Living Inside a Modern Interpretation of History with Selin Akas, Brand Manager of Aliba Hotel Edirne

The concept was inspired by Edirne’s layered history, Ottoman heritage, cultural richness, and timeless elegance. Located in the heart of the city, Aliba Hotel Edirne is deeply connected to this historical context, allowing guests to experience the spirit of Edirne within walking distance of its most significant cultural landmarks.

At the same time, we sought to create a distinctly modern environment that offers comfort, functionality, and a refined sense of contemporary luxury. The project was brought to life through carefully curated materials, thoughtfully designed interiors, and a design language that balances traditional influences with clean, minimalist aesthetics.

Rather than replicating history, we sought to reinterpret it through a modern hospitality experience where traditional Turkish hospitality meets contemporary design. The result is a space that feels both authentic to its roots and relevant to today’s traveler.

We believe the element that resonated most with the judges was the balance between local identity and contemporary design. Rather than imitating tradition, the project reinterprets cultural heritage through a modern hospitality experience, creating something both distinctive and emotionally engaging.

At the same time, we sought to introduce a concept that feels unique within the hospitality landscape. Inspired by the spirit of rowing, the project brings a new narrative to the guest experience by reflecting rhythm, performance, and a strong connection to water throughout its design. This originality, combined with a clear conceptual vision, helped the project stand out as both innovative and deeply connected to its cultural context.

One of the main challenges was maintaining authenticity while avoiding clichés. We addressed this by focusing on storytelling through design, ensuring that every detail—from textures to spatial flow—was carefully considered to reflect the essence of Edirne without becoming overly literal.

Modern travelers seek more than accommodation; they look for meaningful experiences. Our hotel responds to this by offering a strong sense of place, comfort-driven design, and spaces that encourage both relaxation and cultural connection.

In addition, we offer a unique experience inspired by the world of rowing, introducing guests to a sense of rhythm, balance, and connection to water. This distinctive layer adds depth to the guest experience, creating an identity that extends beyond conventional hospitality and enriches the overall stay.

Winning this award has elevated our presence on an international platform, opening doors to new collaborations, greater global recognition, and a wider audience that values design-driven hospitality experiences.

Sustainability was approached through thoughtful material selection, local sourcing, and long-lasting design decisions. Rather than relying on trend-driven elements, we focused on timeless design principles that support sustainability while maintaining a premium guest experience.

A contemporary sanctuary rooted in heritage, where design tells the story of Edirne in a refined and timeless way. More than a hotel, it is an experience shaped by culture, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.

We plan to build on this achievement by continuing to refine our design approach, enhance the guest experience, and explore new ways to merge cultural heritage with contemporary hospitality standards.

One memorable piece of feedback we received came from a guest who said that staying at Aliba Hotel felt like “living inside a modern interpretation of history.” That comment perfectly captured what we set out to achieve.

We hope our win inspires others to embrace authenticity over imitation and to view design as a powerful tool for storytelling within hospitality.

Key innovations include the integration of local cultural references into a minimalist design language, thoughtful spatial planning that enhances the guest experience, and a strong focus on sensory details such as light, texture, and atmosphere.

We are excited to further develop the brand, expand our design philosophy into new projects, and continue pushing boundaries in hospitality design.

Focus on creating a clear narrative. A winning project is not only visually compelling, but also grounded in a strong concept, consistency, and emotional impact. Authenticity, attention to detail, and a well-articulated story can make all the difference.