ARURA MARDIN

ARURA MARDIN — IADA 2026 award

ARURA MARDIN received Platinum Winner recognition at the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026 in Renovation & Interior Remodeling. Project status, design team and credits are listed alongside the presentation.

About the project

Named after the goddess of travel and healing in the Epic of Gilgamesh, Arura Mardin promises an extraordinary Mardin experience. Located in Old Mardin, which respects the city's architecture, nature and culture, Arura welcomes its guests with its original design and unique cuisine. It has an art gallery, art library, design shop, art room and special
restaurant.

It is a restoration project consisting of three combined historical buildings. All furniture and accessories were created in Mardin and with local production so as not to overshadow the architecture.

Arura Mardin Architecture The project consists of three interconnected historic structures, with restoration taking nearly three years. It honors the city’s architecture, nature, and culture. One of these buildings is the work of master Architect Sarkis Elyas Lole Arura embodies the essence of Mardin’s architectural heritage and aspires to be a restoration model for the entire region.

Mardin’s colors, architecture, texture, and fragrance all in one… Feel the elegance of stone craftsmanship, the symbols of civilizations, and the vibrancy of living cultures.

HAKAN HELVACIOGLU DESIGN CO.

Hakan Helvacıoğlu was born on December 20, 1967, in Cologne, Germany. He completed his primary and secondary education in Cologne and Vienna. During his studies at the Vienna Royal Opera Academy, he took courses in performing arts, costume, set design, dance, and basic stage training. After returning to Istanbul, he graduated from the Industrial Product Design Department of the Interior Architecture Division at Marmara University's Faculty of Fine Arts.

He shares his experience, gained during his approximately 33-year professional career, with young aspiring designers at various university events. He has received numerous awards and accolades, notably from the European Property Awards.

Under the Studio brand, Hakan Helvacıoğlu designs and markets furniture, lighting, carpets, fabrics, and various other products.