Traveling to Türkiye ~ How can you miss this Four Seasons Hotel converted from an Ottoman prison in the old city of Europe

Istanbul, which spans the Eurasian continent, has a long history and civilization as well as vast natural scenery. The Bosphorus Strait, sandwiched between the land, has always been one of the favorite waterways for domestic and foreign tourists! Above the surging blue sea, there are three bridges connecting Europe and Asia, as well as countless romantic legends of civilizations intertwined. This has attracted many luxury hotel brands to settle on the outskirts of the city, facing the spectacular strait scenery and the historical customs of both sides of the strait. The second hotel we stayed in was the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet in the old city, which was converted from a former prison. The 2023 World's 100 Favorite Hotels List ~ Hotels from 30 countries on five continents, each with its own unique features. Readers rated them based on criteria such as room facilities, location, service, food and value, and ultimately announced that Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet topped the list and is the well-deserved No. 1! The Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet in the Sultanahmet district is just a few steps away from the square. You can see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from the hotel window, and the iconic Topkapi Palace is also within easy reach. Although it is an old town, it is praised by many people as "the most beautiful place in the old city". It is crowded with historical sites, classical buildings and various cultural palaces with distinctive characteristics. Dome churches, pointed towers and the natural scenery of the strait not far away add a romantic scenery to it. The Four Seasons Hotel is located here, in the core area of ​​the city, and is quiet in the hustle and bustle. The gate and walls are very low-key, but the inside is a different world. The three-story goose yellow building and the guard tower form a closed courtyard. This form is extremely rare in Türkiye, but it is not surprising to know its origin. This was the first prison after the establishment of the Ottoman Empire - Sultanahmet Prison. It was later requisitioned as a military prison and was not abandoned until the end of the 20th century. After being acquired by the Four Seasons Hotel Group and undergoing several years of renovation, it was finally reopened in 1999. The former prison was converted into a luxury hotel. Its unique "background" and experience make it unique. Many of the former "prison features" in the hotel have been preserved. The guard tower that was once used to monitor prisoners still stands there, but it has been converted into an elevator. It is said that in certain places in the guard tower you can still see the names of prisoners and confessions engraved on the wall. Therefore, staying here feels like living in a prison. After the reconstruction, the century-old neoclassical building looks like a luxurious version of Turkey's alternative "Siheyuan". The overall style has become a little sunnier and warmer. The square ochre-colored building seems to have been integrated into the surrounding buildings and is inconspicuous. When you open the door and walk into the hotel, you will find that it is very exquisite and beautiful. The courtyard, which was converted from the sports field in the prison, is full of vitality, and colorful colors embellish the entire garden. Neatly trimmed green plants and flowers are flourishing, and climbing vines have climbed up the pipes to the third floor. The soft lawn and winding stone paths under your feet interweave to form an exquisite secret garden. Follow the steps into the guest room area. This used to be a series of strict prison cells, but now there is no trace of the past. The clean glass windows reflect the blue sky and white clouds, which is particularly beautiful. The colorful Turkish carpets in the room look extremely expensive, and the fine and distinctive patterns carry the heritage of history and local culture. Several suites among the more than 60 guest rooms have excellent viewing positions. The Pasha Suite is located at the corner, and the 270° viewing area is spectacular. Some rooms can see the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and some rooms face the blue sea of ​​the Bosphorus. Every morning, you may be awakened by the bright sunrise over the strait. The hazy colors are cast into the room. The past and present of the ancient city seem to converge at this moment, and the scenery is extremely beautiful.