New luxury hotel spearheads global fundraiser for earthquake relief

The Peninsula Istanbul opened its doors on February 14, a week after a pair of devastating earthquakes struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria.

Though Istanbul was not impacted physically, the city was obviously greatly affected spiritually.

Having recruited 500-plus people to staff the hotel, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group, owners and operators of The Peninsula Istanbul, quickly launched a fundraising initiative across all its hotels to aid the victims of the earthquakes.

Until 31 December this year, for every room night at any The Peninsula (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, London, Istanbul, Bangkok, and Manila), a donation equal in the local currency of €10 a night (about $16) will be made to its Hope For Turkiye fund, with all proceeds going to non-profit and government organisations providing resources and investment for the redevelopment of the most affected areas.

Over the years, The Peninsula’s “Hope For” charitable campaigns have helped support thousands of people impacted by natural disasters in places where the brand operates, including Japan and the Philippines.

The hotel itself reflects the group’s commitment to honouring the cultures in which it operates. It inhabits four historic buildings, including a former ferry terminal on the Bosphorus in the Karakoy district of Istanbul.

Bringing the 11th Peninsula hotel to life involved several Turkish-born stars. Designer Zeynep Fadillioglu worked on Istanbul’s landmark Sakirin Mosque, and in doing so became the first female designer of a religious edifice of its kind. She was tasked with the hotel’s public spaces, incorporating traditional emblems with a modern aesthetic.

Beside her was Turkish art academic and advisor Cagla Sarak, who has also worked with Turkey’s Ministry of Culture on the preservation of the country’s art legacy. She chose the pieces in the Peninsula Istanbul’s vast collection.
The Peninsula Istanbul’s uniforms were created by Turkish fashion designer, Arzu Kaprol, while bathroom amenities were devised around the native fig by Mert Guzel and Murat Katran, founders of Istanbul-based perfumery, Nishane.

And culinary director, two-Michelin-starred Turkish chef Fatih Tutak, brings Turk-Asian cuisine to The Peninsula’s plates.

See peninsula.com