Aliée Istanbul And Reimagining Heritage Spaces
Along the storied banks of the Golden Horn, where Byzantine shipyards once bustled and Ottoman merchants traded, a new chapter of urban life has quietly opened. Aliée Istanbul, part of the city’s larger Tersane redevelopment, is less a conventional hotel than an experiment in how historical spaces can be reimagined for contemporary living.
The project is a collaboration with Paris Society, a French hospitality group known for cultural venues and dining concepts across Europe. But in Istanbul, the approach takes a different turn. Aliée describes itself as a “house of curious minds,” a phrase intended to reflect a desire for connection beyond tourism — though how that plays out remains to be seen.
The setting itself carries layers of significance. Tersane Istanbul, once an Ottoman shipyard, is now the focus of a large-scale urban renewal effort that has prompted both anticipation and debate over the future of the Golden Horn’s historic waterfront. Aliée occupies several heritage structures within this zone, restored under the direction of Los Angeles-based Powerstrip Studio, known for its adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Inside, the property is divided into four distinct buildings — each with its own architectural story. The Casthouse, with its stone walls and high ceilings, echoes the district’s industrial past. The Foundry offers panoramic views across the water, while the Atelier brings a more modern aesthetic of glass and metallic accents. The Heritage Villa, once a Turkish bath, has been repurposed as a private residence with contemporary amenities.
Beyond its architecture, Aliée positions itself as a residential retreat rather than a traditional hotel. Details such as Turkish rugs, curated art, and custom scents by Italian perfumer Oscar Quagliarini are intended to evoke a sense of lived-in character. The project’s design leans heavily on contrasts — old and new, East and West — reflecting Istanbul’s identity as a city of intersections.
Dining plays a central role in the experience, with a dozen food and beverage venues that range from a casual patisserie to a formal restaurant headed by Thomas Bühner, a German chef known for his Michelin-starred work. Among the more informal spaces is Hasbahçe, a garden terrace serving pizza from a traditional oven, and Mondaine de Pariso Istanbul, a cabaret-style venue nodding to 19th-century Parisian nightlife.
The cultural offerings extend beyond dining. Aliée organizes gallery visits, art workshops, and curated tours aimed at providing access to aspects of the city’s creative life not always visible to visitors. A wellness center, spread over 4,000 square meters, offers both traditional Turkish hammam rituals and newer biohacking therapies such as cryotherapy and infrared treatments.
