The first building on the site where the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul now stands was built at the end of the 19th century by Italian Ambassador Baron Blanc as an embassy building. The mansion, which was later bought by Abdülhamid II. (1876-1909), was given to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Tevfik Pasha, who afterwards transformed the Italian Embassy into the Mansion of External Affairs. Then, the Swedish wife of Tevfik Pasha, Elisabeth Tschumi suggested converting the mansion into a hotel. This hotel, initially called "Miramare" became the famous "Park Hotel" of Istanbul under the management of Aram Hıdır, after changing hands a couple of times. “Park Hotel” was known for its social events and as one the most luxurious accommodations for many years.
The past
Park Hotel, which operated until 1979, hosted numerous famous and important guests visiting Istanbul and had also the honor to welcome the founder and leader of the Turkish Republic, Atatürk, in the 1930s. Besides, Atatürk once welcomed the King of England Edward VIII with a splendid dinner in his honor. Another prominent guest was the Prime Minister of Turkey Adnan Menderes, who reserved the whole first floor of the Park Hotel for himself.
