Muhsinzade Mansion

This magnificent mansion rising right by the waters of the Bosphorus showcases the elegance of classic Ottoman architecture. Viewed from the sea, the mansion, with its white-painted facade and red roof, immediately catches attention and captivates visitors with its grandeur that defies the centuries. Today, the restored building, used as a hotel, offers an impressive sight for both local and foreign guests by combining the noble atmosphere of the past with a modern touch.

History

The foundations of the Muhsinizade Mansion were laid in the first half of the 18th century. Built by Muhsinzade Mehmed Pasha, who held the title of Grand Vizier during the Ottoman period, this mansion was one of the important family residences of its time. Mehmed Pasha lived in this mansion for a while, and then gave the mansion as a wedding gift to his daughter, Rukiye Hanım. During the period when Rukiye Hanım married Mehmed Said Bey, the son of Boynueğri Abdullah Pasha, the mansion also witnessed significant events. It is known that in June 1796, during a major fire in Kuruçeşme, Sultan Selim III stayed briefly at the Muhsinizade Mansion to closely follow the events and to rest. Thus, the mansion also took its place in the memories of the Ottoman dynasty.

The members and grandchildren of the Muhsinizade family continued to live in this mansion until the 1920s. Among the residents of the mansion was the famous calligrapher of Ottoman calligraphy, Hattat Muhsinizade Abdullah Hamdi Efendi; he was born in this mansion and spent a significant part of his life here. However, as the family members gradually passed away and dispersed, the mansion was left abandoned. After being abandoned in the 1920s, the mansion succumbed to neglect. A fire in 1935 devastated the structure; after the fire, the mansion, which had lost all traces of its former grandeur, was used as a coal and sand depot for a long time. This structure, considered the pearl of the Bosphorus, was almost at the point of extinction.

By the time the 2000s came around, the Muhsinizade Yalı rose like a phoenix from its ashes. With the restoration project initiated by businessman Ünal Aysal, the remains of the yalı were rebuilt in 2002 in an authentic manner. The structure, reinforced with modern engineering techniques while preserving the characteristic architecture of the Ottoman era, was transformed into a luxury boutique hotel named Hotel Les Ottomans in 2006. The hotel's unique interior decor was crafted by famous designers, and since its opening, it has won numerous international awards, gaining global fame. Being one of the rare 'Feng Shui certified' hotels in the Bosphorus is also one of the privileges of this yalı in the modern era. Comprising about a dozen suites, Les Ottomans Hotel allows its guests to experience the grandeur of the Ottoman palace and was operated for many years by Ünal Aysal's Unit company. However, the historic mansion that went up for sale due to financial reasons in the 2020s changed hands for 3.2 billion TL at a foreclosure auction held in July 2025. The company BLG, owned by businessman Serdar Bilgili who made the highest bid at this auction, acquired the Muhsinizade Mansion. Today, the mansion continues to function as a hotel and maintains its existence as one of the most stunning historical structures along the Bosphorus with its new owners.

Explore By Yacht

One of the most enjoyable ways to discover the magic of the Bosphorus is undoubtedly through a private boat tour. When you consider the option of yacht rental for a Bosphorus tour, you get the chance to see historical mansions along the coastline, like the Muhsinizade Mansion, up close and without any obstructions. As your boat glides over the water, you can notice all the details of the elegant facade decorations of the mansion and its silhouette reflected in the Bosphorus. Indeed, the view of this magnificent mansion from across the Bosphorus offers a breathtaking panorama. Accompanied by the gentle waves of the sea, watching this historical beauty from angles that you can never see from the land will be an unforgettable experience.

It is possible to create a completely personal itinerary in the Bosphorus by renting your own yacht. Whether you slow down on the shores of Kuruçeşme on a sunny day and take a photo break in front of the Muhsinzade Yalısı, or enjoy the silhouette of Istanbul leaving the mansion in the background towards sunset – the route and pace are entirely up to you. Thanks to the freedom provided by renting a yacht, you can comfortably spend time away from the crowds while exploring the pearls of the Bosphorus. Moreover, while passing around Galatasaray Island with your boat, you will have the chance to see both the mansion and other nearby historical structures from a panoramic sea view. You can imagine that this mansion was approached by boats during the Ottoman period, establishing a connection between the past and the present. Spending time at your chosen stops and witnessing the unique atmosphere of the Istanbul Bosphorus up close makes this trip much more special.

If you want to experience a journey full of history and scenery through the Bosphorus, you can also rent a private yacht and set off to explore the beauties of Istanbul from the sea. A tour conducted on a comfortable yacht is one of the most distinguished ways to enjoy the city for both local and foreign visitors. Unlike crowded ferry tours, during your private yacht trip, you can enjoy the Bosphorus in a special setting with your loved ones. Accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, you can personalize your trip by bringing your own refreshments on board or listening to music. As you progress over the water in the heart of Istanbul, closely observing and photographing historical treasures like the Muhsinzade Mansion will be an unforgettable memory for everyone visiting this city. Amid the wave sounds rising from your bed and the cries of seagulls, experience to the fullest the fairy-tale world of the Bosphorus, surrounded on one side by the modern silhouette of Istanbul and on the other by century-old waterfront mansions – such an experience will introduce you to Istanbul from a completely different perspective and will be engraved in your memory for a lifetime.