Sadullah Pasha Mansion

This 18th-century wooden mansion, located by the sea in the Çengelköy neighborhood of the Üsküdar district, is one of the rare buildings that has largely preserved its original architectural texture. Its red-painted facade and elegant stance are immediately noticeable from the boats passing through the Bosphorus. Although it reflects the classical Ottoman mansion style from the outside, the interior dazzles with its Baroque-style decoration. The ceilings of the rooms are adorned with paintings of Istanbul made in the 19th century, and the intricate woodwork details leave viewers in awe.

History

Sadullah Pasha's Mansion, built at the end of the 18th century, was initially allocated to Mehmet Ağa, the Dârüssaâde Ağa (chief of the harem) at the Ottoman palace. This mansion, a gift from Sultan I. Abdülhamid, was later purchased by Koca Yusuf Pasha, the grand vizier of III. Selim. When Yusuf Pasha's wife, Hanife Hanım, passed away, the mansion transferred to their daughter, Emine Hanım; and from her, it passed on to her grandson, Hamdi Pasha, the governor of Baghdad. Due to debts, Hamdi Pasha sold the mansion to Esat Muhlis Pasha, a statesman and the father of Sadullah Pasha. The mansion, taken over by Sadullah Pasha in the mid-19th century, has been referred to by his name ever since.

The series of sad events experienced in the life of Sadullah Pasha and his family has led to rumors over time that the mansion brings misfortune to its owners. During the Republic period, the structure was restored multiple times in an effort to preserve its historical texture. In the 1950s, a restoration carried out under the direction of Architect Turgut Cansever by the then owners revealed some original parts of the mansion; and a comprehensive restoration conducted between 1995 and 1997 renewed the interior decorations in accordance with the original design. The striking red color of the mansion is not random, but rather a detail that indicates its owners served the Ottoman Empire. Today, Sadullah Pasha Mansion is owned by the Tek Esin Foundation founded by Sadullah Pasha's relative Dr. Emel Esin, and is carefully preserved by the foundation.

Explore By Yacht

Renting a yacht on the Bosphorus is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the historic mansions of Istanbul. On a yacht trip accompanied by the cool breeze of the sea, you have the opportunity to see magnificent mansions along the coastline, such as Sadullah Pasha Mansion, up close. Architectural details that may remain hidden when viewed from the shore can be closely examined during the yacht tour, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the mansion.

By renting a yacht on the Bosphorus, you can have a completely private Bosphorus tour away from crowded tourist groups. This way, you have the freedom to stop at any point you wish to take photos or enjoy the view. While gently gliding past the Sadullah Pasha Yalı, you can relax and admire the silhouette of the mansion reflected in the water and the surrounding natural beauty.

If you want to fully experience the enchanting atmosphere of the Istanbul Strait, you should rent a yacht. With a delightful yacht tour in the Bosphorus, you can discover other historic mansions and palaces along the coast, starting with the Sadullah Pasha Mansion. As you determine your own route and enjoy the privilege of seeing the pearls of the Bosphorus up close, this unique experience will be an unforgettable part of your vacation.