An Exclusive Cultural Event Where History and Culture Unfold

Istanbul, 23 February 2026 – As part of its collaboration with the Kültürel Dönüşüm Derneği Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul welcomed esteemed guests to a distinguished event centred around the Palace’s remarkable historical legacy. During the Historical Corridor Tour introduced by the hotel, participants explored the enduring narratives of Çırağan Palace, retracing centuries of heritage alongside the expertise of a licensed professional guide.

The guest list included Aylin Hoşzeban, Ayşegül Tuncer, Buket Taşdelen, Ceren Hatipoğlu, Feyza Bozok, Filiz İbre, Gaye Mataracı, Hilal Mocan, Karin Cankat, Nilgün Öncebe, Özgür Keleş, Selma Ongun, Serap Erdem, Serap Sarı, Serpil Arıkan, Sinem Eren, Yonca Gürol and Zafer Kozanoğlu.

Within the splendid setting of Çırağan Palace, guests journeyed through the Palace’s rich past, delving into stories that captivate all who visit. Guided by Fatoş Esra Özal, an expert in historical interpretation, attendees explored everything from intricate architectural elements to compelling anecdotes, fully immersing themselves in the layered history of the Palace. Following the tour, the experience continued with a lunch served at the newly opened Rüya Istanbul, enjoyed alongside views of the Bosphorus.

Ralph Radtke, Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul General Manager and Regional Director of Kempinski Residences in Türkiye, shared: ‘Çırağan Palace serves as a living heritage, distinguished by its exceptional architecture as well as its multifaceted historical and cultural significance. When developing the Historical Corridor Tour, our vision was not only to preserve this unique heritage but also to bring its stories to life, establishing a vital link between the past and the present day. Our partnership with the Kültürel Dönüşüm Derneği amplifies the Palace’s hidden stories within a cultural and artistic context, reinforcing our commitment to cultivating enduring value and strengthening the collective memory. The most effective means of preserving historical legacy and ensuring its relevance for generations to come is to renew it as an ever-present, experienced cultural asset.’

Neslihan Şen, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, stated: ‘The Historical Corridor Tours at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul have been meticulously curated as a result of extensive archival research conducted with a methodical approach. This exclusive experience, introduced upon the completion of the hotel’s recent redesign, is reserved solely for staying guests, providing them with an evocative journey through time from the Palace’s enduring history to today. Beyond showcasing the Palace’s architectural splendour, the Historical Corridor Tours allow an in-depth exploration of cultural heritage accumulated over centuries, guided by professional narration. In this way, our guests gain an enriched understanding of the Palace’s foundational past and enduring character. Our collaboration with the Kültürel Dönüşüm Derneği is a key initiative within this vision. With further programmes planned throughout the year, we aspire to share Çırağan Palace’s historical legacy with wider audiences. This event marks the inaugural step of our cultural programming.’

Zafer Kozanoğlu, Chairman of the Board of the Kültürel Dönüşüm Derneği, commented: ‘This event, as the initial stage of our cultural partnership, illuminated once more the living historical dimension and cultural value of Çırağan Palace. Through the Historical Corridor Tour at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, a symbol of enduring prestige beside the Bosphorus, we embarked on a journey into the Palace’s past. Concluding the tour, it was a great privilege to visit the Historical Hammam, accessible by special permission only. Our efforts to preserve and share cultural heritage in collaboration with Çırağan Palace will proceed through a variety of initiatives in the coming periods.’

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Press Contact

Neslihan Şen · Director of Marketing & Public Relations                                 

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Çırağan Cad. 32 · Beşiktaş 34349 · Istanbul · Türkiye

Phone +90 212 326 4646 · [email protected]