The Ahmet Fethi Pasha Mansion, located on the Asian side of the Bosporus in Kuzguncuk, is a historic mansion that immediately catches the eye with its elegant Ottoman architecture and characteristic façade.
This wooden seaside pavilion, commonly known as "Pink Mansion" due to its color, is one of the rare examples of Ottoman civil architecture that has survived to this day. The aesthetic proportions of the seaside facade and its wide eaves reflect the grandeur of the past to the present as they mirror off the waters of the Bosphorus. At first glance, the building inspires both local and foreign visitors with peace and admiration while passing by on a boat in the Bosphorus, and it stands among the symbolic coastal beauties of Istanbul with its historical texture.
History
Although the exact construction date of the yalı cannot be documented, its architectural features point to a history that dates back to the early 18th century (the Tulip Era). Although there is no clear information about its first owners, at the end of the reign of Sultan Mahmud II (in the 1830s), the Ottoman statesman Fethi Ahmed Pasha purchased this yalı from a person named İsmet Bey and had it undergo extensive renovation. After the repair, the yalı began to be known by the name of the Pasha. Fethi Pasha was married to Atiye Sultan, the sister of Sultan Abdülmecid, and served as the first Ottoman ambassador to Vienna in the 1830s; he was known for his passion for art and culture. Thanks to the Pasha's exceptional aesthetic taste, the interiors of the yalı were adorned with the most dazzling decoration of the time. Indeed, when Sultan Abdülmecid visited the yalı one day, he was so impressed by the elegance inside that he assigned Fethi Pasha the task of arranging the interior decoration of Dolmabahçe Palace. In addition, the mansion has hosted famous guests from Europe over the years; Swiss architect Le Corbusier expressed his admiration for the building during his visits to Istanbul in 1911 and 1948, and the world-renowned Hungarian composer Franz Liszt was also hosted here.
In the early 20th century, the mansion experienced unfortunate events. A fire in 1927 completely destroyed the harem section of the mansion; only the selamlık (main residence) part has survived to this day. Despite this, the preservation of the main structure has been possible thanks to restorations made in the following decades. In particular, the extensive restoration carried out by Şevket Mocan, a grandson of Fethi Pasha, in 1959-1960 restored the Pembe Yalı (Pink Mansion) to its original form and returned it to its former glory. Recently, in 2024, the mansion was purchased by a prominent Swiss-British family and remains private property. Although the building is not open to visitors, it is possible to see it from the outside, and observing its exterior beauty while passing along the Bosphorus or by the sea invites one into an atmosphere intertwined with history.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most privileged ways to explore the enchanting views of the Bosphorus shores is to set sail on your own boat with a yacht rental service. While gliding over the sea, you have the chance to see the Ahmet Fethi Pasha Mansion standing out among the other buildings right in front of you. Especially at sunset, the pink facade of the mansion, glowing golden in the sunlight, seems to sparkle on the water. Watching this view from the boat, accompanied by the sound of gentle waves and a light breeze, offers an unforgettable experience that feels like a journey through time. Far from the city's crowds and noise, savoring these peaceful moments against the backdrop of a historic mansion in the middle of the Bosphorus creates both a romantic and inspiring atmosphere.
The biggest advantage of taking a Bosphorus tour with your private yacht is that you can completely determine your own route and pace. By
renting a yacht in Istanbul, you have the freedom to stop at any point and explore the surroundings without being bound to the fixed route of a sightseeing ferry. If you wish, you can turn your route towards Kuzguncuk and slow down a bit in front of the Ahmet Fethi Pasha Pavilion to closely observe this historical beauty. By renting a yacht and creating your own itinerary, you have the opportunity to see closely the stunning mansions and palaces of the Bosphorus, take photo breaks, and enjoy the scenery as much as you want. Exploring the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Bosphorus freely by following your own schedule will add unique flexibility and enjoyment to your tour.
Having an unforgettable Bosphorus experience is actually very easy. All you have to do is rent a yacht on the Bosphorus and let yourself be enchanted by this unique journey. Whether you plan a pleasant daytime trip with your loved ones or a romantic afternoon tour – a private yacht tour on the Bosphorus allows you to experience the beauty of Istanbul in the most comfortable way. As you glide past Kuzguncuk, historic mansions like Ahmet Fethi Pasha Mansion greet you with all their splendor; you can elevate your Bosphorus cruise by capturing these moments in photos and adding them to your memories. With a yacht rental experience, you will have the privilege to feel Istanbul's natural and historical silhouette as you pass through and you will joyfully experience the happiness of discovering this unique face of the city.