Palazzo Donizetti Hotel   Taksim / Pera / Beyoglu / Galata in Istanbul

Fikret Adil, (A Turkish writer and journalist) in his book "Asmalımescit74" which was published by "Suhulet Library" in 1933, describes the period as; The whole Adventurers who left their countries, the refugees, foreigners who were touring the world on foot and the artists working in the bars live in Taksim Asmalımescit.

Istanbul's most colorful bohemian life has experienced in Taksim Pera Asmalı Mescit in the 19. century. White Russians, Levantines and other foreigners settled here and contributed Pera's colorful life by performing their music, dans, handcrafts and food culture, for many years. And even a levantine gentleman Mr. Mizzi was published an English and French newspaper called "The Levant Herald" in Asmalı Mescit Street. In the meantime, the most famous antique shops,classical furniture shops and top quality chandelier sellers were in Taksim Asmalı Mescit and so the street became the High society's favorite place.

Donizetti Pasha was living in one of the corner apartments in Taksim Asmalı Mescit street. Guiseppe Donizetti was the brother of the famous Italian composer Geatano Donizetti. Guiseppe Donizetti was born on 1788 and after studying music, he played flut in Napoleon Bonaparte's Band for a while. He started his music career by conducting bands in Italy and France. He was appointed to establish and conduct "Mızıkay-ı Hümayun" (Musical Conservatory) in Istanbul by Mahmud II. He achieved the rank of Pasha in the Palace. He composed many important Marches for the Sultans. The Mahmudiye March he composed for Mahmud II was played for eleven years, and the Mecidiye March, he composed for Sultan Abdulmecit in 1839 was played for twenty two years as the National Anthem of the Ottoman Empire. The Mahmudiye March he composed, has been adopted as the official anthem by Swedish Regimental Band since 1839 up to now.

The famous resident of the Asmalı Mescit Street, Guiseppe Donizetti died in 1856. Palazzo Donizetti Hotel which was built at the location of his apartment is one of the most beautiful "Special Certificate Hotels".

Today's Asmalı Mescit has returned back to its old colorful days, by the help of top quality bars, cafes, restaurants and taverns, and it is very special and favorite in Istanbul's entertainment and touristic life
.