Hasip Pasha Mansion

This two-story waterfront mansion, built in Neo-classical and Neo-baroque styles in the 19th century, is easily noticeable from the boats passing through the Bosphorus with its white-painted facades and red-tiled roof. Thanks to its luxurious details and expansive garden, the structure has been referred to in the past as one of the "most beautiful and most expensive" yalis of the Bosphorus, captivating both local and foreign visitors at first sight with its elegant appearance. The view of Hasip Pasha Mansion, located right by the sea, is particularly impressive from the sea side, leaving an unforgettable first impression with its silhouette that merges with the unique beauty of the Bosphorus.

History

The construction of the mansion commissioned by Mehmet Hasip Pasha in the early 19th century was still in progress when it faced a great fire disaster. Having held significant positions such as the Ministry of Awqaf and Finance in the Ottoman Empire, Hasip Pasha's beloved mansion turned to ashes, prompting the then-sultan Mahmud II to take action to ease the pasha's sorrow. Sultan Mahmud II financed the reconstruction of the Hasip Pasha Mansion from his own treasury. Thus, the mansion regained its former glory, complete with a vast estate (garden) extending to the foothills of Çamlıca Hill, and for many years it was regarded as one of the most dazzling mansions along the Bosphorus. At one time, a rhyme circulated among the people of Istanbul that said, 'The most beautiful city in the world is Istanbul; the most beautiful place in Istanbul is the Bosphorus; the most beautiful district of the Bosphorus is Beylerbeyi; the most beautiful place in Beylerbeyi is the Hasip Pasha Mansion.' This illustrates the mansion's impact and fame among the people of that era.

The mansion was the scene of many historical events in the following years. It is known that some official meetings were held in this mansion during the reign of II. Mahmud. Later, during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, Mustafa Fâzıl Pasha from the Egyptian viceroy family rented the reception section of the mansion, making it a frequent meeting point for the reformist movement of the time, the Young Ottomans (Jön Türkler). Thus, Hasip Pasha Mansion was remembered as a place that left its mark on the political and intellectual history of the Ottoman Empire.

In the first half of the 20th century, the mansion witnessed national struggle and personal life stories. During the years of the War of Independence (1919-1923), when Istanbul was under occupation, Hasip Pasha Mansion was used as a secret ammunition depot. This location by the Bosphorus enabled the covert transport of weapons to Anatolia, evading the British occupying forces, and the mansion became one of the significant points supporting the Independence Struggle. In the years close to the same period, the mansion also hosted a tragic love story. Hami Bey, the grandson of Hasip Pasha, was married to Princess Fethiye, the daughter of the Egyptian Viceroy Abbas Hilmi Pasha; however, when Fethiye Hanım passed away at a young age due to tuberculosis, Hami Bey was plunged into deep mourning. Wanting to preserve the memory of his wife, Hami Bey never let anyone touch the belongings in the room where Fethiye Hanım took her last breath. He even left the candles burning in the candelabras that night without extinguishing them and locked the door to the room, not allowing anyone to enter. Until his death in 1943, Hami Bey, who almost never left the mansion, spent his days watching the view of the Bosphorus, which he likened to his wife's beauty. This sad story underscores the importance of personal histories that unfold within the walls of the mansion.

Unfortunately, in the second half of the 20th century, Hasip Pasha Mansion was once again shaken by a great fire. By the 1970s, the heirs of the mansion deliberately set fire to the mansion with the intention of building an apartment on the land; in the fire that broke out in 1973, the unique harem building was completely destroyed. The structure, which remained abandoned for a long time, could only be restored in accordance with its original plans in 1995. Today, the restored Hasip Pasha Mansion continues to maintain its magnificent appearance from the outside. Although the historic mansion is privately owned and not open to visitors, it can be viewed from the outside – especially from the sea.

Explore By Yacht

One of the best ways to fully experience the unique atmosphere of the Bosphorus and see the beauty of this historic mansion up close is to rent a yacht and take a Bosphorus tour. While gliding along the shores of Beylerbeyi, you will have the opportunity to observe the Hasip Pasha Mansion from the sea. The ornate facade details, large windows, and grand stance of the waterfront mansion provide a much more impressive perspective from the water. As you slowly progress in your boat in front of the mansion, you can remember the information you have gained about its history and capture this view with photos while enjoying the breeze of the Bosphorus.

Thanks to a yacht tour, you can comfortably explore the Hasip Paşa Yalı and other impressive waterfront mansions around the Bosphorus. This historic structure, often hidden behind high walls and trees when viewed from the road, comes into full view from the sea, showcasing its grandeur. During your private yacht tour, your guide can share the story of the mansion and its significance around the Bosphorus; thus, while exploring, you also witness the rich history of Istanbul. Renting a yacht and setting your own route to experience the pearls of the Bosphorus up close, away from the crowds, will be an unforgettable experience for both local and foreign visitors.

While wandering through the cool waters of the Bosphorus, anyone who wishes to experience the historical and natural beauties together can participate in this unique experience. You can also rent a yacht to explore this enchanting side of Istanbul and embark on a Bosphorus tour with your loved ones. Rent a private yacht, direct your route towards Beylerbeyi, and wave to the Hasip Pasha Mansion from the sea. As you advance on the yacht, you can enjoy panoramic views of both the European and Asian shores and take pictures of the mansions that are considered the pearls of the Bosphorus one by one. Gliding past the historic Hasip Pasha Mansion, you will feel as if you have made a journey into the past and will fully immerse yourself in the fairytale beauty of the Istanbul Bosphorus.