Reviving and Living the Life and Times of İstanbul...

The essense of Armada Hotel's culture can simply be expressed in our motto: "Preserve.Reserve.Serve." It's our road map for behavior both inside and outside our hotel. It means first and foremost to be genuinely in search of Istanbul's quintessential cultural identity as well as the essense of authentic Istanbul lifestyle. Then comes exploring such cultural values which can be revived even today to pass down to the next generations through contemporary interpretations.

The more you get to know Armada Hotel, the closer you come to grasp Istanbul. And yes, the other way around… This is just because we strive for, beyond solely being an urban hotel, letting you truly experience İstanbul's authentic lifestyle, by passionately searching for, reintrepret and revive the values that make Istanbul, Istanbul.

As we are approaching to our 20th year anniversary, we brought together all the projects we have accomplished with this idea in mind since the foundation of Armada Hotel in1994, and wanted to share with our treasured friends like you.

Hereby, we sincerely would like to thank those of you who have fully supported us in all of our endeavors which manifest the respect, passion and most importantly, love we feel for the wonderful city of Istanbul.

ARMADA: PRESERVE. RESERVE. SERVE

Please click this link for more information regarding projects Armada brought to life since its foundation in1994.

MADONNA in ISTANBUL, TURKEY! WHAT'S MORE SHE WAS AT OUR PIER!

Madonna...
Still, an incredible and unforgettable legend of our age!
She's came to Istanbul, Turkey, today.
She'd come here but no one knew where she was!
But... Thanks to our neighbour Tayfun's ( Koseoglu) camera we captured her first step to Istanbul today at the AHIRKAPI PEER  which is our the single connection point to the Sea of Marmara!
So... Considering that today's common field of interest, it's up to you to share or not this valuable moment!

Madonna's first step to ISTANBUL, TURKEY! 6 June, 2012...

World Dance Day 2012

Armada celebrates the International World Dance Day, 2012!

This year's official Dance Day message was written by Alkis Raftis, President of the International Dance Council CID, and focused on "dance therapy"...
Here is the whole text!

"Armada - Gurmebus" Started to Explore Hidden Tastes of Istanbul

The oldest Mercedes-Benz bus in Istanbul that was previously restored by Armada, has a new hat: "Armada-Gurmebus" and started to find hidden delights of the city! From now on Armada Hotel will continue to organize gourmet tours in collaboration with "Gurmebus" team on the weekends. The first round was held to historical Fatih neighborhood today.

If you wonder what the Fatih taste-stops were, please have a look at the pictures in our FaceBook and Twitter pages. If you would like to join us and/or be informed about the coming tours, please contact with us:

Nedim Mazliyah – 0212 455 4480- Armada Hotel
Nilay Tütüncü – 0530 644 30 10- GurmeBus
http://www.gurmebus.com - http://www.twitter.com/Gurmebus/

For Istanbul Lovers, Everyday is a St. Valentine's Day!

Dedicating this year's St. Valentine Day to not only loving couples, but also all Istanbul lovers, Armada Otel is organizing a "Turkish-Jazz" concert by Bilal Karaman, a renowed jazz Guitarist, at the Armada Terrace that is in the heart of the Historical Center. A special package is also available for those would also like to spend the night the Armada on the February 14th...



Illustration: Metin Sözen

Together with his brother, Bilal Karaman has started playing the guitar at the age of 11. After advancing in electronic and classical guitar techniques he has started to read notes and composing. At the age of 19 he’s been accepted to Bilgi University Department of Music with a full scholarship. At the age of 23 he went to Austria to take part at the workshops where he had the chance to work with Wolfgang Muthspiel which is one of the best guitar players of our time. (For more detailed info please visit his website: Bilal Karaman: http://www.bilalkaraman.com/ ).

MENU:

Appetizers from Armada Kitchen (Cold & Hot Mezes)
Main Dish: Fillet Steak with Mushrooms, Green Salad
Desserts
Unlimited Local Drinks
Tea or Turkish Coffee along with Home-made Liquor

Price per person: 95.- TL


SPECIAL PACKAGE:

Dinner and Turkish-Jazz concert at the Terrace on February 14, 2012 night, lodging at the “Superior” double room with sea view on the same night and open buffet breakfast at Armada Terrace with Historical Peninsula and the Sea of Marmara view: All for 340.- TL (for two person).


For detailed info and reservation:
Armada Banquet Team: infosatis@armadahotel.com.tr Tel: 90+212 45544 55
Irmak Özyurt: 90 212 4554471- iozyurt@armadahotel.com.tr
Zeynep Özer:90 212 4554472 – zozer@armadahotel.com.tr

Armada Hotel 2012 Special New Year

The Armada Hotel presents you a delightful New Year’s Eve program at the heart of Istanbul’s historical center, a place where early inhabitants go back to 6000 years ago...

Beside enjoying this archaeological delight, you will savor the exquisite flavors of Armada kitchen

towards the irresistible view of Istanbul. 

Come join us to welcome 2012 in a place where past and present gracefully come together.

ARMADA 2012 SPECIAL NEW YEAR PROGRAM

- Cocktail at the lobby with the live music by “Gypsy Band”,
- Music Program: Live Pop Music, Traditional Turkish Music (Fasıl), Folklore Group and Oriental Belly Dancer
- “WELCOME 2012”: New Year Celebration with Fireworks and Champagne at Armada Terrace
- New Year Celebration with Fireworks and Champagne at Armada’s Outdoor Terrace at 24:00

2012 NEW YEAR DINNER MENU
Cold Mezzes: Chicken with Walnuts, Fava Bean Puree,“Dolma” with olive oil, Pilaki “Dried beans and olive oil”,
Haydari “Spread made with yoghurt”, Octopus Salad, Şakşuka (Fried Obergine and Yoghurt), Feta Cheese
Hot Mezzes: “Muska” Cheese Pastry, Spinach Patty,Tiny Meatballs, Seafood Casserole
Main Course: “Traditional New Year's Turkey”, stuffed Turkey with Rice, served with Orange Sauce,
Seasonal Salad…
Unlimited Local Alcoholic Drinks
Fruit and Dessert Buffet at the Marble Pool (Lobby)
In the early hours of 2012… Delicious night soups from Armada “Pottage Carriage” at the Lobby

Program starts at 20.00 / Price per person 100 € + 18% (VAT)

NEW YEAR PACKAGE: 
3 night-stay including New Year’s Eve : 315 Eur + 8% tax
(price per person in a standard room)

http://bit.ly/armada_newyear

Contact: 

0090 212 455 44 55

guest@armadahotel.com.tr / nmazliyah@armadahotel.com.tr

6th Istanbul TangoRitual Starts in Armada...

Armada hosts Roberto Herrera and Lorena Goldestein, Horracio Goday and Magdalena Gutierrez, Ariadna Naveria and Fernando Sanchez, Christian Marquez and Virginia Gomez, the well known tango maestros from Argentine as of November 2nd to November 6th, 2011 for the occasion of the  6th Istanbul TangoRitual... The opening of the Festival will take place in Armada Hotel on November 2nd evening with a guitar concert. During the Festival, Armada also will host a painting exhibition called as "Milonguerra" by Banu Muratlı, the painter.
For the details please click here...

Kate Burton blogs: "A Story About a Grand View..."

From Kate Burton's blog:

A story about a grand view, a call to prayer and an unbelievably romantic dinner...

We arrived at the Armada Hotel in Istanbul well into the evening, exhausted from our journey from Cyprus and the 150km per hour - yes, really - shuttle journey from the Asian side of Istanbul into Europe. Shaking and shattered, we immediately took the lift to the terrace whereupon we were treated to an unimaginably beautiful panorama comprised of the Mediterranean Sea, terraces and the tall minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

-...
To see the other beautiful photos and read the rest of the post please click here!

The 9th Istanbul Bach Days Starts Tonight!

The 9th Istanbul Bach Days, organized by HEP (Hakan Erdoğan Production), will be held in Istanbul between September 8 and 23, 2011.

The opening concert will be held in St. Antoine Church tonight with the European Union Baroque Orchestra who is staying at the Armada Hotel and made a rehearsal this morning in the same place... 

In addition to historical sites such as St. Antoine and Santa Maria Churches, "garajistanbul" will also  host well-known performers.

The tickets can be purchased through Biletix. Please note all concerts will begin at 20:30.

The Pogram:
Thursday, September 8
European Union Baroque Orchestra
St. Antoine Church, Galatasaray

Friday, September 9
European Union Baroque Orchestra
Santa Maria Church Beyoğlu

Friday, September 16
"Bachtronica" Erdem Helvacıoğlu
garajistanbul

Saturday, September 17
J.S. Bach Cello Suites
St. Antoine Church, Galatasaray

Sunday, September 18
J.S. Bach Cello Suites
St. Antoine Church, Galatasaray

Wednesday, September 21
Goldberg Variations
St. Antoine Church, Galatasaray

Friday, September 23
Gustav Leonhardt
St. Antoine Church, Galatasaray

Ozlem, a Blogger, Mentions Armada Ramadan Meals...

...Hotel Armada at Sultanahmet is my favorite location to stay in Old Istanbul, I have been going back there over 10 years, and each time is like coming home. The friendly staff is there since I knew them, and this charming hotel has spectacular views of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque at one side, the Sea of Marmara on the other.

This is the terrace of Armada, overlooking the Blue Mosque. We were there for an Iftar meal as a family. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a month. Breaking the fast meal is called Iftar meal, and I love the fact that families and friends gather to give thanks and enjoy the meal together. Huge pots of tea is placed at every table, as Turks love tea, cay, and is consumed during as well as after the Iftar meal.
At traditional Iftar meal, sesame coated flat breads, olives, dates, Turkish sausage and pastrami (dried cured stripes of beef, coated with spices), cheese, vegetables cooked in olive oil (like stuffed cabbage leaves) is served. This is followed by soup and meat based dishes. And ends with desserts like baklava or sutlac (flaky pastry sheets soaked in a milky sauce, served with pomegranates)or fruit - quite a feast!

I hope you get to go to the places that touches your soul and reach out to the loved ones. Gorusmek uzere - See you next week for more photos and recipes!

To read the original blog post please click below:
Ozlem's Turkish Table

Live And Unplugged From Armada: Genuinely Authentic Classical Turkish Music

Presented By “Armada Classical Turkish Music Club”

Starting Thursday, March 3rd, 2011,we will be hosting classical “Fasıl” sessions led by “Serhanende” Nureddin Celik at Armada Salon.

Every Thursday for the next 8 weeks,come experience this musical feast alongside our traditional Istanbul cuisine.

Menu:

Assorted Cold Mezzes served on copper “Çilingir” trays
Stuffed vine leaves, Circassian Chicken, Feta Cheese, Eggplant Salad, Eggplant “Saksuka”, Pickled beets, Mashed fish roe with bread crumbs, Stewed beans
Hot Mezzes
Tripe with chickpea, Deep fried pastries with cheese filling, Fried Zucchini
Main Course – selective
Chicken Cutlet
“Kurkutlu” Fried Perch with mayonaisse
Deserts – Fruits
Assorted Turkish deserts and seasonal fruits
Beverages
Unlimited Club Raki and other local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Price: 75TL per person

Dear Guests: Please be advised that the participation to this event will be limited to a certain number of attendees since it will be an unplugged performance. Therefore, we kindly suggest you to make your reservations as soon as possible.

An Old Istanbul Carnaval: "APOKRIES" will be held at Armada on March 4th!

An Old and Forgotten Istanbul Carnival
APOKRIES

Comes Alive at ARMADA

"Apokries" is an old Istanbul tradition and a carnaval that was revitalized by the Armada Hotel for the first time on February 14th, 2010. Apokries, the carnival of fun and masquerade once celebrated by the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul (*) every year during Ottoman Empire will be celebrated once again at Armada Salon with a live musical performance by “Café Aman Istanbul”,
a renowned Rembetiko band comprised of Turkish and Greek musicians.
Would you like to join us and celebrate this once-a-year carnival
while enjoying our special Apokries Menu designed for this special night?

Apokries Menu:

Assorted Cold Mezzes
Stuffed vine leaves, Circassian Chicken, Stewed Beans, Mashed fish roe with bread crumbs,
Beets, Feta Cheese, Haydari - a spread made with yogurt, Marinated red pepper, Russian Salad,
Chard Salad
Hot Mezzes
Chard leaves stuffed with mince meat, Fried Calamari, Plovdiv Meatballs, Fried Zucchini,
Fried pastries with cheese and spinach filling,
Deserts – Fruits
Pumpkin desert and seasonal fruits
Tripe
Unlimited local Alcoholic drinks

Friday, March 4th, 2011 | 20.00-24.00 | Price 95 TL – Per person
For more information and reservations, please call the reception by simply dialing 0.

or call Irmak Özyurt 0 212 455 44 71-70 e-mail: infosatis@armadahotel.com.tr

Armada Tel: 90 212 455 44 55

(*) http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/reviving-carnival-in-istanbul/

The Place to be For Istanbul Lovers…

A romantic evening fired up by an exquisite fine dining and live music is waiting for Istanbul lovers at Armada indoor Terrace on February 14th.

Well, this is just a beginning! Those who would like to experience a renowned Armada ritual and dance through the night can join our traditional Tango Night at Armada Salon followed by the St. Valentine’s dinner.

And then, you wake up to a wonderful Istanbul morning to find yourself by the ancient city walls surrounded by Sultanahmet mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus...

If you would like to offer your loved one(s)such a special gift on this very special day that they will always remember, then here is the place to be.

Please call us for details regarding full program, menu and pricing.

With love,
 
Reservation: Irmak Özyurt 0 212 455 44 71-70 - Armada Tel: 90 212 455 44 55

Enjoy the New Year’s Eve and the magnificient view of Istanbul...

We are offering you a delightful New Year Program at the heart of Istanbul’s historical center where you can savor the exquisite flavors of Armada Kitchen while enjoying the irresistible view of Istanbul.

ARMADA TERRACE 2011 SPECIAL NEW YEAR PROGRAM
Cocktail at the lobby with Gypsy Band of Tamer Kum with Tamer Hasan from Lüleburgaz,
Trio “Boğaziçi”, Emin Fındıkoğlu Jazz Trio, Belly Dancer
WELCOME 2011: New Year Celebration with Fireworks at Armada Terrac

2011 NEW YEAR DINNER MENU
Cold MezzesCircassian Chicken, Fava Bean Puree, “Dolma” with olive oil, Pilaki “Dried beans and olive oil”, Haydari “Spread made with yoghurt”, Octopus Salad, Şakşuka (Fried Obergine and Yoghurt), Feta Cheese Hot Mezzes “Muska” Cheese Pastry, Spinach Patty, Tiny Meatballs, Seafood Casserole		Main Course “Traditional New Year's Turkey” Stuffed Turkey with Rice served with Orange Sauce Seasonal Salad Fruit and Dessert Unlimited Local Alcoholic Drinks

New Year Celebration with Fireworks and Champagne at Armada’s Outdoor Terrace at 24:00

In the early hours of 2011…Pottage Carriage at the lobby

Program starts at 20.00 / Price per person 225.- TL (v.a.t Incuded)

Reservations:
Irmak Özyurt 0 212 455 44 71 - iozyurt@armadahotel.com.tr
infosatis@armadahotel.com.tr
Armada Tel: 90 212 455 44 55 / http://www.armadahotel.com.tr/

The 17th Traditional Backgammon Championship Will Take Place At The Armada Hotel!

The 17th Istanbul Traditional Backgammon Championship Tournament of Worldwide Backgammon Federation (WBF) Turkey Branch will be held at the Armada Hotel between December 18 and 19, 2010. Being the "champion" of the said tournament has become an undispensible and priceless title among the backgammon masters from all around Turkey. The Tournament at the Armada Hotel will also be enriched by some side events such as "Counseller Couples", "Pool", "Only For Ladies", "First Day Championship", "Additional Earnings" and "Arena", a game proprietary to WBF-Turkey.

According to his/her own preference, the champion of the Tournament will be able to join WBF- Turkey's other activities for one year free of charge and will be awarded with an 82 inch- screen LCD TV!

For detailed info please visit: http://www.wbfturkey.com/etkinlik/ist2011mt/konaklamaist2011mting.htm

Istanbul awash in long, rich history - St. Petersburg Times

Istanbul awash in long, rich history - St. Petersburg Times:

By John Capouya, Special to the Times
In Print: Sunday, September 5, 2010

Every Sunday Brunch At Armada Terrace Is Now Turning Into A Historical One.

Following an open buffet Sunday Brunch at the Armada Terrace, our guests will now have the opportunity to enjoy a short journey to history with the oldest Mercedes bus in Istanbul until the end of March and enjoy a free visit to the “Townley Discobolus" sculpture that is on exhibition at Istanbul Museum of Archeology through April 4th, 2010.

Please come join us to savor this delightful historical journey together.

Open Buffet Sunday Brunch including the Museum Entrance Fee: 40.-TL/pp.
Brunch Time: 11.00 - 14.00 Travel to Museum: 14.00

The "Townley Discobolus" sculpture has been brought to Istanbul with the collaboration of Istanbul Museum of Archeology and Ministry of Culture and Tourism with “The British Museum”. TURSAB and THY are the main sponsors of the exhibition that is being on the Classical Building of the Museum until April 4th, 2010.

For the detailed information and reservation:
Armada Sales Team- Tel: 90 212 455 44 55 | infosatis@armadahotel.com.tr
Irmak ÖZYURT, Tel: 90 212 455 44 71 | iozyurt@armadahotel.com.tr 

Waking up to a lovely morning in Istanbul with Jazz... To fall in love again... at the heart of of historic peninsula...

For the first time in Armada’s Valentine's Day celebrations:

Love and Jazz at Breakfast! 

February 14th, Sunday morning: Breakfast with Emin Fındıkoğlu Jazz Trio jazz
February 14th, Sunday evening: A Romantic Dinner 
February 13th or February 14th nights: Valentine's Day Accommodation 

Armada welcomes the Valentine's Day 2010, with an Open Buffet Breakfast along with the live jazz performance by Emin Fındıkoğlu Trio at the Armada SERA that is overlooking the Marmara Sea and Prince Islands... The brunch will take place between 11.00 ve 15.00 and the price is 60.-TL/pp.

The Armada SERA; will also be the venue for a “Romantic Dinner” accompanied by Istanbul songs between 20.00 and 24.00 hours in the same day. The price: 80 - TL /pp.

There are also special accomodotion packages! You may come and stay at the Armada on February 13th, Saturday night or prefer to extend your romantic night on 14th, Sunday night within the Superior rooms... The price is 150.-TL for two!

"Romantic Dinner" Menu Starters:  “Chef’s Traditional Starters Tray”  Traditional cold appetizers including: Stuffed Vine Leaves with Olive Oil and Rice, Circassian Chicken, Aubergine Salad, Feta Cheese, Octopus Salad  Hot starters: Deep Fried Rolls with Spinach Filling, Fried Liver with Dill, Shrimp Casserole  Main Courses: Grilled Lamb Loin with Aubergine Puree  Or  Seabass Baked “in Papillotte” Green Salad Dessert: Baklava with Pistachio or Sourcherry  Coffee and Armada's home-made liqueurs Unlimited local drinks

Valentine's Day Brunch Menu (Open Buffet) Feta Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Tulum Cheese, Butter, Kaymak  Green Olives, Black Olives, Tomato, Cucumber  Strawberry Jam, Apricot Jam, Orange Jam  Strained Honey, Natural Honey Yoghurt, Fruit Salad  Raisins, Dried Figs, Dried Apricots  Oat Cereal, Fried Egg, Omelette  Various home made pastries such as “Açma”, “Poğaça”, “Borek with Cheese” Natural –Village- Bread, Rye Bread  Fruit Basket,  Dessert Types, Pestil,  Tea, Coffee, Milk   Fresh Fruit Juice

About Emin Fındıkoğlu Jazz Trio please see:
http://www.myspace.com/eminfindikogluuniquehorns 

---

For further information and Reservations:
Armada Sales Team- E.mail: infosatis@armadahotel.com.tr | Tel: +90 212 45544 55
Zerrin Kelebek: 0212 4554470
Irmak Ozyurt: 0212 4554471
Ufuk Serab: 0212 4554467

Republic Day Ball on 29th October, 2009

The 86th Republic Day will be celebrated with a traditional Ball at The Armada on October 29th, 2009.

The Ball will begin with a coctail party at the Lobby which will start at 20:00 and finish at 21:00.
Then the guests will have Gala Dinner at the Armada Salon. Live music by "Group Trio" and Tango
will be the main features of the night...

We would be honoured to see our dear guests at the Ball!


MENU:
* White Cheese- Melon- Circassian chicken (chicken with walnuts), Russian Salad
* Chiken Soup with cream
* Crepes with vegetable
* Lamb with Aubergine Puree
* Mimoza Salad
* Ice Cream "Cassatta"
* Domestic drinks-
Price: 65.- TL/pp

For Reservation:
Armada Sales Team- Tel: 90 212 455 44 55
E-posta: infosatis@armadahotel.com.tr
Irmak ÖZYURT iozyurt@armadahotel.com.tr -Tel: 90 212 455 44 71
Seda CENBEROGLU scenberoglu@armadahotel.com.tr -Tel: 90 212 455 44 72

Istanbul Tango Ritual starts on 4th November, 2009 at ARMADA

:: ISTANBUL TANGO RITUAL ::