Upcoming Trade Shows Istanbul, Turkey for SPA

Istanbul’s spa industry might be primarily known for its high-end facilities the world over, but it has also generated less-than-positive headlines over the last year. The cause? A luxurious spa nestled beneath one of Istanbul’s most iconic districts has become the center of controversy, and has ignited a nationwide debate about the boundaries between business innovation and cultural preservation. That’s right. We’ll be discussing the case of Navitas Spa Sarnıç, located in a 1,500-year-old Byzantine cistern adjacent to the Hagia Sophia, which has raised critical questions about the direction of the city’s booming wellness industry in 2025. Housed beneath a Hilton hotel in the Cankurtaran neighborhood of the Fatih district, the spa hit the sweet spot between modern amenities and ancient ambiance. Visitors enjoyed jacuzzis, saunas, and massage rooms—all set within a Roman-era reservoir. However, what was initially marketed as a unique fusion of history and wellness has drawn sharp criticism and legal action. In late 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism filed a criminal complaint against the spa following growing concerns about its operations. A subsequent investigation by Fatih Municipality revealed that the business had made unauthorized modifications to the cistern—classified as a Group I cultural asset within the Sultanahmet Square Urban Archaeological Site—without obtaining proper permits. Among the violations were a 120-centimeter-deep jacuzzi-style pool, a glass-paneled entrance, and several spa facilities constructed within the fragile historic structure. Despite an order by the Conservation Areas Board in 2022 to dismantle the illegal additions within six months, the spa continued operating, ultimately prompting its closure by local authorities in early 2025. Further complicating matters is the cistern's fragmented ownership, with nearly 60 co-owners—including government bodies and private stakeholders—making consensus on restoration efforts difficult. The Ministry has now intensified its efforts to enforce restoration and ensure compliance with conservation law.