Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | late 1800s (original mansion construction) |
| Founder | Şükrü Bey (original mansion) |
| Headquarters | Istanbul , Turkey |
Area served | Istanbul, Turkey |
Key people | Çelik Gülersoy (renovation project overseer, former CEO of TTOK) |
| Products | Hotel accommodations, dining |
| Owner | Dorak Holding |
| Parent | Hilton Worldwide (Curio Collection) |
The Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton, previously known as Hotel Yeşil Ev ("Hotel Green House"), is a historic wooden residence located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. Following extensive restoration, it now functions as a luxury hotel under the management of Dorak Holding.
History
Constructed in the late 1800s for Şükrü Bey, who served as the Ottoman tobacco monopoly minister, this four-level wooden mansion eventually experienced significant neglect. In 1977, ownership transferred to the TTOK. Given the building’s advanced state of decay, the original edifice was demolished and reconstructed with authorization from the "Commission for Ancient Monuments," faithfully reproducing the exterior design and maintaining the nineteen-room configuration.
The renovation project, overseen by Çelik Gülersoy, then CEO of TTOK, reached completion in March 1984. Upon reopening under the name "Yeşil Ev," it successfully blended historic architectural elements with contemporary comforts, earning international recognition and receiving the 1985 "Europa Nostra" award for its contribution to heritage conservation.
The hotel operates from two separate addresses with individual reception areas: Kabasakal Cd. No:5 and Soğuk Çeşme Sk. No:3, with Kabasakal Cd. No:5 serving as the main entrance.
Nestled between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this property offers an exceptional location coupled with the inviting ambiance of a traditional Istanbul residence.
As Istanbul’s inaugural property within the Curio (brand) portfolio, it houses 78 guest rooms featuring deep soaking tubs alongside distinct Turkish Bath showers, spread across 17 restored mansions.
Amenities include two dining establishments and a cafe/bar that overlooks a garden setting.
Notable guests
- President François Mitterrand of France (1992)
- Prince of Belgium (1960)
- Jean-Paul Gaultier, renowned French fashion designer
- Rudolf Nureyev, celebrated Russian ballet artist
- Larry King, prominent American television personality
- Rachel Weisz, acclaimed English actress
- Colm Toibin, distinguished Irish author
See also
- Hotels in Istanbul
- Sultanahmet Jail (currently Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet)
- Soğukçeşme Street (location of Hagia Sophia Mansions)