The Legacy of Pera Palace: Istanbul's Historic Hub for Dignitaries
Istanbul's iconic Pera Palace Hotel continues to be celebrated for its profound historical significance. Built in the late 19th century to host passengers of the Orient Express, the hotel's guestbook reads like a chronicle of the 20th century, having accommodated figures ranging from international spies and kings to Hollywood icon Greta Garbo.
Among its many historical milestones, the Pera Palace was the venue for Turkey's first-ever Western-style New Year's Eve party on December 31, 1925. This specific celebration marked a monumental shift in the country's chronology; at the stroke of midnight, Turkey officially abolished the Rumi calendar—which was in the year 1341—and instantly adopted the Gregorian calendar, moving the country forward nearly 600 years overnight.
Source: CNN / Ground News
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