Main Room (Malkhos)

Main Room (Malkhos)

“One of the ten hotel rooms in the world that you absolutely have to stay in”- Conde Nast Traveller

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Dating to 1831, the “main room” of the mansion, a space reserved for the family’s special guests of honor in bygone days, can be considered a museum thanks to its extraordinary woodwork and wall decorations.

Examples of wall paintings that have always been one of the main decorative elements of the interiors of Turkey’s finest homes bear witness to the manner that Ottoman artists were masters in beautifully blending aesthetic Baroque decorative elements borrowed from the West with the detailed realism of traditional Eastern miniature art. The ceiling decorations, which have been preserved in their original state with a center medallion depicting the wheel of fortune, a symbol of infinity, rank as important examples of old Turkish ceilings.

The traditional seating arrangement, one consisting of sofas lining the walls, has been preserved in accordance with its original version. Along with this traditional feature, the room’s cushions and bed coverings, its antique silver chandelier and all of the other finest details contribute to making the Main Room a space that is reminiscent of the mansion’s heyday.

Stepping across the threshold through the mansion’s magnificent wooden door guides the visitor on a journey into the past. But this journey is unique. as not only transports its visitors to a wonderous part of 19th century Ottoman history, it also provides all of the present time’s highest standards of comfort and ease.

In the past this room was reserved for the use of its very special guests. Today that luxurious past is sustained with the room’s use of its silver-threaded double curtains, silver objects, and low beds. This room adjoining the “Main room” served as the bedroom of this “suite” and its walls are completely covered with wall drawings. The furniture in the room is covered with 22 carat gold foil. The 1880 antique French style armchairs are straight-winged armchairs. The table situated in the room’s center is constructed with French marquetry with walnut drawers rimmed with brass. The low floor bed contributes to making this magnificent room even more interesting.

The built-in wall cupboards have preserved their original wooden doors. This traditional type of cupboard actually functions as a means of concealing the suite’s private bath and toilet. Today this magnificent bath includes a coated shower, antique hammam marble basin, French style gold foil stone mirror with silver glazing and wainscoted cedar walls and ceiling. The room has been designed in a way that combines the traditions and accruements of its two-hundred-year past with present day modern comforts.

This room, which ranks as the largest space in the mansion, also has been fitted with an antique brass radiator and radio, and looks out over the citrus grove.