Saffet Pasha Mansion

With its broad waterscape and the elegance of classical Ottoman architecture, it instantly captures the attention of those passing through the Bosphorus. This two-story wooden structure, which has witnessed history for centuries, leaves both domestic and foreign visitors in awe with its magnificent presence and the stories it holds.

History

The mansion built by the Ottoman statesman Edhem Efendi in 1760 takes its name from Mehmet Esad Saffet Pasha, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and briefly as the Grand Vizier during the reign of Sultan II. Abdülhamid. The Saffet Pasha Mansion, which hosted pashas, princes, duchesses, and world-famous writers like Agatha Christie and Somerset Maugham with its unique view, held an important place in the social life of the era. After a critical meeting held in this mansion following the Treaty of Ayastefanos in 1878, which resulted in territorial losses for the Ottoman Empire, Saffet Pasha lost his life here from grief.

The mansion, inherited from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic, hosted the residence of Saffet Pasha’s family (Simavi family) for a long time. It is known that in the 1950s, due to the maintenance costs of the structure which passed to the Cenani family for a period, it was occasionally used as a film set. Indeed, some scenes from the 1966 film 'Çalıkuşu', adapted from Reşat Nuri Güntekin's famous novel, were shot in this mansion; however, a huge fire in 1976 completely reduced the mansion to ashes, leaving it in ruins for many years.

The Saffet Pasha Mansion, which was abandoned to its fate for a long time, was rebuilt in the 2000s in a way that is faithful to its original form and restored to its former glory by the Bosphorus. After the restoration, the mansion remained under the ownership of Ahmet Sapmaz, one of the founders of Akbank, for some time, and later passed to Dinç Bilgin, the founder of Sabah Newspaper; in 2002, it was purchased by businessman Erol Toksöz and continues to be used as a private residence today.

Explore By Yacht

The best way to see and photograph the Saffet Pasha Mansion, one of the pearls of the Bosphorus, is to approach it from the sea. With a private yacht rental, you can closely observe the mansion against the backdrop of the unique view of the Bosphorus. The exterior decorations and architectural details of the mansion can be easily observed from the sea; moreover, you can enjoy this historical beauty away from the noise of the road, with only the sound of the waves.

By renting a yacht, you can explore the shores of Kanlıca as you wish and find the opportunity to view this magnificent mansion from any angle you desire. During the yacht tour, you will have the chance to discover not only the Saffet Pasha Mansion but also many historical mansions and palaces of the Istanbul Bosphorus. If you wish, you can anchor near Kanlıca Pier and have the chance to taste the famous yogurt of the district or take a short walk along its green shores. Thanks to the freedom to create your own route, you can experience this tranquil corner of the Bosphorus peacefully away from the crowds.

To fully experience all these beauties, rent a yacht during your visit to Istanbul and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the Bosphorus first-hand. The view of the mansions from the sea offers a much more impressive and holistic panorama compared to the land side. While admiring the Saffet Pasha Mansion from the water, you will feel the Ottoman heritage up close and experience the historical texture of Istanbul in luxury and comfort. An exploration by yacht for an unforgettable Bosphorus trip is the key to seeing this unique treasure the city offers in the most special way.