Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, one of Açık Holding’s most distinguished investments in the tourism sector, has joined the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. Blending its historical character with contemporary comfort, the hotel strengthens its international standing through its SLH membership.
SLH is a renowned organisation that brings together the world’s most exclusive independent luxury hotels. This membership confirms that Hotel Komana Binbirdirek meets the highest standards of guest experience and service quality. With elegantly designed suites, modern meeting spaces and its uniquely crafted Stone Room, the hotel offers guests an unforgettable stay.
Situated in the elegant setting of the historic Binbirdirek Cistern, the hotel reflects the spirit of the past through its contemporary architectural approach. Guests enjoy a delightful accommodation experience in the heart of Istanbul, within an atmosphere seamlessly intertwined with the city. With its refined architectural and aesthetic details, Hotel Komana Binbirdirek delivers exceptional quality and sophisticated taste, creating memorable moments for every visitor.
Those wishing to become part of this exclusive experience may make their reservations via the hotel’s website, hotelkomana.com.
Where history meets elegance, a new destination in the heart of Istanbul… Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, brought to life by Açık Holding, unites the grandeur of the past with contemporary luxury. Rising in the mystical atmosphere of the Binbirdirek Cistern, the hotel brings together culture, art, and comfort under one roof as the first link in the 'Heritage Hotel' chain.
Rising above the ancient stones of the Binbirdirek Cistern, Hotel Komana Binbirdirek is not merely a hotel; it is an enchanting living space where history, architecture, and modern luxury intertwine. This unique venue, realized through Açık Holding's vision of cultural heritage sensitivity, promises distinguished guests an exclusive experience that blends traces of the past with the refinements of today in the heart of Istanbul. Woven with art, design, and refined tastes, this address adds elegance to accommodation as the first link in the 'Heritage Hotel' chain.
An Experience with Inspiration in Every Corner…
This special hotel, positioned directly above the Binbirdirek Cistern, was meticulously restored by architect Neslihan Zeynep Uysal, transforming it into a powerful narrative that bridges past and present. The construction process, completed with respect for the historical fabric, has redefined modern hospitality by elevating it to the highest level. The Stone Room at the heart of the hotel stands out with its unique atmosphere reflecting the cistern's history; hosting inspiring events and meetings, it leaves an indelible mark on guests' minds.
Luxury Rising Above the Cistern
Offering a different story with each room, Hotel Komana Binbirdirek promises guests an accommodation experience beyond expectations with suites and rooms designed with special architectural touches. The Cistern, Komana, Oak, and Chinar Suites, along with the Linden, Pine, Cedar, Florentine, Fleur De Lys, Acanthus, Chestnut, Mulberry, and Maple rooms, stand out with their distinctive designs. The Binbirdirek Cistern, from which the hotel draws its inspiration, was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine I to meet Istanbul's water needs; during the Ottoman period, it served various functions including workshops and mansions. Ambitious in gastronomy as well as comfortable accommodation, the hotel offers distinguished flavors to its guests through L'entrée and Sentez Restaurant. L'entrée, presenting café, bar, and brasserie concepts together, elegantly blends the cistern's mystical atmosphere; while Sentez, inspired by Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine, offers an unforgettable taste and viewing experience with its panorama extending to Istanbul's iconic landmarks including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
A Culture and Art Break
Ekrem Yalçındağ's 'Natures' and 'Infinity' works, Derya Geylani Vuruşan's glass works, and Gözde Can Köroğlu's 'Mirror' series add aesthetic depth to the hotel's atmosphere. The decoration by AA Architecture under Ayşe Torfilli's direction brings contemporary elegance to the space, while Ebru Erke's distinguished tea collection adds a sophisticated touch to the guest experience.
Source: GENTLEMAN
Opening its doors last month in the enchanting atmosphere of the Historic Peninsula, Hotel Komana Binbirdirek united Istanbul's historic fabric with modern luxury as the first and ambitious link of the "Heritage Hotel" chain. At the pinnacle of this unique accommodation experience is Sentez Restaurant, opening its doors to gastronomy enthusiasts accompanied by the city's breathtaking views. Sentez Restaurant is not merely a dining venue; blending the inspiration drawn from the rich heritage of Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary techniques, it promises an unforgettable experience that tells a story in every dish.
Opening its doors last month in the enchanting atmosphere of the Historic Peninsula, Hotel Komana Binbirdirek united Istanbul's historic fabric with modern luxury as the first and ambitious link of the "Heritage Hotel" chain. At the pinnacle of this unique accommodation experience is Sentez Restaurant, opening its doors to gastronomy enthusiasts accompanied by the city's breathtaking views. Sentez Restaurant is not merely a dining venue; blending the inspiration drawn from the rich heritage of Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary techniques, it promises an unforgettable experience that tells a story in every dish. The restaurant offers a unique gastronomic journey to both hotel guests and visitors seeking exceptional flavors.
A Flavor Bridge Extending from Past to Future: Sentez's Philosophy
Sentez Restaurant is located at the heart of Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, in a position blended with the deep-rooted history of the Binbirdirek Cistern, continuing a centuries-old culinary philosophy. Through the meticulous work of Chef Fatih Anıl Demirci and his team, Anatolia and Istanbul's multi-layered cultural structure inspire each dish. Here, recipes thousands of years old come to life again with the freshest seasonal produce and contemporary techniques. One of the cornerstones of Sentez's kitchen is the respect for nature and the soil. With this understanding, every product used is valued in its entirety, operating on a zero-waste kitchen principle. From seed to shell, root to leaf, every component finds its meaning on the plate. Sentez aims to offer its guests not only a flavor but also an experience and story. In every dish, a story of Anatolia is reflected; in every sip, the memory of these lands.
Product Selections That Shine in Every Dish
At Sentez Restaurant, the importance given to the market before the kitchen is evident. Products are meticulously sourced from local and reliable producers, ensuring quality is tracked directly at the source. Karayaka lamb breed from the Black Sea highlands comes from Nebyan Doğal, while world-first-ranked Trilye and premium olive oils like Memecik from Ayvalık reach the tables from Novavera. Hand-cut erişte pasta and couscous from Adapazarı, morel and sarıkız mushrooms from World of Fungus, specialty products like salted yogurt from Antakya's Habib Günsa are just a few of the select products enriching Sentez's kitchen. This meticulous selection constitutes the secret of the superior flavor evident in every dish.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation: Sentez's Signature Dishes
Sentez Restaurant's menu serves as a bridge, interpreting traditional flavors with an innovative touch. Among the signature dishes, Tahini Eggplant is enriched with aromatic touches from Asian cuisine such as miso, soy, and sesame oil, while meeting tahini's roots in Anatolia to become a flavor that transcends borders. In the mezzes, Sentez Restaurant's other signature İsli Tarama takes on a unique character with simit crumble and dried Bottarga shavings. The 72-Hour Cooked Lamb is enriched with mesir paste demi-glace, while its accompaniment, nettle keşkek, brings a nearly forgotten traditional flavor to the present day with a refined interpretation. Stone oven products also differentiate with the Sentez team's distinctive touch: flavors like Marinated Pear and Niğde Blue Pide, Morel Mushroom and Beef Short Rib Pide, Meadow Cheese and Nettle Paste Pide, all prepared with sourdough, are presented for guests' enjoyment. In desserts, options like Turkish Coffee Mastic Mousse, Boza Panna Cotta, and Chocolate Kadayıf Tart bring local products together with modern culinary techniques, elevating flavors to an international dimension.
Unforgettable Moments Accompanied by Enchanting Views
Sentez Restaurant offers a unique atmosphere not only with its cuisine but also by bringing together the enchanting views of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque with its guests. This magnificent city silhouette makes Sentez an ideal venue for special occasions, celebrations, romantic dinners, and business meetings. This special terrace in the heart of the city, where history and flavor meet, awaits everyone wishing to experience Istanbul's magic in its most refined form. With the opening of Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, Sentez Restaurant brings a fresh breath to Istanbul's gastronomy scene and is already rising to an ambitious position on the city's flavor map.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, rising intertwined with the magical atmosphere of the Binbirdirek Cistern at the heart of Istanbul's unique historical fabric, opened its doors with a colorful invitation.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, bringing a fresh breath to Istanbul's historical richness and modern hospitality, was met with intense interest from distinguished guests. The hotel, part of Açık Holding, received full marks from guests for its unique location and approach that combines historical fabric with modern luxury. Guests had the opportunity to see up close the rooms of Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, each designed with different concepts and meticulous attention. The fact that each room contains its own story and the fine details combining historical fabric with modern luxury transported guests to a different atmosphere. The unique architectural touch in every corner of the hotel allowed guests to explore with interest and take plenty of photographs. As the evening progressed, a gastronomic feast took place. The menu specially prepared by renowned chef Fatih Demirci for this evening left unforgettable tastes on palates; this unique dining experience presented in the mystical atmosphere of the Binbirdirek Cistern created colorful moments. One of the notable moments of the evening was the talk titled 'Istanbul's New Golden Dome' by history and travel writer Saffet Emre Tonguç.
Açık Holding continues its investments in tourism without slowing down. The company has established the first link of the "Heritage Hotel" chain with Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, which opened in the Historic Peninsula. The hotel aims to provide an accommodation experience sensitive to cultural heritage with new hotels in different cities in the future, blending Istanbul's historical atmosphere with a modern hospitality approach. Hotel Komana Binbirdirek offers luxurious accommodation with its superior service approach.
An Authentic and Distinguished Accommodation Experience
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek offers an authentic accommodation experience reflecting the rich architectural and cultural heritage of its region. Restored by distinguished architect Neslihan Zeynep Uysal, the hotel presents a powerful story bridging past and present by being built upon the Binbirdirek Cistern. The specially designed Stone Room within the hotel provides guests with an inspiring event and meeting space as a unique venue reflecting the cistern's history. This special hotel, offering service at international standards, presents an attractive choice for travelers interested in historical values.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek's Stone Room, carrying the texture of history to the present day, crowns the hotel's distinctive atmosphere, leaving a special memory that will not be erased from guests' minds. This unique space, located directly above the Binbirdirek Cistern, is essentially a stop where the cistern's historical layers and the hotel's architecture intertwine, where past and present intersect. This enchanting area, combined with the hotel's distinctive decoration, offers guests an inspiring event and meeting space.
This special hotel, located in the historical heart of Istanbul, adopts a distinguished service approach at international standards, promising its guests not merely accommodation but an exclusive experience beyond expectations. With this mission, it stands out as a distinctive choice for travelers interested in historical and cultural values.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek brings together luxury and the elegant texture of history with its Cistern, Oak, and Chinar Suites, while the Linden, Pine, Cedar, Florentine, Fleur De Lys, Acanthus, Chestnut, Mulberry, and Maple rooms offer a spacious atmosphere. Beyond comfortable accommodation, the hotel also promises guests an exclusive experience with its special restaurants. L'entrée, presenting café, bar, and brasserie concepts together, is a unique venue elegantly blending the Binbirdirek Cistern's mystical atmosphere. With its rich menu appealing to every palate, L'entrée offers an ideal address for unforgettable moments.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek's Sentez Rooftop Restaurant has a distinctive culinary approach presenting a synthesis of different tastes and cultures. Its menu, inspired by Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine, aims to offer guests a gastronomic experience that leaves a lasting impression by skillfully blending local flavors. Additionally, the restaurant brings together the enchanting views of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque with its guests. The hotel also draws attention with its artistic richness.
A Culture and Art Break in the Heart of Istanbul
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek brings together historical and contemporary art in the heart of Istanbul with its artistic richness. Works like Ekrem Yalçındağ's "Natures" and "Infinity," Derya Geylani Vuruşan's glass works, and Gözde Can Köroğlu's "Mirror" series add depth to the hotel's atmosphere.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek is shaped by the contributions of creative names who make a difference in their fields, in addition to its architectural and historical fabric. While the decoration by AA Architecture, directed by Ayşe Torfilli, brings contemporary elegance to the space, Ebru Erke's tea selections add a sophisticated touch to the guest experience. Assouline publications and distinguished brands leave unique marks in the hotel's aesthetic world. Blending the past with modern refinements, the hotel offers an inspiring living space that brings together culture, art, and hospitality in the heart of Istanbul.
The works of Nahide Büyükkaymakçı; the value that Nükhet Boz, Pırıl Güleşçi, and Esma Dereboy add to art and design stand out as important parts of the elegance and character felt in every corner of Hotel Komana Binbirdirek.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, with its structure blending traces of the past with today's refinements, offers an elegant combination of culture, art, and hospitality in the heart of Istanbul. This unique hotel, brought to life with Açık Holding's visionary approach, is ready to welcome its guests not merely as an accommodation point but as an inspiring living space woven with history and aesthetics.
Source: DHA
When the Generation of '68, one of history's most resonant generations, also known as the 'flower children,' set out from Europe to discover the Eastern philosophy they admired and saw almost as a pilgrimage, one of their most important stops was Sultanahmet. A major attraction center for travelers, especially from Europe, throughout the late 60s and 70s, Sultanahmet has rapidly transformed in recent years, becoming a favorite destination for the world's wealthy and white-collar workers rather than hippies. The luxury hotels and restaurants opening one after another have had a significant impact on this transformation.
Hotel Komana Binbirdirek
The massive cistern, built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine I, gained a new identity throughout history as it became surrounded by Ottoman mansions from the 16th century onward. One of these mansions, restored by Architect Neslihan Zeynep Uysal, began serving as Hotel Komana Binbirdirek 15 days ago. One of the most special areas of the hotel, which blends the historical atmosphere with modern touches, is the Stone Room. Additionally, suites designed with elegant details—Binbirdirek, Cistern, Oak, and Chinar—combine both luxury and historical fabric with modern comfort. The rooms named Linden, Pine, Cedar, Florentine, Fleur De Lys, Acanthus, Chestnut, Mulberry, and Maple stand out for both their spaciousness and serene atmosphere.
A Feast of Flavors with Enchanting Views
Offering guests an unforgettable experience with its distinguished restaurants as well as comfortable accommodation, the hotel's L'entrée, presenting café, bar, and brasserie concepts together, is a unique venue that elegantly unites the mystical atmosphere. With its rich menu, it appeals to every palate. Sentez Restaurant serves accompanied by the enchanting view of the Sea of Marmara, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. Standing out with its culinary approach that masterfully synthesizes different tastes and cultures, the restaurant offers gastronomy enthusiasts an unforgettable flavor experience by presenting local flavors with a contemporary interpretation through its menu inspired by Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisines. If your path leads to the Historic Peninsula, don't forget to discover Sultanahmet's changing face!
Source: POSTA
Opening its doors last month in the enchanting atmosphere of the Historic Peninsula, Hotel Komana Binbirdirek united Istanbul's historic fabric with modern luxury as the first and ambitious link of the "Heritage Hotel" chain. At the pinnacle of this unique accommodation experience is Sentez Restaurant, opening its doors to gastronomy enthusiasts accompanied by the city's breathtaking views. Sentez Restaurant is not merely a dining venue; blending the inspiration drawn from the rich heritage of Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary techniques, it promises an unforgettable experience that tells a story in every dish. The restaurant offers a unique gastronomic journey to both hotel guests and visitors seeking exceptional flavors.
A Flavor Bridge Extending from Past to Future: Sentez's Philosophy
Sentez Restaurant is located at the heart of Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, in a position blended with the deep-rooted history of the Binbirdirek Cistern, continuing a centuries-old culinary philosophy. Through the meticulous work of Chef Fatih Anıl Demirci and his team, Anatolia and Istanbul's multi-layered cultural structure inspire each dish. Here, recipes thousands of years old come to life again with the freshest seasonal produce and contemporary techniques. One of the cornerstones of Sentez's kitchen is the respect for nature and the soil. With this understanding, every product used is valued in its entirety, operating on a zero-waste kitchen principle. From seed to shell, root to leaf, every component finds its meaning on the plate. Sentez aims to offer its guests not only a flavor but also an experience and story. In every dish, a story of Anatolia is reflected; in every sip, the memory of these lands.
Product Selections That Shine in Every Dish
At Sentez Restaurant, the importance given to the market before the kitchen is evident. Products are meticulously sourced from local and reliable producers, ensuring quality is tracked directly at the source. Karayaka lamb breed from the Black Sea highlands comes from Nebyan Doğal, while world-first-ranked Trilye and premium olive oils like Memecik from Ayvalık reach the tables from Novavera. Hand-cut erişte pasta and couscous from Adapazarı, morel and sarıkız mushrooms from World of Fungus, specialty products like salted yogurt from Antakya's Habib Günsa are just a few of the select products enriching Sentez's kitchen. This meticulous selection constitutes the secret of the superior flavor evident in every dish.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation: Sentez's Signature Dishes
Sentez Restaurant's menu serves as a bridge, interpreting traditional flavors with an innovative touch. Among the signature dishes, Tahini Eggplant is enriched with aromatic touches from Asian cuisine such as miso, soy, and sesame oil, while meeting tahini's roots in Anatolia to become a flavor that transcends borders. In the mezzes, Sentez Restaurant's other signature İsli Tarama takes on a unique character with simit crumble and dried Bottarga shavings. The 72-Hour Cooked Lamb is enriched with mesir paste demi-glace, while its accompaniment, nettle keşkek, brings a nearly forgotten traditional flavor to the present day with a refined interpretation. Stone oven products also differentiate with the Sentez team's distinctive touch: flavors like Marinated Pear and Niğde Blue Pide, Morel Mushroom and Beef Short Rib Pide, Meadow Cheese and Nettle Paste Pide, all prepared with sourdough, are presented for guests' enjoyment. In desserts, options like Turkish Coffee Mastic Mousse, Boza Panna Cotta, and Chocolate Kadayıf Tart bring local products together with modern culinary techniques, elevating flavors to an international dimension.
Unforgettable Moments Accompanied by Enchanting Views
Sentez Restaurant offers a unique atmosphere not only with its cuisine but also by bringing together the enchanting views of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque with its guests. This magnificent city silhouette makes Sentez an ideal venue for special occasions, celebrations, romantic dinners, and business meetings. This special terrace in the heart of the city, where history and flavor meet, awaits everyone wishing to experience Istanbul's magic in its most refined form. With the opening of Hotel Komana Binbirdirek, Sentez Restaurant brings a fresh breath to Istanbul's gastronomy scene and is already rising to an ambitious position on the city's flavor map.
Source: FOOD and TRAVEL
Be a tourist in the city for a day and turn your route toward the Historic Peninsula. Start from Sirkeci. Historic bazaars, hans, museums, and terraces with magnificent views positioned on the rooftops of historic buildings... Here are our recommendations
The Historic Peninsula is a route that both city residents and tourists cannot give up in Istanbul. It is certainly not possible to tour and discover the Historic Peninsula in just one day, but even if just for a day, feel like a tourist and have a day full of discovery.
Start the tour from Sirkeci, from Hamidiye Street directly opposite the train station door. Along this street, you will encounter historic venues and buildings like Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir, as well as hans. Continue a little further and turn left toward Şeyhülislam Hayri Efendi Street. Take a break at the intersection point of Sultanhamam and Fındıkçı Remzi streets with Büyük Postane Street. The building housing The Orientbank Hotel in the Germanya Han, built by architect August Jasmund, will appear before you with its green-domed terrace. The menu of Lobby Lounge, located on the ground floor of The Orientbank, offers alternatives extending from breakfast to dinner. The section positioned parallel to the street, just on the exterior of the hotel, is I think very enjoyable for feeling the rhythm of the city. The Gregor Jazz Club, located in the part known as the vault room when the building was used as Deutsche Bank, is just below the lobby. You can listen to jazz performances in this venue with its dim ambiance featuring dark colors and small lighting.
At the corner directly opposite, you will see Cronton Design Hotel in the 1st Vakıfhan, built in the 1910s bearing the signature of Architect Kemaleddin Bey, and Sirkeci Lokantası with its tables facing the street. Cronton Roof is ideal for its panoramic view and sunset enjoyment.
When you proceed right toward Vakıfhan Street on this route, you will see the Haseki Gate of the Spice Bazaar. First tour the Spice Bazaar and then you can add the Grand Bazaar to your route. Afterward, you can turn your route toward Sultanahmet Square.
To discover a new venue
Add Hotel Komana Binbirdirek to your route to discover a new venue very close to Sultanahmet Square. Each room is designed with a different story and special architectural touches. Art pieces also appear at every point of the hotel. The hotel's flavor corners also offer guests an enjoyable experience. L'entrée at the hotel entrance features café, bar, and brasserie concepts.
Sentez Restaurant is located on the hotel's terrace floor. When you exit the elevator and step into the restaurant, a view extending from the Bosphorus to the Islands greets you.
Sentez Restaurant, newly opened on the terrace of Hotel Komana Binbirdirek.
Sentez Restaurant offers a menu inspired by Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a menu bearing Chef Fatih Anıl Demirci's signature. The menu begins with a mezze section. There are flavors like hummus, tahini eggplant, tarama, and muhammara in this section. Right after comes the robata grill section. There are alternatives including sweetbreads, octopus tentacle, and ribeye. In the hot appetizers section, there are shrimp mücver and boiled içli köfte.
Sourdough pides are also among the menu's delicious options. 'Morel mushroom and short rib,' 'meadow cheese and fresh herb paste,' 'pear and Niğde blue' are the sourdough pide varieties you can taste. In main courses, Elbasan casserole, Sivas köfte, seafood erişte pasta, stone bass, and roasted eggplant stuffed mantı are among the flavors you can try. The ingredients used at Sentez Restaurant are sourced from local and reliable producers. Karayaka lamb breed from the Black Sea highlands comes from Nebyan Doğal, olive oils from Ayvalık reach the tables from Novavera, mushrooms like morel and sarıkız from World of Fungus, and specialty products like salted yogurt from Antakya's Habib Günsa are featured.
On the Historic Peninsula route, be sure to visit historical venues like the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square, and Topkapı Palace, and enjoy discovering like a tourist even if just for a day in the city.
Source: OKSİJEN