The Hekimbaşı Mansion, located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, between Anadoluhisarı and Kanlıca, is a magnificent mansion that immediately catches the eye from afar with its bright red (painted with a kind of dye) facade.
Known as one of the oldest waterfront mansions in the Bosphorus, this historic villa, dating back to the 17th century, showcases an elegant example of wooden Ottoman architecture. With its postcard-like view of boats and yachts passing through the strait, the building captivates visitors at first glance with the scenery created by the surrounding green groves and water. The mansion, preserving its historical texture, attracts the attention of both locals and foreigners with its magnificent stance.
History
The first construction of the Hekimbaşı Yalı is known to have been commissioned by the statesman Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha in 1697 during the Ottoman period. The yalı (waterfront mansion) gets its name from Hekimbaşı Salih Efendi, who bought and expanded it in the 19th century. Salih Efendi, who was the chief physician (hekimbaşı) of the palace during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid, was an important figure who graduated from the first medical school of the Ottoman Empire and served as a doctor to three sultans. A special rose he planted in his garden, known for his expertise in making medicine from plants and flowers, has been referred to by the public as the 'Hekimbaşı Rose.' After Salih Efendi's death, his family continued to own the yalı, and to this day, family members still live in the mansion.
Initially, the mansion consisted of two separate sections: the harem and the selamlık. The selamlık, located in the north, was where male guests were received, and it was adjacent to the harem in the south, which was the family section. The selamlık section was built on wooden columns, extending into the hall area under the seawater, providing a unique coolness and view. However, this selamlık wing was demolished and sold by Meliha Hanım, the daughter of Salih Efendi, in 1947, and a modern structure took its place. Only the historical harem section of the original structure has survived to this day, and this section has been carefully preserved by the family.
The mansion, which is entirely made of wood and built in the Baghdadi style, has undergone various repairs over the years against natural wear and tear. In 1978, the front facade facing the Bosphorus was renewed under the supervision of the Taç Foundation; in the 1980s, a dock reinforcement was made to protect the structure from potential damage from the sea. The mansion was heavily damaged in an unfortunate incident on April 7, 2018, when it was struck by a cargo ship that lost control, bringing the building back into the spotlight. After the accident, a comprehensive restoration process was initiated at the mansion.
Despite all these challenges, the Hekimbaşı Yalısı has managed to preserve its grandeur; even the original furniture and decor inside have been maintained. This historic mansion has gained fame enough to be used as a filming location in many productions, including Ferzan Özpetek's film 'Istanbul Red' and the popular series 'One Thousand and One Nights'. Today, while the mansion remains a private property, it occasionally hosts events like weddings and concerts, playing an active role in the cultural life of the Bosphorus.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the unique shores of the Bosphorus is the option of
yacht rental on the Bosphorus. Away from the crowd, you can visit the pearls of Istanbul aboard a comfortable private yacht according to your own route. During this enchanting journey, you get the chance to see the historic mansions on both the Asian and European coasts up close. Watching majestic structures like the Hekimbaşı Mansion from the sea allows you to notice their architectural details and the beauty reflected on the shore. You can immortalize these moments by taking photos of the reflection of the mansion's red facade in the water.
A trip by renting a yacht on the cool waters of the Istanbul Bosphorus offers a blend of city sightseeing and enjoying the sea. By renting a yacht, you can fully enjoy not only the Hekimbaşı Mansion but also other historic mansions, castles, and green hills along the route stretching from Anadoluhisarı to Kanlıca. Moreover, you have the freedom to stop at any point and enjoy the view in the comfort of your own boat. As you glide against the current of the Bosphorus, you will experience a journey intertwined with history, accompanied only by the sounds of waves and seagulls, away from the noise of the city.
You can also rent a yacht to explore this unique treasure of Istanbul and add an unforgettable touch to your Bosphorus tour. As you pass by Hekimbaşı Mansion on your private yacht, you will feel like you are embarking on a journey back in time. Along with witnessing this magnificent mansion, you can also see countless historical structures lined along the Bosphorus up close, experiencing Istanbul's rich heritage from the water. While setting your own route and freely cruising with your loved ones, you will feel the enchanting atmosphere of the Bosphorus and the stories of buildings like Hekimbaşı Mansion much more deeply. Remember, the best way to understand the true spirit of the Bosphorus is to glide over the waves and watch the silhouette of the city.