today, it’s the bright star of Istanbul.
What does 10 Karaköy add to this historic district?
The building was last used as an office block but it was derelict. In 2014, it was transformed into a boutique hotel. Our interior designer Sinan Kafadar remained loyal to the original structure and story of the building. We’re currently hosting a young, intellectual, and high-quality tourist profile. We organise art exhibitions inside the hotel and host live music performances on the terrace. All this attracts locals to Karaköy.
What’s your favourite venue in Karaköy?
Not unlike everybody else, Galataport is a recent favourite. We’ve been excited about this project for a long time and it’s finally open. It’s well above expectations and offers a delightful, vibrant, beautiful place to spend time. My favourite stops in Karaköy after 10 Karaköy and the usual spots, include the French Passage, Banks Street, a modern meyhane MaNa, and antique store Oldies Goldies.
