Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership to Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer

İstanbul, 17 October 2024—Situated on the Bosphorus with its stunning architecture, rich history and unmatched beauty, Çırağan Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks of İstanbul, proudly celebrates a decade-long collaboration with MEMEDER (The Breast Health Society). Every October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this partnership strives to increase public awareness about breast cancer and emphasises the importance of early detection.

Çırağan Palace, the only remaining palace and hotel on the Bosphorus from the Ottoman era, dating back to the 17th century, hosts a variety of meaningful activities throughout October. These initiatives support MEMEDER under the themes #CiraganPalaceGoesPink and #MemeSagligimElimde highlighting the importance of early detection.

Pink-Themed Activities at Çırağan Palace Throughout October

• The palace’s Bosphorus-facing façade and historic gate are illuminated in pink for the entire month.
• Çırağan Palace Kempinski staff wear specially designed pink ribbons on their uniforms.
• Guests are invited to support MEMEDER by voluntarily adding a donation to their bill for each night of their stay.
• Informational messages are displayed in public areas and restaurants to raise awareness.
• Training sessions are organised with MEMEDER’s management team to increase awareness among Çırağan Palace staff.
• Pink flower arrangements adorn the hotel’s public areas throughout October.

Initiatives Adding a Taste to Awareness

• All proceeds from sales on Çırağan Palace’s online store, Çırağan Palace Shop—including pink ruby chocolates shaped like the palace and its historic gate, as well as sugar-free treats from the “Fit Treats” category—will be donated to MEMEDER at the end of October.
• A giant pink chocolate model of the palace, crafted by the pastry team over six days, will be displayed in the hotel lobby, accompanied by informational cards on breast cancer awareness.
• Awareness cards will be placed on each table at Gazebo Restaurant, where guests can enjoy handmade pink baklava with tea and miniature pink chocolates shaped like the palace silhouette with coffee throughout the month.

‘We are proud to take steps towards awareness under the pink lights of Çırağan Palace.’

Ralph Radtke, General Manager of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul and Regional Director of Kempinski Residences in Türkiye, shared his reflections on the decade-long collaboration with MEMEDER: ‘As Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul, we are immensely proud to have supported MEMEDER in raising awareness of breast cancer for the past 10 years. Through the events we organise every October, we aim to foster greater awareness and stress the importance of early detection. This partnership allows us to engage both our guests and the wider community in this important cause, under the iconic pink lights of Çırağan Palace.’

‘Events at Çırağan Palace provide unique opportunities to reach and inform more women.’

Prof. Dr. Vahit Özmen, Founder and Honorary President of MEMEDER and President of the Senologic International Society highlighted the critical importance of breast cancer awareness: ‘Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide and in Türkiye, yet it is a preventable and treatable disease. October has been marked for over 30 years to raise awareness and support organisations like MEMEDER, which leads scientific projects on breast cancer. For the past decade, Çırağan Palace Kempinski has stood by MEMEDER during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, organising festivals, awareness campaigns and informational meetings, while also providing financial support for our projects. The pink illumination of this beautiful palace, along with the various events and press meetings, creates exceptional opportunities to reach and inform more women. On behalf of MEMEDER and the women we serve, I extend my deepest gratitude to the management of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul for their unwavering support over the past decade.’
 

Press Contact

Neslihan Şen · Director of Marketing & Public Relations                           

Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul

Çırağan Cad. 32 · Beşiktaş 34349 · İstanbul · Türkiye

T +90 212 326 4646 · [email protected]