Islanders' curiosity: The truth about the Splendid Hotel

Splendid Hotel , one of the most important parts of the historical texture of Büyükada , is ending its activities at the end of the process initiated by the Adalar District Governorship and carried out by the Adalar Municipality. It was determined that the hotel was in violation of the provisions of the Regulation on the Protection of Buildings from Fire and did not have an occupancy permit.

FIRE SAFETY RISKS

According to the news in Ada Newspaper, the process began with inspections conducted by the Adalar District Governor's Office at the hotel. As a result of the inspections, official reports documented that the historical structure had serious fire safety risks and posed a danger to life and property. Based on these reports, the District Governor's Office gave instructions for the hotel to be "closed immediately."

In the Adalar Municipality, which is under the CHP control, shocking information was obtained in the file review conducted by the zoning directorate. It was understood that the fire report the hotel received in the past was not appropriate, the business license was issued irregularly and most importantly, the building was “without occupancy permit”. Following these findings, the Adalar Municipality Zoning Directorate prepared the necessary document to cancel all of the hotel’s licenses and submitted it to the mayor for approval by Deputy Mayor Hüseyin Yılmaz.

Despite the clear instructions of the Adalar District Governorate, the fact that no sanctions were imposed after the 10-day period granted to the hotel by the Adalar Municipality had expired caused public concern and reactions such as "Is a new disaster awaiting?"

'BETRAYAL MEETING'

The Splendid Hotel is known not only for its architectural and historical significance, but also for its controversial role in recent history. On the day of the coup attempt on July 15, 2016, it was revealed that a group of 17 people, mostly foreign nationals, had held a two-day meeting at the hotel, led by former CIA agent Henri Barkey. After the coup attempt failed, Barkey left Türkiye on July 19.

After the meeting, when Barkey left the hotel a bell with the word "Pennsylvania" written on it, making the event even more symbolic. The hotel was also used as a British Army Headquarters during the occupation years of 1919, according to historical records.

The closure of the hotel, which has been at the center of historical and political debates, for administrative and security reasons means the end of an era for Büyükada.

IT WAS THE BRITISH HEADQUARTERS

The historical Splendid Hotel was used as the British Army Headquarters during the occupation of Istanbul in 1919. The hotel, which is one of the symbols of Büyükada with its architectural elegance, also stands out with its cultural and historical value. Authorities have not yet announced a clear plan for the future of the historical structure. Island residents hope that the hotel will be restored and reopened.

HOTEL MANAGEMENT DENIED

The hotel management made a statement regarding the issue. The management denied the "closing" claims and stated that they will continue to host guests.

The statement made is as follows:

"Dear Splendid Palace and Buyukada Fans, Please do not believe the false news that some malicious individuals and circles have been trying to spread recently, claiming that we are closing. Our world-famous historical Splendid Palace Hotel continues to host its guests in the best way possible, as always. We respectfully announce to all our fans and the public that we have initiated a legal fight against individuals and organizations that are disturbed by the praiseworthy news about our hotel in the world's leading tourism publications.

With love and respect,

"Splendid Palace Management"

Odatv.com