Fire erupts in historic Istanbul hotel featuring in film 'Head-On'

The historic Grand Hotel De Londres, also known as Hotel Büyük Londra, in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district became the site of a fire on Sep. 6. Located at the very heart of the metropolis, the iconic structure was also featured in the film "Head-On" by Turkish-German film director Fatih Akın. 

Duvar English

The historic Grand Hotel De Londres, also known as Hotel Büyük Londra, in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district became the site of a fire that erupted on Sep. 6. 

Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, five guests had to be evacuated as a result while smoke filled the five-story building.  

The hotel guests were the first to intervene, although eyewitnesses eventually called the fire department to the scene, and the flames were completely extinguished. 

"We went up to the [burning] room. We opened the door but there was nobody in there. Flames were coming from inside the room," said guest Erkan Yüzüak.

Built in 1892, "the hotel was decorated with the same style as that of 'Orient Express' and is the only example which is still alive today," the official website notes.

Located at the very heart of the metropolis, the iconic structure was also featured in the film "Head-On," possibly the best-known work by Turkish-German film director Fatih Akın.