ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

During the 16th century, the Ottoman naval commander called “Red Beard” (Barba Rossa), better known as Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha, instilled fear in the hearts of seaman. Today, the wooden row homes he constructed for his sailors remain at the location where the Armada Hotel stands. Their "need to be close to the sea even while relaxing on land"and their desire for easy access to their ships was the reason behind their choice of location at the Ahırkapı seaside. The fleet would replenish their supplies and the sailors would be dispatched to their vessels from the Ahırkapı pier. Looking at Ahırkapı nearly 400 years later, we see that like in many of Istanbul’s other coastal neighborhoods, sea transportation has been discontinued. In 1994, the Armada team began making serious efforts to ensure Ahırkapı regains its old reputation. In cooperation with other neighbors, the opening the new “Ahırkapı Pier" has been a priority until today.