Located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, in the Ortaköy neighbourhood of Beşiktaş district, Fehime Sultan Mansion is a magnificent coastal mansion that stands out for its historical texture and elegant architecture.
This impressive structure, located along the coastline stretching from Ortaköy Mosque to Kuruçeşme, is named after Fehime Sultan, the daughter of Ottoman Sultan Murad V. Built in the Neo-Baroque style, the mansion is one of the few Hanım Sultan palaces in Istanbul and is located right next to its sister structure, the Hatice Sultan Mansion. Known as one of the most exquisite mansions on the Bosphorus, the Fehime Sultan Mansion has become an interesting stop for both local and foreign visitors with its story that spans from the past to the present.
History of the Fehime Sultan Mansion
The history of the Fehime Sultan Mansion dates back to the late 19th century. Built in 1883 by Sultan Abdulhamid II, the mansion was presented as a gift to Gazi Osman Pasha, the famous hero of the Plevna War. For this reason, the building was originally known as the Gazi Osman Pasha Mansion. Later, when Osman Pasha's son Kemalettin Pasha married Naime Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdulhamid II, the mansion was assigned to the young couple and was known as the Naime Sultan Mansion for a while. The mansion's current name was given in 1901, when it was presented as a wedding gift to Fehime Sultan, the daughter of Sultan V. Murat, and from that moment on, it began to be known by her name.
With the exile of the Ottoman dynasty from the country in 1924, Fehime Sultan was forced to leave this mansion she loved so much. The building remained vacant for a while in the early years of the Republic and was used for various public purposes from 1926 onwards. The mansion, which was briefly used as an orphanage and then as a tobacco warehouse, was later converted into the Gaziosmanpaşa Primary School and served as an educational institution for many years. Although the building managed to remain standing during this period, some of its original architectural details were damaged due to renovations and neglect. The greatest misfortune in the mansion's history occurred in 2002, when a major fire destroyed most of the wooden structure, leaving only the outer stone walls intact. Following this tragic event, the mansion remained in ruins for many years, standing as a ghostly structure in the heart of Istanbul.
Fortunately, at the beginning of the 21st century, serious steps were taken to save Fehime Sultan Mansion and return it to the city. In 2009, it was planned to lease the mansion, along with the adjacent Hatice Sultan Mansion, to a private initiative for an extended period and launch a comprehensive restoration programme. Following the necessary preparations and legal procedures, restoration work finally gained momentum in 2022. After years of meticulous effort, the restoration was completed in 2024, and it was officially announced that the Fehime Sultan and Hatice Sultan mansions, standing side by side, were ready to open their doors as a luxury boutique hotel complex. Today, the Fehime Sultan Mansion, restored to its original form, has been reintegrated into Istanbul's cultural heritage, offering accommodation, a restaurant, meeting, and event spaces.
Discover the Fehime Sultan Mansion by Yacht
One of the most impressive ways to discover the beauty of the historic buildings along the Bosphorus is to view the city's skyline from the sea. As the sun sets, gazing towards the Ortaköy coastline from the deck of a boat, the silhouette of the Fehime Sultan Mansion reflected in the water creates a magical atmosphere that transports you back in time. Watching this elegant mansion from the cool waters of the Bosphorus, accompanied by the gentle breeze and the sound of the waves, offers visitors an unforgettable view of Istanbul. Of course, for those who want to fully experience the unique history and scenery of the Bosphorus, a rental yacht is one of the most exclusive ways to enjoy this experience.
On a Bosphorus cruise from Ortaköy to Kuruçeşme, you can witness the different faces of the waterfront mansions. Many architectural details that may be overlooked from land are clearly visible from the sea. The restored white façade of the Fehime Sultan Mansion and the pastel green tones of the Hatice Sultan Mansion rising right next to it are displayed in all their splendour from the water. As your private yacht glides past these historic mansions, your guide can tell you the old stories and secrets of these ladies' mansions. This way, you will witness Istanbul's history from the sea. Seeing this unique structure from the sea during a Bosphorus tour allows you to discover the architectural details of the mansion and offers a perspective that gives you a deeper sense of the splendour of the Ottoman period.
If you truly want to experience Istanbul's enchanting atmosphere, you should get away from the crowds and chart your own course on the Bosphorus. Rent a yacht and set sail towards the city's fairy-tale silhouette; cruising the Bosphorus on a private boat is a unique experience. Whether you're planning a special celebration with loved ones or simply looking to spend an unforgettable day, cruising the Bosphorus in a private yacht is a unique experience. You can stop at any point to enjoy the view, see valuable heritage sites like the Fehime Sultan Mansion right in front of you, and capture the moment in photos. This unique experience, which combines the grandeur of historic mansions with the modern silhouette of Istanbul, will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable memories of your Istanbul trip.