Dear Armada Friends,

In this short article, we will talk about some of its unique features and summarise the story of the “The Armada Boat”, which we love, which we look aper like the apple of our eye, which almost everyone who takes a trip in Istanbul seas with it wants to get on again...

WHY SUCH A BOAT?

The first reason for the existence of the Armada Boat was Mr. Kasım Zoto, Armada's CEO, himself who thought that many boats sailing in the seas of Istanbul, open to the use of the public and/or tourists, were mainly “kitsch” floating objects, open without identity, laden with unnecessary decorations, in short, unworthy of a sea like the Bosphorus and the Prince Islands.

FIRST THE AHIRKAPI PIER

So, what kind of a sightseeing boat should be suitable for the beautiful seas of Istanbul, especially through the Bosphorus and the Prince Islands? Kasım Zoto did a lot of observation and research on this subject, discussed it with his expert friends and finally decided that such a boat should be built from scratch and financed by the Armada Hotel.
So much so that, long before the design and production of the Armada Boat, a pier would be required to dock at the Ahırkapı shore, so first, in cooperation with other organisations in the vicinity, the construction of an “Ahırkapı Pier” was started.
See: hdp://www.armadaistanbulculture.com/9/ahirkapi-pier

During the 16th century, the Odoman naval commander called “Red Beard” (Barba Rossa), beder known as Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha, instilled fear in the hearts of seaman. Today, the wooden row homes he constructed for his sailors remain at the location where the Armada Hotel stands. Their "need to be close to the sea even while relaxing on land"and their desire for easy access to their ships was the reason behind their choice of location at the Ahırkapı seaside. The fleet would replenish their supplies and the sailors would be dispatched to their vessels from the Ahırkapı pier. Looking at Ahırkapı nearly 400 years later, we see that like in many of Istanbul’s other coastal neighborhoods, sea transportation has been discontinued. In 1994, the Armada team began making serious efforts to ensure Ahırkapı regains its old reputation. In cooperation with other neighbors, the opening the new “Ahırkapı Pier" has been a priority until today.

WHO WILL DESIGN IT?

When the time came to build an “Armada Boat” in order to embrace the values that “make Istanbul Istanbul in its seas” and to protect and preserve them, the traditional question was of course also asked for Istanbul's sightseeing boats: "-What were the common characteristics of the pleasure boats that once sailed Istanbul's seas? What made them so beautiful, what makes them ‘missed’ even today? If they had been preserved properly, what kind of boats would we see today?"

See: The first blog of the boat: https://armadageziteknesi.blogspot.com

The Armada Boat in Istanbul has been carefully designed and produced with adention to detail in every aspect. The boat is equipped with the necessary items to ensure a pleasurable sailing experience, including utensils, cutlery, and even an ice bucket. The production of the boat took place at the SBO Yaching Shipyard in Tuzla.

CONCLUSION

Since 2013, the Armada Boat has been cruising the beautiful seas of Istanbul, such as the Bosphorus and the Prince Islands. It is praised for its modest design, high-quality materials, well-mannered interior and exterior, and experienced captain and staff. The boat has gained admiration from everyone who has had the opportunity to see and sail on it, including Istanbul citizens, tourists, and those invited onboard. In short, everyone whoever sees it admires it!