Pera Palace

Istanbul's Pera, known today as Beyoğlu, is one of the city's most cosmopolitan areas. This name was originally given to the upper part of Galata during the Ottoman Empire, and in the 19th and 20th centuries, it became a prominent district shaped by European influence. Pera has historically been a key center of Istanbul’s cultural, commercial, and social life and is known for its buildings constructed in European architectural styles, embassies, hotels, and theaters. This area is known for cultural venues like the Pera Museum, entertainment spots like Çiçek Pasajı and Asmalımescit, and narrow streets leading to İstiklal Street. The historic Pera Palace Hotel, where famous writers such as Agatha Christie and Ernest Hemingway once stayed, reflects Pera's cosmopolitan past. Pera continues to bring a rich cultural heritage into the present with its art galleries, antique shops, and modern boutiques, serving as an essential part of Istanbul that reflects both traces of the past and elements of modern life.