About Kordon Hotels
A Legacy of Hospitality
Located on İzmir's iconic Kordon waterfront, Kordon Hotel Pasaport opened in 2007 and marked the beginning of Ömür Turizm's journey in hospitality. Since then, the company has established a strong presence in İzmir's tourism and business landscape through its distinguished city-center properties. The Gönülşen Family's longstanding hospitality and gastronomy experience, developed through Bonjour Restaurant, was carried into the accommodation sector with this venture and is reflected in every detail. Under the leadership of Timur Gönülşen, the business evolved over time into a strong hotel network within the city. Today, it continues to be managed with the active involvement of the third generation of the family, bringing together traditional family values with a modern approach to hospitality. Kordon Hotel continues to offer an experience that makes a difference in İzmir's tourism scene.
A Journey Through Time
Some stories begin not with a company, but with a city. The story of Ömür Turizm began in the heart of İzmir—at tables overlooking the sea, around meals where friendships were formed. A family's spirit of hospitality gradually grew into places that became part of the city's memory and into a culture of welcoming guests that has continued for generations. For us, hosting guests has never been just a profession. It has always been a way of life passed down through the family.
Atıf Şehir Lokali — Atıf's Place
In the 1960s, in İzmir's Konak Square, a venue overlooking the sea and run by Atıf Gönülşen (Atıf Ömürgönülşen) quickly became one of the city's legends. Although its official name was Atıf Şehir Lokali, the people of İzmir affectionately called it 'Atıf's Place.' Operating between 1961 and 1981, the venue stood next to Konak Pier, facing the sea, and became an inseparable part of daily life in İzmir.
Especially during lunchtime, the city's rhythm pulsed through this venue.
- Döner with yogurt
- Börek and döner
- Tea, coffee and beer accompanied by the sea breeze
But it wasn't just the food that made Atıf's Place special. Atıf Bey was also known for his support of young people, especially university students. He would offer food and drink to students who couldn't afford to pay, winning a place in the hearts of many İzmir locals. This generosity became one of the defining characteristics that made the venue a true city legend.
Bonjour Restaurant — Legend of the Kordon
During the same years, another venue emerged that would bring a new energy to İzmir's social life. Opened in the 1960s by Orhan and Suzan Uslu, Bonjour Restaurant quickly became one of the most iconic locations on the Kordon waterfront. Bonjour was more than just a restaurant. For İzmir at the time, it represented a modern lifestyle and served as an important social meeting point.
İzmir families, the business world, and guests coming from Istanbul — for all of them, Bonjour was one of the city's most elegant addresses.
Its menu was continually refreshed. Bonjour introduced İzmir to pizza culture, served Wiener Schnitzel, and delighted guests with Black Forest cake. At a time when these flavors were still unfamiliar to most, Bonjour set the trend.
Bonjour was also a place where guests dined to the accompaniment of live music — an atmosphere where evenings came alive with melody and conversation. This made it not just a restaurant, but one of İzmir's most memorable social experiences.
Timur & Suna
Over time, the family tradition passed on to the next generation. Timur and Suna took over the management of Bonjour Restaurant, growing the brand and leading it into a new era. During these years, Bonjour became more than a restaurant—it became a true İzmir classic. The experience gained in restaurant management, combined with the family's deep-rooted understanding of hospitality, laid the foundation for the family's future vision.
From Restaurant to Hotel
Years of experience in restaurant hospitality naturally led to a new step. The family's tradition of welcoming guests expanded into the hotel industry. From this vision, Kordon Hotels were born. Located in one of İzmir's most distinctive locations, Kordon Hotels quickly established an important place in the city's tourism and business life. The culture of hospitality that began in restaurants was now combined with the accommodation experience, bringing the family's approach to hosting guests to a new dimension.
Third Generation
Today, Ömür Turizm continues its journey under the leadership of the third generation of the family, carrying the family heritage forward with a modern vision. This story, born from restaurants that left a mark on İzmir's urban culture, continues today with the same values. Because for us, hospitality is not simply a business—it is a family tradition passed down from generation to generation. The story of Ömür Turizm continues to carry forward the tradition of hospitality that began in the heart of İzmir.
With this understanding passed down through generations, for Ömür Turizm, hospitality is not merely a profession — it is a culture inherited from the family and an expression of our devotion to İzmir.
