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) | ( l S T ANB U L H I L T O N’S 30t
a _____t t t r r r rt K K iD01B
i i i i l i i
J ik
i VI STANBUL H I L T O N’S 30th ANNI VE RS ARY \l/ I S T ANBUL H I L T O N’S 30th ANNI VE
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TRY OF 1001 DELIGHTS
Turkey. Cradle for more than 20 ancient civilisations. Visit its crown-jewel
Istanbul*Se%and feel East and West meeting borders of the Bosphorus.
Meet Ali Baba and Agatha Christie in the Grand Bazaar.
Eat delicious fresh fish after a breathtaking view at the treasures of Topkapi Palace.
And enjoy at least a few of the exotic 1000 and 1 nights in Istanbul.
The Istanbul Casino at the Hilton and the Hilton Hotel will be pleased to lead you the w a y ^ ^ T J * .
AKBANK OFFERS YOU
A CHOICE w
There's a New World of business
opportunities in Turkey and a wide range of
banks offering investment advice to foreign
businesses in search of new horizons.
We at Akbank would like simply to
present our credentials, and let you make
your choice.
AKBANK is Turkey's largest wholly
privately-owned bank, at the centre of a
constantly- expanding holding group
which includes Turkey's most powerful
insurance group Qed by AKSIGORTA),
and a total of 64 top-performance
industrial companies.
This position has given AKBANK a depth
and diversity of banking experience and
expertise unparalleled in Turkish business.
Now AKBANK is carrying its expertise into
the heart of the international finance world,
through its representative offices in New
York, Frankfurt, London, and Rotterdam
and its recently-established subsidiary,
AK INTERNATIONAL LTD (London).
So if you're about to venture into the New
World of Turkish business and you're
looking for a bank with plenty of local
experience (and a touch of international
class) may we recommend that we're the
bank for you.
v THE CHOICE IS
Ä K B A IM K
AKBANK AKBANK FRANKFURT LONDON NEW YORK ROTTERDAM
HEAD OFFICE INTERNATIONAL DIVISION CENTRAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE
OFFICE OFFICE OFFICE OFFICE
Meclisi Mebusan Cad. 6S-69 Findikh-Istanbul
TURKEY
Phone: MS4220-1448740 Telex 24139 akum tr
İstiklal Cad. Zambak Sok. 5 Parmakkapı-Istanbul TURKEY Phone : 144 56 03-14560 75 Telex : 24134 akdm ti Kaiser Str. 41 6000 Franklurt-Main 1 W. GERM ANY Phone : (069) 25 25 03 - 2518 27 Telex: 412116 akffmd 48-54 Moorgate London EC 2 R 6 EL ENGLAND Phone : (01 )-638-l 366/7 Telex : 8812330 akldn g 400 Park Avenue New York N Y. 10022 U.S.A. Phone:(212)832-1212 T elex: Akbank 667711 Westblaak 12 3012 KL/Rotterdam HOLLAND Phone: (10) 145200-145387 T elex: 24370 akro nl
I
• P A M U K B A N K
-T H E A R -T O F B A N K I N G
Pamukbank is right in the vanguard of the new Turkey.
So much so. that last year it became one of the leading banks in Turkey for international transactions.
In 1984, our foreign currency earnings reached a record 1.340 million US Dollars.
Such is our commitment to international affairs that 18 of our 182 branches (and 5 of our representative offices in Europe and one in Iran) deal in foreign business.
Working with correspondent banks world wide. we were responsible for 10.6% of all Turkey’s exports in 1984.
And with the establishment of our own banking school, our bilingual staff now have an even greater understanding of your needs.
Whether you are dealing with Turkish business, in export or import , or about to move into Turkey yourself, talk to Pamukbank.
We’ll put you in the picture.
PAMUKBANK
A LEADER IN INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS
JUST TELEX OK CALI. EOK MOKE INFORMATION AND A COPY OF 01 K ANNl \l. REPORT.
We are proud to be associated
with the Istanbul Hilton
on the occasion
of their 30th Anniversary,
and look forward
to many more years of co-operation.
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SUMMER 1985 MAGAZINE Vol:16 No:62
ILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY W ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY
HILTON
INTERNATIONAL
ISTANBUL
Cover: A rtist’s concept of Istanbul H ilton’s growth in 30 years
A LETTER FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
It is a rare opportunity to be part o f the 30th anniversary festivities o f any hotel, but I am
particularly proud having been associated with the Istanbul Hilton fo r the past 3 years.
Although that spans over ju st 10percent o f its history, it was a significant time, fo r me as well
as the hotel.
)KISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|( ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|(
CONTENT
T h e Istanbul H ilto n Story 14
b y G ülseren R am azanoğlu
H ilto n M arina 18
V ista International H o te ls G ro u p 27
E artha K itt 30
It must, o f course, be enviable to work fo r a hotel which has managed to stay the leader in
Turkey fo r 30 years and I profess to enjoy it. Thanks to the efforts o f my eleven predecessors
there is a solid basis o f know-how and experience on which I can build. The largest portion o f
the credit fo r the success o f the Istanbul Hilton must, however, go to the loyal and hard working
employees o f the hotel, who are, almost without exception, devoted members o f a team. Many
o f them are with us since the beginning.
I must also thank the owners o f the Istanbul Hilton, the Turkish Pension Fund, fo r their
assistance and excellent cooperation in our joint aim to further improve this unique property.
Together we are looking confidently into the fu tu re and hope to be serving you with the same
spirit throughout the coming decades.
Yours sincerely,
Yayınlayan (Publisher) R A M A Z A N O Ğ L U H A LK LA İLİŞKİLER , Sahibi ve Yazı İşleri Müdürü
(Owner-Editor) G Ü LSER EN R A M A Z A N O Ğ L U Grafik Desen, illüstrasyon (Graphic Design, Illustration) A Y D IN E R K M EN - Basıldığı yer (Printed by) A K SO Y M ATBAACILIK A.Ş. Istanbul Turkey - Fotoğraflar (Photographic Credits) T E K N İK A LA B O R A TO R Y , G Ü N G Ö R D E N İZ A Ş A N Yazarlar (Editorial Contributions) G Ü L SER E N R A M A Z A N O Ğ L U Makaleler yazann ve magazinin ismi ile başka yerde yayınlanabilir. (Articles may be reproduced by crediting the author and the Hilton International Istanbul Magazine) - Ücretsiz (Free of Charge) Dergi üç aylıktır. (The
Magazine is Quarterly) İlanların sorumluluğu ilan veren müesseseye aittir. (Responsibility for advertisements lie solely with their advertisers)
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^
1
AUSTRALIA
Hilton International Melbourne Parmelia Hilton International (Perth) Hilton International Sydney Hilton International Sydney Airport Hilton International Adelaide
AUSTRIA
Hilton International W e n (Vienna)
BAHRAIN
Hilton International Bahrain
BARBADOS
Hilton International Barbados
BELGIUM
Hilton International Brussels
BRAZIL
Brasilton Contagem (Belo Horizonte) Brasilton Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo Hilton Hilton International Belem
CAN AD A
Bonaventure Hilton Montreal
Montreal Aéroport Hilton International (Dorval) Hilton International Q uebec
Toronto Airport Hilton International Toronto Hilton H arbour Castle Hilton International W indsor (O ntario) Hilton International Saint John
C O LOM BIA
Hilton International Bogota Cartagena Hilton International
CYPRUS
Hilton International Cyprus
EGYPT
M.S. Isis/Osiris (Floating Hotels) Nile Hilton (Cairo)
Ramses Hilton (Caiiro)
ETH IO PIA
Addis Ababa Hilton International
FRANCE
Hilton International Orly (Paris) Hilton International Paris Hilton International Strasbourg
GERMANY
Hilton International Düsseldorf Hilton International Mainz
Hilton International München (M unich)
GREECE
Athens Hilton
Corfu Hilton International (Kanoni)
GUAM
Hilton International Guam
HOLLAND
Amsterdam Hilton
Hilton International Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) Hilton International Rotterdam
H O N G K O N G
Hongkong Hilton (Victoria)
H UNGARY
Budapest Hilton
IN D O N ESIA
Jakarta Hilton International
ISRAEL
Jerusalem Hilton Tel Aviv Hilton
ITALY
Hilton International Milano (Milan) Cavalieri Hilton International (Rom e)
IVORY COAST
Hilton International Abidjan
JAPAN
Hilton International Tokyo
KENYA
Hilton International Nairobi
Salt Lick and Taita Hills Game lodges
KOREA
Seoul Hilton International
KUWAIT
Kuwait Hilton International
MADAGASCAR
Hilton International Madagascar
MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur Hilton Petaling Jaya Hilton
MALTA
Hilton International Malta
M O R O C C O
Hilton International Rabat
PAKISTAN
Hilton International Lahore
PANAMA
El Panama Hilton International (Panama City)
PHILIPPINES
Manila Hilton International
PUERTO RICO
Hilton International Mayaguez Caribe Hilton International (San Juan)
SINGAPORE
Hilton International Singapore
SU DA N
Hilton International Khartoum
SWITZERLAND
Hilton International Basel Hilton International Genève Hilton International Zürich
THAILAND
Hilton International Bangkok at Nai Lert Park
TAIWAN
Hilton International Taipei
TR IN ID A D & TO BA G O
Hilton International Trinidad (Port-of-Spain)
TUNISIA
Tunis Hilton
TURKEY
Hilton International Istanbul
U N ITED ARAB EMIRATES
Hilton International Abu Dhabi Dalma Residence (Abu Dhabi) Hilton International Al Ain Hilton International Dubai Hilton Dubai Trade Center Hilton International Fujairah
U N IT E D K IN G D O M
Hilton International Kensington (London) London Hilton on Park Lane
Gatwick Hilton International
U N ITED STATES
The Drake (Chicago) Kahala Hilton (H onolulu) Vista International , New York Vista International , Washington Vista International Kansas City Vista International Oklahoma City
VENEZUELA
Cabimas Hilton International Caracas Hilton International Residencias Anauco Hilton (Caracas) Barquisimeto Hilton International
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On the occasion o f its 30th anniversary I would like to congratulate the Istanbul Hilton,
one o f the most successful top ten hotel managements, which has pioneered in the field o f
m odem hotel management in Turkey as well as in m any other countries around the world,
fo r its valuable contributions to our national economy.
Today, as the multi-faceted feature o f the tourism phenom ena is more evident than ever
before, the need fo r a specialized accommodation industry equipped to serve all sorts o f
accommodation preferences has become more vital.
Tourism, unquestionably is. the best means o f securing the contribution o f our cultural
and natural assets as effective resources in our economic and social development. This is the
main reason why tourism has been given the tasks o f generating foreign exchange earnings
and helping to improve the balance o f paym ent deficits in our five-year development plans.
With these objectives in mind, it is intended that the state should provide facilities fo r the
completion o f infrastructure in tourism development areas and leave the complementing
superstructure to private enterpreneurs.
Without any substantial additional fundings the present 70,000 licensed bed-capacity is
planned to reach 87,000 by the end o f 1985 and 150,000 by the end o f1988. In spite o f these
developments in the accommodation industry there still remains a great need fo r further
increase in hotel-bed capacity since all research and statistical data indicate the incoming
tourists preference fo r this type o f accommodation.
To make up fo r the deficiency in this area neccessary adjustments have been made in the
laws and regulations governing foreign investors to accelerate the flow offoreign capital into
the country.
We would indeed be very happy if the Istanbul Hilton, whose nam e has become
synonymous with quality and distinction were to extend its operations in Turkey.
\Y/o b o lia n o m it h thi> b in /- I n f b n n in to fto o n n r l o v V io r io n r o i n thi> fie !/-] n f h n t o l Y vm m nO Pm Pint
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Virtues of Conservative
and Prudent Banking
TEB is run by Bankers who only serve select
corporate clients and prime correspondent banks.
TEB’s range of activities mainly covers foreign
trade finance and related banking services built on
an in-depth knowledge of Turkey’s industrial and
commercial sectors.
TEB Bankers are determined to keep their
conservative and dynamic management policy intact
in the future - an essential requirement for achieving
a high performance based on sound balance ratios.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 31.12.1984
(TL million)
31.3.1985 (TLmillion )
Total Assets 10,411 12,593
Cash and Due from Banks 7,363 9,5%
Paid-in Capital and Reserves 1,504 2,700
Total Deposits 4,043 4,403
Pre-Tax Revenues 1,556 506
TÜRK EKONOMİ BANKASI A.Ş.
F o r o u r A nnual Report a n d /o r quarterly Statem ent, please write to o u r Head Office at: İstiklal Caddesi, 284, O dakule kat: 13, Beyoğlu, ISTANBUL
Handmade leather bags.
Clim ax of p e rfec tio n for functional p u rp o se s
in form ladies’ and m an ’s bags, luggage
and o th e r accessories.
In Istanbul, in Desa Shops.
Desa Head O ftice/Factory
Abdi ipekçi Cad. 56, Bayrampaşa-istanbul/TURKEY Tel: 577 53 52 - 576 82 61
Telex: 22 739 desk tr. Cable: DESAKOL - İSTANBUL
Retail Shops: Desa Osmanbey
Rumeli Cad. Matbaacı Osmanbey Sok. 61, Osmanbey - İstanbul
« Desa Erenköy
Bağdat Cad. 318/22, Erenköy - İstanbul
Desa Beyazıt
Soğanağa Camii Sok. Akosman işhanı 2, Beyazıt - İstanbul Tel: 526 72 48 - 528 00 18
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)j(lSTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|( ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY ))(
r n r
The Waldorf-Astoria, New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel 212 688-2240 Cable: Hiltels. N Y Telex: No 223120
Celebrating the 30th anniversary o f the Hilton International Istanbul is a very happy occasion
because it marks an important milestone in the development o f tourism in Turkey. In these
thirty years the Hilton International Istanbul has welcomed nearly five million guests, who by a
conservative estimate have left 450.000.000 dollars worth o f foreign exchange in Turkey
without taking anything away except happy memories o f friendly people and a beautiful
country. We were delighted to have these results recognized by the government.
I f tourism in Turkey was in its infancy in 1955, so was Hilton International. The Hilton
International Istanbul was only our third hotel (after San Juan, Puerto Rico and Madrid,
Spain), and it was the first hotel in Europe which we actually had an opportunity to plan from
its inception. We were fortunate in having an excellent architectural team in Professor Sedat
H. Eldem and Skidmore Owings and Merrill, both among the most respected names in their
countries.
We also had an abundance o f enthusiasm all o f which proved extremely valuable at the
opening. Some o f us spent days a n d nights moving furniture, unloading truckload after
truckload o f supplies. Our wives were pressed into service to sew pillows, but those o f us who
are old enough to remember the opening will never forget it no matter how m any others we
have seen since. The display o f Turkish history which unfolded before us, the thrill o f bringing
new technology and having the opportunity to combine it with an ancient culture and
civilization and to create thereby>
a landm ark which still today has lost none o f its impact
made the effort worthwhile.
During the past 30 years the Istanbul Hilton was enlarged once and now construction has
started fo r the addition o f another 100 rooms. No greater tribute can be paid to the success o f
a hotel which has been enlarged twice, and no better endorsement o f its architectural concept
can be made than the fa ct that the enlargements fit the original design and even enhance it.
Hilton International as the operator o f the hotel has considered itself always as a custodian o f
one o f the Turkish people’s great modern assets. To keep the Hilton International Istanbul as
the perm anent cornerstone o f tourism and travel to Turkey as well as a place where every
citizen o f Istanbul and Turkey feels welcome to transact business and celebrate life’s great
occasions is our goal fo r the future.
CURT R. STRAND
President
WISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY ^ ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY^
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)|(ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY
T .C .
E M E K L İ S A N D I Ğ I
G E N E L M Ü D Ü R L Ü Ğ Ü
ÖZEL
) \ ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY
>K
While commemorating the 30th anniversary o f the foundation o f the Istanbul Hilton, we are,
in a way, celebrating the introduction into Turkey o f the understanding o f m odem tourism
and hotel management.
In fact, the concept o f the Hilton has been an important turning point in the touristic
development o f Turkey. The Istanbul Hilton has not only pioneered the hotel management in
Turkey but, also,has constituted a different way o f concept and standards that have changed
the social life o f our country.
The Pension Fund o f the Republic o f Turkey, the proprietor o f the Istanbul Hilton, has proved
its skill and perform ance in the realisation o f investments fo r the tourism industry by setting
up this Hotel in Turkey at a time when touristic developments were still unripe in the country.
Putting the hotel into service has brought important contributions both in pioneering the
m odem hotel management and the touristic economy in the country as well.
The Hilton experience in Turkey has been extremely successful both fo r Turkey and the Hilton
International Co.
The results drawn from this cooperation have also form ed the experience to evaluate the
touristic potential o f Turkey and the activities directed to the development o f tourism. Besides,
it has to be marked with great appreciation that the Istanbul Hilton, from the begining until
today, has steadily improved the level o f quality, profitability a n d the principles o f m odem
management.
The relations between the Pension Fund o f the Republic o f Turkey which has accepted the
m utual good-will as a base, and the Hilton International Co. which is responsible fo r the
management o f the Hotel have been on a complimentary level fo r the last thirty years.
It is, indeed, our earnest wish that this success and cooperation secured should last fo r longer
years and more hotels under Hilton management should be set up in other cities o f our
country as well.
^I STANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY
Ateş AMİKIİOĞLU Director General,
Pension Fund of the Republic of Turkey
W ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY)|^
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^
ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|( ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY ))(
by Gfilseren Ramazanoglu
TH E
ISTANBUL
HILTON
STORY
The very first hotel in
Turkey marking the
beginning of modem
Turkish tourism
thirty ago all started five years when a Turkish delega tion and the King of Hotel Chains happened to be under the same roof in the Wal dorf-Astoria Ho tel in New York. Mr. Conrad N. Hilton, the then president of Hil ton International, who had an insti nct for hotel cour tesies, invitedthe delegation for refreshments. During the conversation he was asked whether he whould be interested in constructing a hotel in Istanbul, a hotel that would be the first modem one in the country. He was also invited to visit Istanbul. In the coming days Mr. Hilton and his Vice-President John Houser were going to Paris for business and they extended their trip to Istanbul to explore the possibilities of such a venture.
When the Hilton delegation ar rived in Istanbul they had a royal welcome which was arranged through the government.
some known Vic- torian-style ho tels at that time, it had no hotels of I Iilton standards. When he was tak en to the actual grounds of the hotel, then and there he made his final decision on the construction of the first Hilton International ho tel in Europe.
Decision to Build a Hotel in Istanbul
he guests were taken to all possible sites for a big hotel of international standards; the excit ing and historical places were toured. Mr. Hilton was convinced that this fabulous city of Istanbul had a lot to offer to visitors, and its geographic location between East and West would be the ideal place to start his projected international hotel chain. Although Istanbul had
On December 15, 1950 an ad vance agreement in principle was signed between the government and the Hilton company. 'Die main emphasis was on the construction of a very modem hotel of those days’ standards. Hie building was to be constructed and owned by the Turks and the hotel was to be managed by the Hilton International Company.
Hotel’s Landlord
ynterprising Turkish authori ties were pushing the realization of a hotel that would mark the beginning
WISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|( ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY))^
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of modem Turkish tourism. Coincidentally, a few blocks away, a young Turkish man was frustrated over the lack of modem hotels in Istanbul. This young man was Mr. Ulvi Yenal, president of the Turkish Football Federation, and general manager of the newly-established Turkish Pension Fund. He was trying to place members of the Swedish Football Team in Istanbul’s hotels. Unfortunately, as the better ones were full, they had to resort to second best. Mr. Yenal, who had been to Swedish hotels, knew the difference.
Later, in his office, he found some clippings from the Swedish press quoting the poor state of Istanbul hotels. lie was embarrased and depressed, and put on his coat, ready to leave the office. At that moment the door opened and he had some visitors, including three Americans. The purpose of the visit was to find a landlord for the Hilton hotel to be constructed in Istanbul. The status of the Turkish Pension Fund allowed it to invest in the tourism field. What a God-sent thing, thought Mr. Yenal, so depressed only a few minutes ago. With excitement he immediately started studying the papers with Mr. Mubin Manyasig, a future assistant manager of the Istanbul Hilton, and Mr. John Houser. He was so carried away that he did not realize how late it became. Finaly, Mr. Houser remarked “don’t you have tomorrow in this country, it is already 3:30 a.m. and the building is ice-cold.”
The enthusiasm of some govern ment officers was not enough to realize this project. It was a first of its kind venture, a new approach and the pensions of retired people were thought to be at stake. It was not all that easy to obtain the necessary permission before signing the final contract between the Hilton and its landlord. The land chosen alone was a problem, as it belonged to the Municipality and was designed to be a public park. A special law was required. 'Hie government was so keen on the construction of such a hotel that they immediately passed the law.
Finally, the contract was signed between the Hilton and the Pension Fund on August 9, 1951. Hie 29- page contract covered all possible details for twenty years, a contract which since then has been renewed.
Construction Starts
__ he architectural designs were prepared by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (American) and Professor Sedat H. Eldem (Turkish) both among the leading names in their countries.
The ground breaking ceremony took place in Summer, 1952. Soon after the leveling of the ground started, the general manager of the Pension Fund was assigned to another job. His successor, Mr. Nuri Kınık, was even more enthusiastic, so much that he practically lived at the construction site for almost two years and supervised, pushed and helped whenever necessary. It is difficult to speculate on the reaction of the constructing firm Julius Berger and DykerkofF and Wied- mann (West German). Mr. Kınık had to face all the difficulties to make the impossible possible. Hilton International interior designer Miss I. Beck needed 2,40 m long marble slabs for the walls in the ball room and in the lobby corridor. Turkey had been a country producing marble but the maximum length of marble quarried in one piece was never longer than 1,50 m. It had to be 2,40 m. not less, said she. Mr. Kınık had to fight to obtain a very special permit for the importation of marble from Italy. Then came the special needs for the landscaped garden... importation of special shrubs, trees, etc. The officials concerned never heard of such a request. We have so many trees and flowers in this countiy, why don’t they use them, they said.
Pumping water from the sea to the swimming pool of the hotel was considered. Pipes had to be laid from the shore uphill to the grounds of the hotel. Nobody wanted to spare expenses. However, the man who owned a piece of land in between, where he had been growing vegetables (he is still there!) flatly refused to let pipes go under his land. So, the project had to be abandoned.
The construction progressed with full speed under the keen eyes of Mr. Rudy W. Basler, the project manager of the Hilton. Workers ranging from 200-500 daily worked like bees. The building had to be finished in record time for Turkey of those days. After twenty one months of concentrated effort, toil and dedication, the construction of the Istanbul Hilton was completed.
The hotel had 300 deluxe rooms with private balconies. The original public areas were the Main Dining Room (the present-day ball room), the MarmaraRoof(now turned into a spacious function room), Şadırvan Supper Club (tixlay’s casino). Kara göz Bar, (now Lower Lobby) Club Room and Lalezar Meeting Room (the present Lalezar Bar).
Some twenty young Turkish men and women spent over a year in Hilton hotels in the United States training for key positions in the new hotel. Necessary staff was recruited; practically all of the employees were Turkish.
Decoration and Furnishing
__ he modem conveniences of the hotel was complimented with the use of local art which became a principle in future Hilton hotels around the world. All of the fayence that decorates the walls of the public areas was designed by Professor Sedat Eldem, who stylized and adapted it from the interior decora tion of the sixteenth-century mosque. They were done in the centuries-old
Kiitahya Tile Factories in Turkey. The greater part of the designs for all furniture was executed by the Hilton Design Office. A substantial part of all upholstered furniture was produced under the direction of the Design Office, by the Teacher’s Technical College in Ankara. This was a government-sponsored pro ject to train teachers to help advance
technical industries throughout the country.
Other furnishings, not locally available, were imported from four teen different countries.
Carpeting throughout the hotel was handwoven in Konya, in Central Anatolia, renowned in the carpet industry'. Approximately 15,000 square yards of carpet in 17 colors had 1.200,000,000carpet tufts hand- knotted by women workers. All this work was organized and controlled by Kemal Seli, a Turkish business man who initiated the revitalization of the Turkish carpet industry'. International Inauguration of the Hotel
A
1 \ . fter the actual construction of
the building was completed, another phase of activity started. Furniture moved in, final touches were made. One would need to write a book on the last-minute activities. Excite - ment was at its peak. Everybody, including top foreign executives and their wives were physically moving furniture, sewing pillows, etc. Lite rally, everybody gave a hand for the Grand Opening.
The 3(X)-room modem and de luxe hotel, equipped with the latest technical installations and embody ing the best that Hilton standards can offer, was opening its doors to public. Long advance preparations were carefully planned and carried out under the guidance of Mr. Rudy W. Basler, who became the first general manager of the hotel, with the teamwork of his colleages around the world and enthusiastic local staff.
On May 20, 1955, the hotel was open to the public for the trial run. Then came the Grand Opening from
ISTANBUL HILTON’S
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■ ¡ ■ ■ M lMr. C onrad H ilton (second fr o m right), Mr.Fahrettin Kerim G okay (right), governor- m ayor o f Istanbul, and M r.N u ri K im k (center), general manager o f the Pension Fund, a nd guests at the gala opening.
President C onrad N . H ilton holds a poster bearing nearly 1.000 signatures o f members of The Waldorf-Astoria sta ff as a greeting o f the fa m ily fo ld to the sta ff o f The Istanbul Hilton. O n the right is Mr.Wallace W.Lee, Jr., the
manager o f The W a ld o rf Pierre Cardin, world-renown fashion designer.
The Turkish and American flafs flyin g proudly fro m the Jefferson H otel in N e w Y o rk in 1955 in honor o f the Istanbul H ilton
June 10 to 14. Nothing was spared for the success of the offlcal Interna tional inauguration in the course of a five-day period of unmatched splend or. While Turkey was opening its doors to modern tourism, Hilton International was marking the be ginning of its global development.
The two PANAM double decker special planes called “the Flying Carpet” and “the Magic Carpet” flew in Mr. Conrad N. Hilton and his personal guests. More than one hundred guests included a galaxy of Hollywood and other stars such as Olivia de Havilland, Mona Freeman, Terry Moore, Irene Dunne, Sonja Henie, Diana Lynn, Merle Oberon, Ann Miller, Lon Me Callister, Keefe Braselle and Leo Carillo. In addition came well-known representatives of Life, Time, Look, Readers Digest, Esquire, Fortune and Holiday, in cluding the United States newspaper tycoon William R. Ilearst Jr. Movie columnists Louella Pearsons and Hedda Hopper, representatives of U.S. radio and television, business men such as the owner of Empire State Building, and diplomats such as America’s popular ambassadors to Turkey Mr. G. Vadsworth and Mr. G. McGhee joined as well.
Jeanne Hansen (left), executive secretary, H ilton International in 1955; M rs.Harold G ray and Mrs.Jesse Boynton, wives o f top Pan American executives.
The festivities started at the airport. More than a hundred pho tographers and newsmen, city' of ficials, thousands in cheering crowds and special Istanbul Hilton hostess es in national costumes were at the airport to meet the guests. When the door of the plane opened thousands of people started applauding as Mr. Hilton appeared on the stairs. He smiled and said “merhaba” (hello) in Turkish, and raised both his arms in the air to salute the cheering crowds. He was the man who owned 29 hotels in the world. He made a brief statement indicating his pleas ure to serve the city of Istanbul.
Then, Mr. Hilton accompanied by more than a dozen general mana gers from his various hotels, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Fahrettin G6kay, the then Governor-Mayor of Istanbul and a staunch supporter of the Hilton project. The Governor- Mayor, with an i mpressive ceremony presented the scroll of Freedom of the City to Mr. Hilton. ih c honorary Turkish citizen then placed a wreath with “Istanbul Hilton” inscriptions on the Republic Monument in Taksim Square.
D-day came on June 10. Mr. Hilton, die Governor-Mayor and the guests gathered in front of the
A n n Miller (left) a n d Diana Lynn w ith the coffee girl.
entrance door under the flying- carpet-design canopy which was inspired by the “Gate of Felicity” in the Topkapi Palace of the Sultans. Mr. Hilton pulled a box from his pocket, opened it carefully while the excited guests looked on, took out a golden key and put it in the keyhole of the entrance door. It was 12:00 noon on the dot. He turned the key once and then turned to the Govern or-Mayor who looked a little bewil dered as he was used to ribbon cutting ceremonies, and requested him to turn the knob and enter the building. Thus, the opening of the building was officiated.
The Governor-Mayor, who had been taken private English lessons for some time, made his first public speech in English. The guests entered the hotel, Turkish girls in national costumes started serving special cocktails. At 1:30 p.m. the gong was heard and w ith the official inauguration luncheon, the first meal in the hotel was served with great efficiency.
Mr. Hilton in his speech emp hasized the importance of the city of Istanbul and Turkey. “Standing here today in the shadow of a score of history’s most hallowed shrines is indeed a precious experience.To the average American - and I consider myself such - mere mention of this metropolis on the beautiful Bosp horus invokes a maze of impressions gathered from a thousand sources...
)j(lSTANBUL HILTON'S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|( ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|(
Mr.Joseph Luns, ex-secretary general o f N A T O .
Turkish Coffee girls serving Mr. H ilton w ith their fa m e d brew.
That Istanbul has played a large role in human history is certainly no accident. Pitched on the very cross roads of two great continents, it was destined from the beginning to be the witness of great historical happenings... For the Western World, the transforming events of 1923 in Turkey have been of supreme im portance when Mustafa Kemal Ata- tiirk revitalized Turkey...”
That was not all. A series of colorful functions took place for five days in the hotel and there were several official functions in the city’s old palaces to celebrate the happy event. Even some 6629 miles away in Puerto Rico’s taribe Hilton (first hotel of the chain) a carefully planned commemorative buffet was held to welcome the sister hotel to the family. Hie highlight of the evening was a beautiful ice caning of a mosque, symbolic of Turkey.
Foreign guests and state dignita ries stayed in the hotel during the festivities and the celebrities who were flown in for the occasion toured the city day and night. They were the pioneers of millions of tourists to come to the Istanbul Hilton. They were truly enchanted and one of them, the movie star Lon McCallister, took miles and miles of colored films of the city' for projection on 'IV stations in the United States. He was very' happy to take back “all the beautiful sights of Istanbul in his suitcase”.
Mr. Vehbi Kot; (left) a, leading Turkish business man with Mr. H enry Ford II.
On June 15, 1955, the Istanbul Hilton, the 29th Hilton hotel, the third Hilton International in the chain (the second being the Castel lana Hilton in Madrid, Spain which was managed only, not constructed by Hilton),took its place at the side of
the others and opened its doors to the public.
Istanbul Hilton’s Contribu tions
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-X. he eleven-story “match-box” as it was cynically referred to by some conservative bureaucrats, not only marked the birthday of modern Turkish tourism but also changed the skyline of Istanbul. Its simple and functional architectural style influenced the city’s as well as nation’s architects. The interior decoration also had its share. New concepts were introduced in the social life of the country. Eventually the local people who were too shy in the beginning to step into the hotel started getting acquainted with this fascinating world and in the end the word Hilton became identified with comfort, quality, high standard and efficiency. The word, “Hilton” be came a symbol, and is used in daily conversation.Left to right: Mr. Turgut Özal, prime minister; M r.N e v za t A yaz, governor o f Istanbul; Mr. Mehmet Kunt, public relations and sales manager o f the hotel and Mr. Bülent Ulusu, ex-prime minister.
Istanbul Hilton Served as a School
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risen high in their professions and eventually became top executives or general managers both in other Hilton hotels and in other chains. Then came a new generation. Thus, the Istanbul Hilton became a school for the tourism industry both in Turkey and in the Hilton chain being one of the oldest in the family. Many of the ninety one Hilton Interna tional hotels have somebody who can reminisce about work at the Istanbul Hilton.
This hotel means a lot to Turkey as with its opening, modem tourism started in the country. It means a lot to Hilton International as well, as it opened doors to a vast and success ful future. No other opening cere mony, neither in Istanbul nor in the Hilton world surpassed the grand iose opening of the Istanbul Hilton.
Expansion of the Hotel
_l_n a few years time the hotel needed extending. A 150-room fully- airconditioned extension was open ed in 1965-1966 and in 1969 the whole building was climatized. The improvement and modernization has never stopped, and planned rehabilitation and maintenance programs have been carried out to keep the high standard of the hotel at its highest. continned on page 20
WISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY )|( ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY)^
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We a re including so m e exciting su m m e r d ish e s on th e
m e n u such a s B a g u e tte S andw iches a n d a w ide se lec tio n
of b ea u tifu l fresh sa la d s a s w ell a s m ore tra d itio n a l
B arbecue g rille d ite m s including su c c u le n t lam b a n d
fresh fish, an d refre sh in g ice crea m an d delicious
p a strie s.
'Hie HILTON MARINA a n d BISTRO is o pen daily from
12.00 noon.
Come a n d try th e la te s t B istro in tow n com bining old
w orld ch arm s, th e b e a u ty o f th e B o sphorus an d th e
re p u ta tio n an d ex cellence o f th e H ilto n cu isin e a t
The Hilton Marina Bistro The Old Ferry B oat Station
Kuruçeşme
I
I
T he c e le b ra te d T 0 0 1 N ights’ S hip o p e ra te d by H ilton
In te rn a tio n a l Ista n b u l will d e p a rt every evening from
th e m a rin a a t 8.00 p.m.
T he p in k w ooden b o a ts ta tio n h a s b e e n carefully
ren o v ated a n d re s to re d to its original style w ith th e
in sid e now co n v erted into an exciting “BISTRO ”
R e sta u ra n t.
You can s it on th e w a te r’s edge, m u se ac ro ss th e
B osp h o ru s an d w atch th e y ach ts a n d sh ip s w hile o u r
s ta ff s e n e you w ith a variety o f ap p e tisin g sn a c k s an d
d rin k s.
i
h e o p ening o f th e HILTON MARINA a n d BISTRO
a t K uruge§m e b ro u g h t b ac k to life th e ch arm in g tic k e t
office a n d lan d in g p ie r o f th is Old F erryboat S tation,
re ta in in g all its original ch a ra cte r.
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ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY /ft ISTANBUL HILTON’S 30th ANNIVERSARY
)K
continued fro m page 17
During the late seventies the hotel, like everyone else, suffered from the difficult political situation which was eventually brought to an end by the welcome intervention of the military' leadership in 1980.
For a number of years the hotel had been restricted in its modern ization progress due to adverse
economical circumstances.
But then, since 1982, first under the military government and now under Prime Minister Turgut Ozal’s administration, the economy flour ished again and the Istanbul Hilton was once more able to carry' out a range of innovative changes and improvements.
The recreation facilities were increased by an original Turkish Bath, floodlighting of the Tennis Courts and the building of two squash courts.
At present there is an indoor pool under construction which will be available in the coming winter season.
In 1983, the concept of a ‘hotel- within the hotel’ was introduced and an ‘Executive Floor’ was created with its own private lift, separate check-in and complimentary bar and lounge. This proved to be so successful that it was enlarged in
April 1985 and there are now 26 de luxe units on two floors, offering the ultimate in personalized service.
However, with the increased interest in Turkey, the hotel is running short of rooms. Something had to be done very fast, as the city' is risking to lose valuable business to other destinations.
In a record period of four months planning was completed and per missions obtained for the construc tion of an additional 100 rooms, thanks to speedy decisions of the owners, the Turkish Pension Fund, and the excellent cooperation of all concerned authorities.
Construction will start in June 1985, coinciding with die 30th anniversary' celebrations of the ho tel.
The new rooms will all face the Bosphorus, being built into the hill under the present ballroom terrace. They will be connected to the hotel via a shopping mall.
This will bring the number of rooms to well over 500, thus making the Istanbul Hilton once again Istanbul’s largest hotel, with the capacity' of accommodation 1000 guests. This, new room addition was designed by Prof. Sedat Eldem, who was already on the team of architects of the original hotel building, back in the early nineteen-fifties.
In 1984, the Istanbul Casino at the Hilton opened again, proriding the city with the only international Casino in Turkey. This has consi derably added to the facilities of the hotel and has become very popular in a short time. It was therefore decided to double the size of the Casino building, which is presendy under way, scheduled to be comp leted during this summer.
Another successful innovation was the start of the Bosphorus Cruises on the romantic y'acht “ 1001 nights”, operated by the Istanbul Hilton since 1983. The daily dinner cruises along the historical shores of both Europe and Asia are usually sold out and require booking well in advance. However, success is always copied, and there are now a number of boats try'ing to compete. None can match the atmosphere and the charm of the Bodrum sty le, two mast sailing yacht “Bin Bir Gece”, as the boat is called in Turkish.
As we approach the next 30 years, new ideas will come up and new services will be introduced with the aim to further improve and widen the already impressive range of facilities. The Istanbul Hilton is proud to be 30 years young and getting more beautiful every year.
DINING AND WINING
Serving breakfast, luncheon and dinner, the Green house popular priced restaurant is informal and fast-moving. Located on the lobby level and open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
The Roof Rôtisserie and its Kizkulesi Bar. For dinner traditional Turkish dishes as well as continental cuisine in this superb restaurant with its panoramic view over the Bosphorus. Take the elevator to the roof. Closed on Sundays. H h A I I C l l d r ' » * , Overlooking
" l ] n | | “ “ v R the Swimming Pool V V " ^ open from 12.00 noon - 6.00 p.m.. Enjoy a casual snack after taking a swim or much needed refreshment following a game of tennis or squash. The menu offers a variety of charcoaled items and the Chef’s daily special.
Relax in a friendly oriental atmosphere in this “Tulip Garden” bar on the lobby floor. Dance music from 10.00 p.m. -1.00 a.m.
IDE BARBECUE
Under the stars and the moolight, accompanied by our orchestra we provide a romantic evening of dance and delicious barbecued specialities. From 8.00 p.m. every Sunday.
Pamper your palate at your sumptuous Sunday Brunch. Until 3 p.m. in our Greenhouse
l®! NQW Boat Guise
An Exciting journey along the Bosphorus in traditional style. On board you are served a superb barbecue and local drinks. Coach departs daily at 19.45 from the Main Entrance for the Hilton Marina
Sit on the water's edge and muse across the Bosphorus watching the majestic yachts and ocean ships. Menu items include light snacks,fresh salads and traditional charcoaled items. Open daily from 12.00 noon.
Afternoon tea... from 4 p.m. Hilton International Istanbul offers afternoon tea concert in the spacious lounge in the lobby and terrace facing the
Bosphorus and Asian Shores.
Hilton International Istanbul facilities, including the extended swimming pool area are ideal for banquets, conventions and meetings. Our 30 years experience is guarantee of customer satisfaction. Swimming Pool (Summer months only) Tennis .Courts, Squash Courts , Jogging Track
IN THE HOTEL
ENTRANCE ARCADE
A irlines B anking S e r v ic e s B o o k sto r e B ou tiq u eT ourist Inform ation
Pakistan International Airlines Pan American Airlines Turkish Airlines Libyan Arab Airlines T.C. İş Bankası Hachette
Semiramis Fashion
Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Information Office
AT THE POOL DECK
T h e F itn e ss C lub e n a b le s you to m aintain or regain your physical health, stren gth and
g o o d look s.
IN THE
LOWER LOBBY
CASINO
Lower Lobby, open from afternoon until the early morning hours.
IN THE MAIN LOBBY
B o u tiq u es LIO N leather goods, ladies’ fashion and
embroidered garments
BEYM EN men’s wear
PIRIL BAZAAR presents Turkish
block-printed creations as well
as handmade costume jewelry and gift items.
D ru g sto re D R U G S T O R E offers boutique items
G ift S h o p BALi Turkish handicraft
A n tiq u e S h o p S A R A Y Old and new jewelry
J ew eler ADLER Antique and new Turkish jewelry
C arp et S h o p V E D A T D U R U SE L Old and new handwoven Turkish Carpets
T ravel A gen t T U R K EKSPRES
B o o k sto r e H A C H E TT E
B arber S h o p /
B ea u ty Parlor FIG A R O
C ar R ental AVIS
Art G allery BARAZ A R T GALLERY
F lo w ers S W A N FLOW ER S H O P
P h otograp h y TEKNIKA C o n fectio n a ry NELLY
Furniture Reduction and Marketing Co.Inc.
Our firm is at our customers’ service with even,7 variety of household furniture
and decorator’s furnishings. Our factory, located in Sefakoy, Be§yol, covers an
area of 800 m2. Our spacious exhibition gallery in the neighborhood of our
factory7 has two floors and extends over 3000 m2.
.. • H f-— ? vjl O- Cm - • 0I
* * * * sr* O*« • t© • • £— o* j « •
• *** ^ j t-...Jl £l ^¿1 iLLx^Jl fim~ ' ^ **>■— + 1 ^Ujj
I
Furniture Production and M arketing Co.Inc.
1 «• 4* 1 -W> I l— . _ t& jZAddress: Londra Asfaltı, Florya Kavşağı, Beşyol Sefaköy-ISTANBUL TURKEY Phone: (1) 579 07 32 - 579 07 33 Telex: SAGM 22 127 tr.
