The Faik Bey Pakize Hanım Mansion, located on the shores of İstinye Bay on the European side of the Bosporus, draws attention at first glance with its majestic stance.
This historic mansion, painted white and featuring a symmetrical facade, creates an elegant contrast with the green hills behind it and the blue waters in front. When passing by the mansion by boat from the Bosphorus, the triangular pediment (the triangular section at the top of the facade) and the bay window balcony immediately catch the eye. Especially the decorations on the sea facade and the elegant windows leave a first impression that inspires admiration in visitors approaching the structure.
History
The mansion built in the late 19th century was commissioned by Faik Bey, who served as the Governor of Gümüşhane in the Ottoman Empire. The building takes its name from both this first owner and Pakize Hanım, who later lived here. On the façade of the neo-classical mansion, there is an inscription in a medallion located in the center of the triangular pediment that reads "Ya Malike'l Mülk." This phrase means "The owner of everything is Allah" in Turkish and draws attention as an inscription above the mansion's balcony. The fact that the window designs on all floors of the historical building are different from each other is an interesting detail architecturally and reflects the aesthetic taste of the era. The wide balcony on the top floor, which protrudes, is also one of the original elements of the structure; this feature has given the mansion a different and unique appearance that does not conform to the traditional mansion architectural character in the Bosphorus.
The mansion, which remained privately owned during the Republic period, was registered as a cultural heritage in 1971 after various ownership changes. The structure, which was used as a residence for a long time, has been restored periodically to preserve its original texture. Today, the mansion is owned by Koray İnşaat and continues to maintain its former splendor. Although the interior is not open for visits, this historical mansion, which can be easily seen from the outside, continues to exist as one of the important examples of civil architectural heritage of the Bosphorus.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the historical mansions of the Bosphorus is by chartering a yacht. With a private
rental yacht, you can create your own route and enjoy a trip away from the crowds. Whether you are a local or a foreigner, a yacht tour will give you the opportunity to experience the beauties of the Istanbul Bosphorus freely. During this special experience, you can closely see and photograph the views of the mansions and palaces along the shore, and savor the unique atmosphere of the Bosphorus.
When you enter İstinye bay by renting a yacht, the first building to greet you on the shore will be the Faik Bey Pakize Hanım Villa. You can admire this magnificent villa in detail from the deck of your yacht. When viewed from the sea, the villa's symmetrical facade, elegant balconies, and the inscriptions on them are much more distinct. If you wish, you can slow down and pause for a photo in front of this historical building, enjoying delightful moments while imagining the villa's story with the breeze from the Bosphorus. Other historical villas in the nearby vicinity are also lined along your boat route, making exploring this area from the sea a rich visual experience.
You can set off with your own private boat to explore this impressive corner of the Bosphorus and other hidden beauties. The freedom to travel according to your own schedule offers the opportunity to stop wherever you wish without being tied to crowded tours. Renting a yacht to cruise the Bosphorus allows you to closely see the city's historical mansions and natural beauties, while providing a comfortable and unforgettable travel experience. While enjoying the unique views of the Bosphorus, discovering this unique side of Istanbul with a yacht you can freely roam will be an unforgettable memory for both local and foreign visitors.