After the Peace of Zsitvatorok (1606) and the unfavourable result of the wars with Persia, Sultan Ahmed I decided to build a large mosque in Istanbul as recompense. This would be the first imperial mosque to be built in more than forty years. Whereas his predecessors had paid for their mosques with their war booty, Sultan Ahmed I had to withdraw the funds from the treasury, because he had not won any notable victories. This provoked the anger of the ulema, the Muslim legal scholars.

Welcome to Istanbul !
There is another Istanbul inside The Istanbul; a start for a journey to a glamorous Empire’s charming history; the mystical garden of the city; The Sultanahmet. Let the unforgettable, extraordinary journey start through the most beautiful city of the world by giving the first “hello” through our windows that open to this peaceful garden.

Raymond Restaurant
You are our sultan and you deserve a real respect at Raymond Hotel. We provide you many options of the most delicious kinds of Turkish cuisine that worthy of Sultans. You also find special tastes from World Cuisine at the noble presentation and the most delicious foot of Raymond Hotel Restaurant. The specialities of our talented chief will show you how magical a diner or a lunch can be!

Raymond Terrace
The Terrace is an appealing rooftop retreat with spectacular views of Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus on the one side, and the Blue Mosque and the Haghia Sophia, Topkap? Palace on the other. The Terrace is open throughout the summer as a restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy a fine meal, relax with a drink or just visit to admire the panoramic view. Dinner under the evening sky in this exhilarating yet relaxing setting is an experience to treasure