[1] The design of the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus was a joint collaboration by Sedat Hakkı Eldem (Turkish architect) and Gordon Bunshaft.

[1][6][7] The building is a combination of the modern lines of Gordon Bunshaft with the rich artistic and romantic elements of Ottoman and Turkish architecture, implemented by its architect, Sedat Hakkı Eldem.

[1] After completing the construction work in a record time of 21 months, the hotel became the largest in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The official opening took place in a ceremony on June 10, 1955 in presence of Conrad N. Hilton,[9][10] Fahrettin Kerim Gökay, Governor and Mayor of Istanbul, as well as American guests and celebrities, who came the day before on a chartered flight.

Among them were Terry Moore, Olivia de Havilland, Mona Freeman, Irene Dunne, Sonja Henie, Diana Lynn, Merle Oberon, Ann Miller, Lon McCallister, Keefe Brasselle, Leo Carrillo, and Elaine Shepard.

This project was made with a goal to incorporate regional Turkish cuisines as an addition to the hotel's kitchen, adding inclusivity for international guests.

The main masterminds behind this project idea was Sule-Kadak, who was a communication consultant, and Ferah Diba Yağan, who was the commercial director of the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.

This project would've served as a brilliant addition to the hotel to further incorporate regional cuisines but unfortunately had to come to a halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

[13] Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus hosted following important heads of state apart from numerous nobilities[clarification needed], politicians, sportspeople and celebrities:[1] The hotel is recognisable in Jules Dassin's 1964 film "Topkapi", in an exterior shot that shows the hotel in which the main characters are staying as they plan their heist.