ABOUT
HovagImyan Han
A HIstorIcal Approach
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A Present From The Past
We are pleased to host you in a heritage building dating to the beginning of the 20th century, designed by Armenian architect Leon Nafilyan. The Neo-Ottoman style architecture and İznik-style tiling on the façade make it a unique historic landmark that blends into the historic peninsula and Bosphorus. The façade of our building stands as a testament to respecting, protecting, and learning from the past. Each of our suites is designed with hand-picked Art Nouveau and Art Deco antiques and art from the collection of our founder.
The original name, Hovagimyan, beautifully etched above our entrance, made it difficult to call this place by any other name. At Hovagimyan, we envision a world where progress respects history and believe that thoughtful design can bridge past and present
LOCATING HOVAGIMYAN
A short walking distance from the Galata Tower, the Golden Horn and Bosphorus waterfront; Karaköy is filled with local designers, vintage and antique stores, unique cafes as well as fine-dining restaurants, luxury boutiques and renowned galleries. The access to private sea taxis and ferries also allows you to take in the whole city from the sea. Our friendly team will help you with local favourites from our Hovagimyan City Guide to explore the best that the city has to offer.
The drive is just under an hour from Istanbul Airport, and around one hour and ten minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, depending on traffic. Contact our team for any transfer requests.
Explore Istanbul through the gaze of history.
Built in 1920 and designed by distinguished Armenian architect Leon Nafilyan, Hovagimyan Han has preserved its iconic Art Nouveau facade. Nafilyan completed his studies at the Paris Ecole des Beaux Arts between 1900 and 1905. He was part of a “busy intercontinental cultural traffic” or what art historian Mary Roberts dubs “Istanbul exchanges”.
Nafilyan’s architectural style is characterized by a fusion of Oriental influences and French traditions, reflected in several projects in Istanbul and the world. Hovagimyan Han embodies his inclination towards Art Nouveau, which we allowed to seep into our rooms with our collection of Art Deco and Art Nouveau antiques, and our restaurant where we blend Istanbul’s familiar flavours with Mediterranean dishes.
Architects and design enthusiasts may know Nafilyan for several notable works beyond Istanbul:
– 1924: Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, Cairo
– 1926: 9–11 Square Alboni, Paris
– 1928: The AGBU Nubar Library, Paris
– 1930: The Armenian Student House, Paris
Additional designs and records of his work can be explored through the Contemporary Architecture Archives Center.
Saint Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Cairo
Details of bas-relief panet and ornamental grillwork of The Nubar Library in Square Alboni, Paris. Photo by Sato Moughalian
FROM STEAMSHIPS TO SUITES
Hovagimyan Han is one of Galata's late 20th-century hans, once central to Istanbul's maritime trade. Over the years, it housed prominent international companies, including Albert Cabaud, Deutsche Levant Linie, and the Fascolo Mango Steamship Company, which specialised in coal shipments across the Mediterranean.
The Mango family's story is closely woven into the building's legacy. Following Dimitri Mango's arrival in Constantinople in the 1840s, future generations went on to shape both business and academia, including Byzantine scholar Cyril Mango and historian Andrew Mango – who wrote a biography of Atatürk.
Today, as Hovagimyan Hotel and Suites, we honour this rich heritage and offer our guests an authentic stay immersed in Istanbul's history.
AN ARCHITECT’S LEGACY
Designed by Armenian architect Leon Nafilyan, Hovagimyan reflects a distinctive blend of French Beaux-Arts training and Ottoman influences. Having studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Nafilyan was part of a generation of architects shaping Istanbul through international exchange. The building's ornamental details and İznik-style tiling reveal his unique architectural language. Today, these influences continue inside Hovagimyan through a curated collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco antiques.
Beyond Istanbul, Nafilyan's work can be found in Cairo and Paris, including Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church and the AGBU Nubar Library.
Stay In Harmony...
WIth People
Behind every detail at Hovagimyan is a team driven by care, creativity, and a passion for hospitality. From the warm welcome at the door to the thoughtful touches in your room, their dedication transforms the hotel into a home.
WIth Planet
Hotels have a reputation for excess, but we’re rewriting the story. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Hovagimyan Hotel and Suites, from the carefully restored antiques in our rooms to our refillable toiletries and eco-conscious amenities.
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Coffee & Tea: Thoughtfully sourced, served without excess packaging.
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Food Waste: Smart kitchen practices and partnerships reduce and repurpose waste.
WIth BusIness
We believe in partnerships that last. By collaborating with like-minded businesses, including small enterprises and local artisans, we strengthen the communities we’re a part of. These relationships, built on trust and mutual growth, help us bring unique, meaningful experiences to our guests while creating shared value for the future.
Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, 2024. Maison des étudiants arméniens. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ciup.fr/maisons/maison-des-etudiants-armeniens/Moughalian, S., 2023. A Postcard From Paris. [Online]
Available at: https://contingentmagazine.org/2023/04/22/a-postcard-from-paris/
