Sait Halim Pasha Mansion is one of the most beautiful mansions on the Bosphorus and is an important historical building. The mansion is located in the Sarıyer district, on the coast of Yeniköy. It is also known as "Arslanlı Mansion" because of the two lion statues on its quay.
History of Sait Halim Pasha Mansion
It has been determined that the first owners of
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion were the Düzoğulları family. According to the information obtained, the mansion left by the Düzoğulları was completely demolished by the Aristarhis Family and rebuilt in 1863.
In 1876, the mansion, which came under the ownership of Prince Abdülhalim Pasha, the son of the Governor of Egypt Kavalalı Mehmet Ali Pasha, was rebuilt in its current form by the architect-journeyman Petraki Adamandidis from Çanakkale, since it was in ruins at that time and did not have the desired size.
After the death of Abdülhalim Pasha in 1890, it was left to the nine children of Yalı Pasha. Sait Halim Pasha bought all the shares belonging to his brothers and became the owner of the mansion in 1894.
Sait Halim Pasha served as grand vizier in the Ottoman Empire between 1913 and 1917 and also played an important role in the Ottoman Empire's alliance with Germany in World War I. After the death of the Pasha, the mansion was left to his heirs.
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, which was sold to the Tourism Bank in 1968, was used as a casino for a while only for foreigners.
The mansion was renovated in 1974 and was renovated between 1980 and 1984 by the Tourism Bank to the TAÇ (Turkish Monument and Environmental Protection) Foundation.
When the Tourism Bank was transformed into the Development Bank of Turkey in 1989, the new owner of the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion was the Development Bank of Turkey. During this period, the garden of the mansion was operated as a restaurant in the summer months and some of its rooms were turned into a museum. Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, which was also used as the Prime Minister's summer residence, also hosted official meetings from time to time.
In 1995, a fire broke out while it was being used as the official guest house of the Prime Minister's Office, and the restoration works started afterwards were completed in 2002. During the works carried out under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Doğan Kuban and under the supervision of seven consultants, the mansion was restored according to its state in the 1860s, not according to its state before the fire, and its usage rights were transferred to the private sector for 49 years in 2005.
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion has become one of the indispensable venues of events and invitations today.
Architecture of Sait Halim Pasha Mansion
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion generally exhibits the combination of Neo-Classical and traditional Ottoman architecture. While the Neo-Classical style manifests itself in the symmetrical and columned facades of the mansion, the Ottoman style is noticeable in its fine woodwork, rich decorations and interior details.
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion is remarkable for its wide façade overlooking the Bosphorus and a dock extending towards the sea. The location of the mansion reflects the beauty of the Bosphorus in the best way. The large windows are arranged in such a way that the view of the Bosphorus is in. The façade of the mansion opening to the sea and the wide quay are among the characteristic features of the typical Ottoman mansions of the period.
Wood comes to the fore in the construction of Sait Halim Pasha Mansion. The wood used in the exterior and interiors is adorned with details reflecting the elegant craftsmanship of the period. Wood panels, ceiling decorations and fine workmanship on the doors increase the elegance of the mansion. The interiors attract attention with high ceilings and large halls. The fine ornaments, carvings and patterns used on the ceilings emphasize the richness and magnificence of the mansion. Each room is designed for different functions and is equipped with rooms and halls that reflect the lifestyle of the period.
How to get to Sait Halim Pasha Mansion
Getting a
yacht charter service to go to Sait Halim Pasha Mansion is a great option for those who want to explore the beauties of the Bosphorus.
Many yacht charter companies in Istanbul can take you to the mansion by organizing a Bosphorus tour, and our company is one of the most reliable of them.
You can get an hourly or daily yacht charter service at any time of the year and attend an invitation at Sait Halim Yaşa Mansion, or you can take souvenir photos while passing by before getting off the yacht.