Pera Palace – Istanbul, Turkey (English)

‘The entire continent turns eastward’, wrote Victor Hugo in his prologue to Les Orientales towards the end of the 19th century. In 1889 the first Orient Express steamed through the ancient gates of Constantinople. Not long after, a palatial hotel was built on the hill of Pera. Its name became a legend: Pera Palace Hotel.

Ever since the Pera Palace has been an institution, its famous and mysterious guests radiating l’art de vivre, enjoying its stylish five o’clock dances, lavish balls, fine food and splendid drinks. This book offers a look behind the veil of a city that is steeped in the myths of the Orient. It talks about the legendary Orient Express. It is about famous writers and infamous spies, as the Pera Palace Hotel’s territory is at the crossroads of interest of all Super Powers on Earth.
Here you meet the most famous names of the silver screen, politics and fashion. And you meet their chroniclers, who have made the hotel immortal. They all enjoyed the discreet atmosphere of this fine palace, more or less successfully walking the tight rope between two worlds.