Ceyda Hacbekirolu: Grand Kartal Hotel Fire & Aftermath

Desiree Gottlieb MD 16 May 2025

In the wake of tragedy, what becomes of those connected to it? Ceyda Hacbekirolu, thrust into the harsh glare of public scrutiny as a partner of the Grand Kartal Hotel, where a devastating fire claimed 79 lives in Bolu Kartalkaya, finds herself navigating a storm of grief, accountability, and intense curiosity. Her story is not just one of business ownership but a personal narrative intertwined with a national disaster.

Hacbekirolu, a known figure in business circles, typically uses her social media platforms to share insights into her professional life and personal experiences. However, the devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel has dramatically altered the narrative. As one of the hotel's shareholders, she released a statement via her social media account, expressing gratitude to those who had reached out while also detailing her own survival from the inferno. "We, as the hotel owners, were also there," she wrote, a simple statement that resonated with both survivors and those mourning the profound loss.

Category	Details
Name	Ceyda Hacbekirolu
Occupation	Hotel Partner / Businesswoman
Company	Grand Kartal Hotel
Education	Sabanc University; Hotel Institute Montreux
Past Employment	Swiss Hotel, Four Seasons (Intern); Swiss Education Group; Gazelle Hotel (Business Development Manager)
Involvement	Shareholder and involved in the operations of Grand Kartal Hotel
Other Shareholders	Halit Ergl, Emine Murtezaolu Ergl, Elif Aras
Source	Example Business News Site

Following the fire, Ceyda Hacbekirolu's identity has become a focal point of public interest, fueled by the tragic loss of life and the ensuing questions surrounding safety and responsibility. The fire, which claimed 79 lives in Bolu Kartalkaya, has cast a long shadow over the Grand Kartal Hotel and its stakeholders. As one of the four partners, Hacbekirolu's actions and words have been closely scrutinized, with her social media activity becoming a lightning rod for both support and criticism.

The immediate aftermath of the fire saw Hacbekirolu sharing her experiences on social media, a move that elicited a wide range of reactions. While some offered condolences and support, others questioned the hotel's safety measures and criticized her tone. Her initial statement, expressing thanks for the concern shown and recounting her escape, included the phrase, "We were there as hotel owners." This remark, while seemingly innocuous, sparked considerable debate and ultimately contributed to her decision to deactivate her social media account.

Before the tragedy, Hacbekirolu was known as a businesswoman who frequently shared her professional and personal life on social media. Her background includes education at Sabanc University and the Hotel Institute Montreux, followed by stints at prestigious establishments such as the Swiss Hotel and Four Seasons. She also worked at the Swiss Education Group for four and a half years before becoming a business development manager at Gazelle Hotel in 2015. This experience in the hospitality sector positioned her as a key figure in the management of the Grand Kartal Hotel.

The intense scrutiny she faced following the fire was exacerbated by her description of the harrowing moments she and her family experienced. "My hands were full of blood and glass," she wrote, detailing their presence at the hotel during the blaze. She recounted how she and her family narrowly escaped the flames, sharing the terrifying details of their ordeal. This personal narrative, while intended to convey the horror of the situation, was met with mixed reactions, with some accusing her of insensitivity in light of the overwhelming loss of life.

Hacbekirolu's statements defending the hotel's safety measures, particularly regarding the fire escape, further fueled the controversy. "There is a fire escape. Of course, it's not made of wood!" she asserted, attempting to address concerns about the hotel's compliance with safety regulations. However, this response was widely criticized, with many questioning the adequacy and accessibility of the fire escape in light of the high death toll. The issue of fire safety at the Grand Kartal Hotel quickly became a central point of investigation and public debate.

The Grand Kartal Hotel's ownership structure reveals a company with four principal shareholders: Halit Ergl, Emine Murtezaolu Ergl, Elif Aras, and Ceyda Hacbekirolu. Reports indicate that the shares are distributed relatively equally among these individuals. The company was established in 2021 with a capital of 200,000 TL, with the majority stake held by Halit Ergl and his wife. Following the fire, all four shareholders faced intense scrutiny, with their roles in the hotel's management and safety practices coming under close examination.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Hacbekirolu's initial expressions of sympathy were perceived by some as lacking genuine remorse. Her call for "sensitivity" in the wake of the tragedy was met with outrage, as many felt it was inappropriate to demand understanding when so many lives had been lost. The backlash prompted her to deactivate her social media account, effectively removing herself from the immediate public discourse.

While Hacbekirolu's social media activity drew considerable attention, the broader context of the Kartalkaya ski resort area is also relevant. Kartalkaya, nestled in the Krolu Mountains, is home to five hotels. Reports indicate that four of these hotels have external metal fire escapes. The Grand Kartal Hotel, however, became the focal point of scrutiny after the devastating fire, raising questions about its specific fire safety measures and emergency preparedness.

In the aftermath of the fire, investigations into the Grand Kartal Hotel's operations have been launched, focusing on both financial transactions and safety protocols. The authorities are examining the company's compliance with fire safety regulations, the adequacy of emergency procedures, and the overall management practices of the hotel. The investigation aims to determine the causes of the fire and to assess whether any negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the tragic loss of life.

The fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel has had a profound impact on the region and the families of the victims. The tragedy has prompted a national conversation about fire safety standards in hotels and other public accommodations. The incident has also raised questions about the responsibilities of hotel owners and managers to ensure the safety of their guests. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to the fire and on preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Ceyda Hacbekirolu's involvement with the Grand Kartal Hotel places her at the center of this ongoing investigation and public discourse. Her role as a shareholder and her presence at the hotel during the fire have made her a key figure in the aftermath of the tragedy. While the legal and ethical responsibilities of the hotel owners are still being determined, the public scrutiny and personal impact on Hacbekirolu are undeniable.

The events surrounding the Grand Kartal Hotel fire serve as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness. The tragedy has highlighted the need for stringent regulations, regular inspections, and comprehensive training for hotel staff. It has also underscored the importance of clear communication and transparency in the wake of a disaster. As the community and the nation grapple with the aftermath of the fire, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.

The tragedy that befell the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu, claiming 79 lives, has inevitably cast a spotlight on its stakeholders, particularly Ceyda Hacbekirolu, one of the hotel's four partners. Amidst the sorrow and the ensuing investigations, Hacbekirolu's role, her reactions, and her background have all become subjects of intense public scrutiny. As one of the individuals at the helm of the establishment where such a devastating loss occurred, she has found herself navigating a complex landscape of grief, accountability, and public opinion.

Immediately following the fire, Hacbekirolu took to social media to express her sentiments, a move that proved to be a double-edged sword. While she aimed to convey her gratitude for the support she received and to share her personal experience of surviving the inferno, her words were met with a barrage of mixed reactions. Some offered condolences and empathy, while others seized the opportunity to question the hotel's safety standards and criticized what they perceived as a lack of sensitivity in her remarks. Her statement, "We, as the hotel owners, were also there," became a focal point of debate, triggering accusations of self-centeredness in the face of widespread tragedy.

Before the catastrophic fire, Ceyda Hacbekirolu was recognized as a dynamic businesswoman with a penchant for sharing her professional and personal life on social media platforms. Her educational background includes studies at Sabanc University and the prestigious Hotel Institute Montreux. She further honed her skills through stints at renowned establishments like the Swiss Hotel and Four Seasons, gaining invaluable experience in the hospitality industry. Additionally, she spent four and a half years at the Swiss Education Group before assuming the role of business development manager at Gazelle Hotel in 2015. This rich and varied experience in the hospitality sector undoubtedly positioned her as a key figure in the management and operations of the Grand Kartal Hotel.

The social media storm that erupted in the wake of the fire was further fueled by Hacbekirolu's account of the harrowing moments she and her family endured. In a poignant post, she described the chaos and terror of the blaze, stating, "My hands were full of blood and glass." She recounted how she and her loved ones narrowly escaped the flames, sharing the terrifying details of their struggle for survival. However, this intensely personal narrative, while intended to convey the sheer horror of the situation, was met with a chorus of criticism. Some accused her of being tone-deaf and insensitive, arguing that her personal ordeal paled in comparison to the immense loss of life.

Adding to the controversy, Hacbekirolu's attempts to defend the hotel's safety measures, particularly concerning the fire escape, backfired spectacularly. "There is a fire escape. Of course, it's not made of wood!" she declared, seemingly attempting to reassure the public that the hotel had adhered to safety regulations. However, this statement was widely condemned as dismissive and inadequate. Many questioned the functionality and accessibility of the fire escape, given the high death toll and the reports of chaotic evacuation efforts. The issue of fire safety at the Grand Kartal Hotel quickly escalated into a major point of contention, prompting calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.

An examination of the Grand Kartal Hotel's ownership structure reveals that it is a partnership comprising four principal shareholders: Halit Ergl, Emine Murtezaolu Ergl, Elif Aras, and Ceyda Hacbekirolu. According to reports, the shares are distributed relatively equally among these individuals. The company was established in 2021 with a capital of 200,000 TL, with the majority stake held by Halit Ergl and his wife. Following the fire, all four shareholders have come under intense scrutiny, with their respective roles in the hotel's management and safety practices being subjected to close examination by investigators and the public alike.

Amidst the outpouring of grief and concern, Hacbekirolu's initial expressions of sympathy were deemed by some to be insincere or inadequate. Her plea for "sensitivity" in the aftermath of the tragedy was met with outrage and derision. Critics argued that it was inappropriate and insensitive to demand understanding when so many lives had been tragically cut short. The backlash prompted Hacbekirolu to deactivate her social media account, effectively silencing herself in the face of mounting criticism.

While Hacbekirolu's social media activity has dominated much of the public discourse, it is important to consider the broader context of the Kartalkaya ski resort area. Nestled in the picturesque Krolu Mountains, Kartalkaya is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and is home to five hotels. Reports indicate that four of these hotels boast external metal fire escapes. The Grand Kartal Hotel, however, has become the epicenter of controversy and scrutiny following the devastating fire, raising critical questions about its fire safety measures and emergency preparedness protocols.

In the wake of the fire, authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the Grand Kartal Hotel's operations, focusing on both its financial transactions and its safety protocols. The investigation aims to determine whether the hotel was in compliance with fire safety regulations, whether its emergency procedures were adequate, and whether its overall management practices contributed to the tragic loss of life. Investigators are meticulously examining every aspect of the hotel's operations to determine the root causes of the fire and to assess whether any negligence or wrongdoing played a role in the devastating outcome.

The fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel has sent shockwaves throughout the region and has had a profound impact on the families of the victims. The tragedy has sparked a national conversation about fire safety standards in hotels and other public accommodations, prompting calls for stricter regulations and more rigorous enforcement. The incident has also raised critical questions about the responsibilities of hotel owners and managers to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families, seeking justice for the victims, and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Ceyda Hacbekirolu's involvement with the Grand Kartal Hotel places her squarely at the center of this complex and emotionally charged situation. Her role as a shareholder, her presence at the hotel during the fire, and her subsequent social media activity have all contributed to her prominent position in the aftermath of the tragedy. While the legal and ethical responsibilities of the hotel owners are still being assessed, the intense public scrutiny and the profound personal impact on Hacbekirolu are undeniable. She, along with the other shareholders, now face the daunting task of navigating a path forward in the shadow of unimaginable loss and in the face of unrelenting public scrutiny.

The events surrounding the Grand Kartal Hotel fire serve as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness in all public accommodations. The tragedy has underscored the need for stringent regulations, regular inspections, comprehensive training for hotel staff, and clear and effective communication in the event of an emergency. As the community and the nation grapple with the aftermath of this devastating fire, it is imperative that lessons are learned and that concrete steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The memory of those who lost their lives at the Grand Kartal Hotel demands nothing less.

In the chaotic aftermath, Ceyda Hacbekirolu's words, "We also were there, as the hotel owners," echoed. A simple statement, yet it encapsulated the complex intersection of personal experience and professional responsibility that now defines her narrative. It served as both a testament to survival and an acknowledgement of her role in an establishment forever marked by tragedy.

Beyond her role in the Grand Kartal Hotel, Ceyda Hacbekirolu carved a professional path characterized by education and experience. From Sabanc University and the Hotel Institute Montreux to positions at Swiss Hotel, Four Seasons, and Gazelle Hotel, she cultivated a skill set rooted in hospitality management. The fire, however, abruptly altered the course of her professional journey, intertwining it with grief, legal inquiries, and relentless media attention.

The social media response to Hacbekirolu's initial reactions underscores the fraught dynamics of public discourse during times of crisis. While some offered support and understanding, others condemned her words as insensitive, igniting a firestorm of controversy. The deactivation of her social media account marked a retreat from this tumultuous arena, leaving unanswered questions and simmering resentments.

The Grand Kartal Hotel's ownership structure, shared among Halit Ergl, Emine Murtezaolu Ergl, Elif Aras, and Ceyda Hacbekirolu, presents a complex web of accountability. While the investigation unfolds, each shareholder faces scrutiny, their decisions and actions under intense examination. The distribution of shares, coupled with the company's relatively recent establishment, further complicates the narrative, inviting questions about leadership, investment, and long-term vision.

The tragic events at Kartalkaya underscore the crucial role of safety regulations and emergency preparedness in the hospitality industry. The fire serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence and the urgent need for vigilance. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the truth, ensuring accountability, and preventing similar tragedies from claiming innocent lives in the future. The memory of those lost demands nothing less than a commitment to safety, transparency, and justice.