00:03Welcome to Istanbul. We are here to explore all things luxury. In this iconic Turkish city,
00:10true sophistication stands out because it's rooted in culture. And what better place to
00:15start that in Nishantash, one of the city's most elegant neighborhoods. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia and each side has
00:29its own unique charm. I'm starting my visit on the European side and Nishantash is the place to be for
00:38the fashionable crowd. But there's more to the city than modern luxury.
00:45Jula Sevan Becakçi draws on Istanbul's rich heritage in his work. Known as the King of Rings, his creations blend
00:54Ottoman and Eastern Roman influences through exceptional craftsmanship. Each piece is one of a kind, often taking months to create.
01:03His rare approach is recognized at the highest level of fine jewelry.
01:22Each of his creations tells a story and wearing one of them feels like a rare privilege.
01:47Dizigners like Becakçi show how Istanbul's luxury scene is evolving, not by leaving tradition behind, but by reinventing it.
02:03The same approach can be seen across the city. Along the Bosphorus Strait, the Cheraran Palace revives Istanbul's imperial past.
02:23Walking through these halls, the elegance of the Ottoman Empire is unmistakable. Today that history still shines through in the
02:32author's design and atmosphere.
02:37Once home to Sultans, this palace has been transformed into the city's most iconic luxury hotel.
02:44Inside, its grand halls, historic hammam and waterfront suites reflect centuries of a royal heritage.
02:53And what stands out is how these elements are included today, through small, careful gestures and hospitality that feels both
03:02refined and connected to the past.
03:08In Istanbul, traditions can also take the form of rituals. I've come to explore this at the Zeyrek Genili Hammam,
03:17where architecture and well-being come together.
03:21Originally built during the Ottoman period, hammams were not only places to bathe, but also to socialize.
03:28Especially the women, who come here, and come here, and come here, and eat, and eat, and at the same
03:35time as they are safe and clean.
03:41Moving through the different rooms, everything around me seems to create a sense of calm.
03:47Restoration work on the 16th century complex has revealed new layers of history.
04:13Here, luxury means slowing down.
04:18As night falls, I'm off to discover another side of Istanbul, its rooftops come alive, and fine dining is the
04:25highlight.
04:26With the Bosphorus in the background, the dishes taste even more extraordinary.
04:36From historical rituals to contemporary design, Istanbul's approach to luxury goes far beyond appearances.
04:43It's something you feel in its craftsmanship, its traditions, and in the way the city constantly reinvents itself.
04:49Goroşuruz!
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