Caring for destination

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

By renovating the Yesil Ev as a boutique hotel, the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association not only gave back Sultan Ahmet its glorious past, but also made the area a number one tourist attraction!

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

After the 2^nd World War, concentration of investments and developments in the modern section of the city around Taksim began. However, the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association argued that this tendency was a mistake, and activities were better directed in the district containing the magnificent monuments such as Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace, the Mosque of Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar.

The plan thus began to be implemented by first for the revitalisation of this mansion which, with is exceptional location, would serve as a model of traditional housing and accommodation. The old wooden building was dilapidated far beyond repair, so, with the consent of the Commission for Ancient Monuments, it was demolished and rebuilt an exact replica of the exterior. The only change in the interior was the removal of the staircase on the harem side, and the old rooms (nineteen in all) and layout being carefully preserved. The furnishings chosen by Mr. Celik Gulersoy, the General Manager of the Association were in the style of a 19^th century winter mansion.