Ottoman Extravaganza
(Istanbul, Turkey)
Silversea Experience-Free Feature
Silversea is pleased to invite you to a musical, visual and culinary
extravaganza for your overnight stay in Istanbul. This gala event will
include entertainment ranging from a colorful costumed military band to the
ritual dance of the Whirling Dervishes and a band playing for your listening
pleasure during dinner and for dancing afterwards.
A sumptuous
dinner of traditional and international dishes, accompanied by a selection
of local wines, beer and soft drinks, will be another highlight of your
evening.
The venue for
this evening's event is no other than the palace section of the celebrated
Ciragan Palace Hotel. Overlooking the legendary Bosphorus, the palace was
originally in the mid-19th century. The finest marble and mother-of-pearl
were brought from all over the world. The palace was completed at a total
cost of five million Ottoman gold liras. As it turned out, the Sultan only
spent there a few months, complaining that the palace was too damp to live
in. After a fire destroyed the building, it was some time before restoration
returned it to its former glory.
A drive
of about 20 minutes will bring you to Ciragan Palace. The Ottoman Military
Band will greet your arrival with a rousing welcome. The Mether, as the band
was called, was accompanying the Ottoman troops on their conquests, creating
a tremendous din from their mounted timpani, horns and bagpipes. Upon
retreating, many of these instruments were left behind and eventually found
their way into the orchestrations of such illustrious composers as Mozart,
Haydn, Beethoven and even John Phillip SoUSA.
Enjoy a
cocktail before moving into the ballroom, where you will be treated to a
performance of the Whirling Dervishes. To the sounds of haunting music and
clad in white robes, with full skirts and conical red hats, the Dervishes
unfurl their arms and begin their ritual dance for you. The whirling motion
represents the relinquishing of their earthly life to be reborn in mystical
union with God. As the dance is synonymous to a worship ceremony, no alcohol
will be served during the performance.
Following
this mesmerizing show, you can relax and enjoy a sumptuous dinner, while
listening to the lively tunes played by the six-piece orchestra. After a few
turns on the dance floor, it will be time to board the coaches for the drive
back to the ship. Don't miss to take a last look at the glittering lights
along the Bosphorus, Istanbul's undeniably romantic waterway.