Page 63 - Журнал «Русский Берег» #9-2021

RUSSIAN COAST | № 1/9 2022 ГЕРОЙ НОМЕРА | MAGAZINE'S HERO

Russian Coast: You mentioned construction as Russian Coast: Indeed, it is clear that the family plays a
ENG art. Indeed, architecture is probably one of very important role for you. Could you tell us more about
the most ancient forms of art. What are your yourself? How did you develop as a manager, as a person
guidelines in this direction? Are there teachers, mentors, managing a large organism, which is such a large company
what does the KurtSafir style look like in general? as KurtSafir?

Esat Kurt: You are right, architecture is the oldest and probably Esat Kurt: When I was studying at the university, I already started
the most important of the arts. If we talk about what had the greatest working. My student friends often went to have fun after lectures,
influence on me, it was the work of the great Turkish architect Mimar visited bars and discos, and I went to work — to sell apartments. I
Sinan. His legacy is the greatest achievement of culture. His ideas will remember my first deal. To be honest, I failed it, I couldn't answer all
be relevant in a thousand years. the client's questions, but then I managed to rectify the situation. I just
began to communicate with him not as a client, but as an interesting
Russian Coast: How would you describe the architectural person to me. Human communication means a lot. Every step I took
style in which your company operates? in business was an experience for me and that's how I felt about it —
what did this event teach me?
Esat Kurt: Modern and Classic. We have two main directions.
Which style we choose for the next object depends on the region. Russian Coast: If you here had the opportunity to give
Somewhere they like classics more, somewhere modern, and the advice to yourself at that time, what would you say?
style of a particular object, of course, cannot be separated from its
location. We consult with experienced architects and always take Esat Kurt: (laughs) Work even harder!
their opinion into account. I love architecture very much, I am very
sensitive to style. When I am abroad, I spend a lot of time studying Russian Coast: Have you been lucky?
local architecture. When I see an interesting building, I will take a
picture of it. Then, when I come home, I analyze it all, something Esat Kurt: My main luck is that KurtSafir is a family company. This
inspires me and I want to repeat it in our facilities, but in a slightly is a very big company, it employs a lot of people, but I can always
different way. I am constantly studying, trying to learn more new turn to my family if I need advice or I have a lack of experience. The
things, and interesting architectural ideas motivate me to creativity. advice that my grandfather gives me is especially important to me.

Russian Coast: Do you have your architectural bureau? Russian Coast: And what is the most valuable advice you
received from your grandfather?
Esat Kurt: We have a group of architects in our company, but
they deal mainly with small details. The main work is done by well- Esat Kurt: Work honestly, work hard and work safely. Probably
known Turkish architects who have extensive experience and have this is the most valuable thing that my ancestors gave me along with
created many objects. Collaboration with an architect is always an the good name of the company. A good name is the most valuable
act of creativity, and it is a great responsibility. In this matter, we rely inheritance and I feel a great responsibility to them and of course, I
only on trusted partners. try to justify the trust.

Russian Coast: An American realtor once said“ "I'm not And on this optimistic and instructive note, it would have
selling a house, I'm selling a view from the window!” And been possible to end the conversation, and the working
what do you sell to your customers? group had already begun to turn off the microphones when
suddenly Esat Kurt unexpectedly added“ "Mikhail Bey, I have
Esat Kurt: We say this — we are not selling a house, we are selling a been a reader of your magazine since the first issue and I can't
place of residence. The people who buy housing from us are our guests. help but note that your magazine is an example of very good
We are responsible for their safety, for comfort, for the atmosphere in the professional work. I spend a lot of time with your magazine
complex. Of course, the view from the window is also very important. in my hands and I find it very important that a world-class
We have apartments with sea views. with a view of the mountains, a publication has appeared in our beloved Alanya. Every time
view of the garden, but the main thing is how a person feels when he foreign clients come to us and ask about what is happening
comes home. So that the house was a home for him, an expensive and in the city, we just give them your magazine, there is a lot of
beloved place. If you go and look at our facilities, then pay attention that useful and interesting information in it, and I would like to
these are not just apartments. We have tried to make sure that everyone thank you for your work” What can I say? The evaluation
is comfortable there, children, spouses, parents, so that you come home of our work by such a person is, on the one hand, a great
and feel the joy of the fact that this is your home. Sweet, sweet Home… joy, but on the other hand, a very great responsibility. We
We can say that we sell a lifestyle, and this lifestyle defines the word will continue to try to meet the high international standards
"family". Family means a lot in a person's life, and our clients are, of of journalism, especially since when you are surrounded by
course, first of all, people for whom family values are above all. And I will such hardworking and bright people as Esat Kurt, it is easily
say more, every person who lives in our residence is part of our family. achievable.
And it is important to us that he is happy.

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