Description
Asitane Restaurant is located in Edirnekapı, considered by many to be one of the most important areas of historical Istanbul. The neighborhood is a typical quiet Turkish “mahalle†within a short walking distance to important Byzantian monuments. The restaurant itself lies in the shadow of the mighty Chora Church, which is famous for its mosaics and is one of the most important and well kept buildings of the Byzantine era. Located high up in the foot hills overlooking the Golden Horn, Asitane opened its doors in 1991, together with the Kariye Hotel, a restored 19th century traditional Ottoman mansion. The restaurant, whose dishes reflect the eclectic nature of the Turco-Ottoman neighbourhood, was named Asitane, one of the many names given to Istanbul throughout the reign of the Ottoman Empire. Extensive research was undertaken six months prior to the opening of the restaurant as kitchen registries deep from the archives of Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces were scoured for recipes, and relevant documentation was found in Istanbul’s Beyazıt and Millet libraries. Additional important sources of information for the duration of the preparation period were dug up using old Ottoman dictionaries, the written historic accounts of various statesmen, medical practitioners and soldiers. After 20 years in hospitality, Asitane now boasts an impressive archive comprised of over 450 forgotten sweet and savory recipes, which are prepared in keeping with the cooking methods of 500 years ago. The current menu features dishes originally prepared for the sumptuous celebration feast given for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s two sons, Bayezid II and Åžah Cihangir, at Edirne Palace in November 1539 as well as classic dishes of Turkish cuisine. The restaurant periodically offers themed menus such as “The Age of Sultan Mehmet the Conquerorâ€, “Ottoman Aphrodisiacsâ€, “Fish and Seafood Ottoman Style†as part of its mission to introduce the tastes of a bygone era to all. Asitane also offers a large selection of fine Turkish wines to accompany this historic feast.
