Sait Halim Pasha Mansion is a unique building where the magnificent atmosphere of 19th-century Ottoman architecture meets the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
Located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in the Yeniköy neighbourhood of Sarıyer district, this historic mansion captivates visitors at first glance with its elegant architecture and wide pier extending into the sea. Known as one of the largest and most magnificent mansions on the Bosphorus, the structure offers a unique blend of the grandeur of the past and the natural beauty of the Bosphorus.
History of the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion
The first known owners of the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion were the Düzoğulları family; the old structure left behind by this family was completely demolished by the Aristarhis family and rebuilt as a new mansion in 1863. In 1876, Prince Abdülhalim Pasha, son of the Governor of Egypt, Kavalalı Mehmet Ali Pasha, became the new owner of the mansion. He had the dilapidated structure rebuilt in its current magnificent form by the Çanakkale-based architect and master builder Petraki Adamandidis to suit the needs of the time. When Abdulhalim Pasha passed away in 1890, the mansion was inherited by his nine children; Sait Halim Pasha purchased his siblings' shares and became the sole owner of the mansion in 1894.
Sait Halim Pasha served as Grand Vizier (Prime Minister) of the Ottoman Empire between 1913 and 1917 and played an important role in the Ottoman Empire's alliance with Germany during World War I. During his first official term, in 1913, two lion statues were brought from Italy and Germany as gifts to be placed at the entrance of the mansion, and it began to be known among the people as the ‘Lion Mansion.’ Additionally, the famous alliance agreement between the Ottoman Empire and Germany was signed in 1914 in the study of the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion. When Sait Halim Pasha was assassinated in Rome in 1921, ownership of the mansion passed to his son, Prince Halim Said, and remained in the family for some time.
The mansion's fate changed in 1968 when the property was transferred to the Tourism Bank. During this period, the mansion served as a casino accessible only to foreigners for a time. The building underwent renovations in 1974 and was comprehensively restored by the TAÇ Foundation (Turkey Monument and Environment Protection Foundation) between 1980 and 1984. In 1989, when the Tourism Bank was converted into the Turkey Development Bank, ownership of the mansion passed to this bank. During this period, the mansion's garden was converted into a restaurant during the summer months, and some of its rooms were turned into a museum. It even served as one of the venues for the Prime Minister's summer residence and official meetings for a time. In 1995, a major fire occurred while the mansion was being used as a guesthouse for the Prime Ministry, causing significant damage to a large part of the building. Restoration work, which began in 1998 under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Doğan Kuban, was completed in 2002, restoring the mansion to its original appearance from the 1890s. Finally, under an agreement signed in 2005, the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion was leased to a private company for a long term and today serves as one of Istanbul's most popular historical venues for weddings, meetings and similar events.
Discover the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion by Yacht
For those who want to reach Sait Halim Pasha Mansion from the sea, hourly yacht rental service is a great option to discover the beauties of the Bosphorus. You can enjoy the unique views of Istanbul while taking a Bosphorus tour and experience the privilege of seeing this historic mansion from the sea. Especially during the summer months, you can take a pleasant boat trip on the cool waters of the Bosphorus and capture the mansion's impressive exterior from the best angles.
By renting a yacht, you can easily reach Sait Halim Pasha Mansion with a private tour organised on the Bosphorus; our experienced team stands out as one of the most reliable options among many companies offering this service. During your yacht trip, you can also learn more about the history and architecture of the mansion with the help of a guide. With these special boat tours, where you can set your own route, you can explore this mansion, considered the jewel of the Bosphorus, up close and personal.
To fully enjoy the Bosphorus and see this historic mansion up close, rent a yacht; if you wish, you can attend special events at the mansion by sea or capture unforgettable moments as you pass by. Available year-round with hourly or daily rental options, these yacht tours will add a unique experience to your trip to Istanbul. Enjoying the serene beauty of the sea while experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion by renting a yacht will create unforgettable memories for both local and international guests.