Located on the shores of the Bosphorus, right next to Ortaköy Mosque, the historic Esma Sultan Mansion stands out at first glance with its red brick exterior.
The Bosphorus Bridge, the elegant silhouette of the mosque and this magnificent mansion come together in the same frame, offering a breathtaking view unique to Istanbul. Especially at night, the illuminated walls of the mansion under the lights of the mosque and the bridge create a magical atmosphere. Combining historical texture with modern architectural elements, Esma Sultan Mansion offers a unique view that brings together the past and the present, leaving an unforgettable first impression on those discovering Istanbul for the first time.
History of the Esma Sultan Mansion
Built in the late 19th century for Princess Esma Sultan, the daughter of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz, this mansion was completed in 1875 by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan and presented to Esma Sultan as a wedding gift during her marriage in 1889. Unfortunately, Esma Sultan did not live long in this beautiful mansion and passed away in 1899 at the age of 26. The mansion remained the property of the Ottoman dynasty; Sultan Abdulhamid II assigned it to his sister Cemile Sultan, and after her death, it was transferred to Fatma Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Murad V. In this way, Esma Sultan Mansion remained in the use of members of the Ottoman family until 1915.
In the late Ottoman period, the mansion began to be used for different purposes. From 1918 onwards, the building served as a Greek school, but it was severely damaged by a major fire in the early 1920s. Without being repaired, the mansion was used as a tobacco warehouse by the Tekel company from 1922 onwards. It changed hands in the early years of the Republic and was purchased in 1952 by a merchant named Saffet Baştımar. During the Baştımar period, the dilapidated mansion was used as a carpenter's workshop, furniture workshop, and coal storage facility; for this reason, it was also known as the ‘Baştımar Mansion’ in the area for a time. In early 1975, Esma Sultan Mansion was put up for sale by its owners and was completely destroyed by a fire that year, leaving only the outer stone walls standing. Despite the loss of its roof and interior, the mansion's garden continued to be used for various open-air concerts and events throughout the 1980s due to its location on the Bosphorus coast and its spacious garden.
In the 1990s, the Esma Sultan Mansion was brought back to life. This jewel of the Bosphorus, once a ruin, was purchased by the The Marmara Hotels chain and became the subject of an extensive restoration and renovation project. The restoration team planned to preserve the exterior walls of the mansion as they were after the fire while constructing a new interior using modern materials. Under the leadership of Turkish architect Haluk Sezgin and French architect Philippe Robert, the mansion reopened in 2001 as a multi-purpose event centre. With a contemporary structure made of steel and glass incorporated into its historic walls, Esma Sultan Mansion has since become one of Istanbul's most prestigious event venues, hosting numerous events. Whether it's wedding receptions, corporate meetings, concerts, or cultural events like the Istanbul International Jazz Festival, the mansion continues to offer a unique atmosphere that blends the grandeur of the past with modern life.
Discover the Esma Sultan Mansion by Yacht
When you look out from the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus, you will encounter unique views where the historical and natural beauties of the Ortaköy coastline blend together. Seeing the silhouette of Esma Sultan Mansion standing side by side with Ortaköy Mosque from the deck of a private boat gives you the feeling of having embarked on a journey through time. In the early morning hours, the red walls of the mansion emerge from the light mist covering the water's surface, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. In the late afternoon, the sun's golden rays reflect off the mansion's windows, dancing on the waves; capturing this enchanting view during a Bosphorus tour is a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts. Many details that cannot be seen from the shore become visible from the sea: the texture of each brick forming the walls of the mansion, the modern glass surfaces glistening behind the arched windows, and the silhouettes of the centuries-old trees in the garden can only be seen from the sea perspective. In short, seeing this historic building from the sea is a completely different experience.
To get a close-up view of such an impressive structure, you must set sail in Istanbul. At this point, the most liberating option to escape the crowded coastal traffic and enjoy the Bosphorus is to charter a yacht. When you charter your own boat and create your own route, you can stop wherever you like without being tied to the fixed itineraries of sightseeing boats and enjoy the view. Anchoring at a spot where you can see the entire sea front of the mansion, you can listen to your guide recount the history of this magnificent structure while experiencing the privilege of being so close you can almost touch its walls. As you glide past the mansion accompanied by the sound of seagulls or watch it sparkle in the lights at night from the water, you will feel like you are on a journey through history. With the cool breeze of the Bosphorus blowing on your face, it is possible to feel the spirit of Istanbul much more deeply during such a tour.
Many Istanbulites and foreign visitors also choose to explore the city by renting a yacht and taking their own Bosphorus tour. Especially on summer evenings, passing under the Bosphorus Bridge, illuminated with lights, and slowly gliding past the Esma Sultan Mansion towards Ortaköy is one of the most unforgettable moments of the tour. From the deck of your yacht, with a drink in hand, watching the splendour of the mansion, it won't be hard to imagine the grand balls that took place within these walls and the memories of those who belonged to the Ottoman dynasty. As a modern traveller, looking at the same shore that palace officials looked at centuries ago from the sea gives you a unique sense of connection. This magical experience is just one of the privileges offered by a special yacht tour in Istanbul.
Discovering Esma Sultan Mansion from the sea is a far more impressive and memorable experience than seeing it from land. To truly feel the historic beauty of this gem in the heart of Istanbul and enjoy the Bosphorus views to the fullest, all you need to do is simple: rent a yacht on the Bosphorus and set sail on your own unique journey.