Selahattin Adil Pasha Mansion

This elegant structure is not made of wood; it is entirely built from stone materials and has traces of the striking Art Nouveau style in its architectural details. When viewed from the sea, the wide balconies extending along the entirety of the mansion's facade and the peach-colored exterior facade are immediately noticeable. Rising from the waters of the Bosphorus, the Selahattin Adil Pasha Mansion showcases a distinct grandeur among the historical buildings surrounding it, both in its color and its aesthetic influenced by the West.

History

Although the exact construction date of the mansion is not known, it is understood that it was built in the early 1940s by Selahattin Adil Pasha, who is known to have lived there for a time. Selahattin Adil Pasha (1882–1961), who served as a front commander during the War of Independence and was one of Atatürk's close companions, purchased this magnificent structure from Emir Zayd, the son of Sharif Hussein of Hejaz, and named it after himself. Unlike many Bosphorus mansions inherited from the Ottoman period, this mansion, which has a Western-style stone architecture, stands out as a private residence reflecting the taste and status of the early years of the Republic. Although today it is still commonly referred to as Selahattin Adil Pasha Mansion, it has also been called different names due to changes of ownership in later years.

After Pasha, the property was purchased in the late 1940s by Tahsin Uzel, known as the "King of Dams" among the famous industrialists of the time. Mr. Tahsin demolished both structures completely by purchasing the neighboring mansion adjacent to the villa and had the famous architect Sedad Hakkı Eldem build the current massive mansion in its place by merging the lots. This new structure began to be referred to as Tahsin Bey Mansion at that time. However, shortly after the construction was completed, Tahsin Uzel experienced a great tragedy: while waiting for his son Murat to graduate from his studies in Europe, he received the news that the young man had died in a car accident. This series of painful events, combined with the bankruptcy of Tahsin Bey's company during the same period, led to the emergence of a "curse" legend about the mansion that would be talked about for years. In fact, it has become a legend that almost everyone who bought this mansion after its first owner, Tahsin Uzel, faced economic difficulties. According to the rumor, the demolition of an old Byzantine cold room in the garden while the new mansion was being constructed has been told as the reason for this misfortune. Of course, such legends do not overshadow the historical appeal of the mansion; rather, they ensure that it is a unique structure that possesses one of the mystical stories of the Bosphorus.

After the death of Tahsin Uzel, his heirs sold the mansion to newspaper owner Kemal Ilıcak in 1960. In the following years, the mansion changed hands many times. In 1975, businessman Sadi Gülçelik (also referred to as Sadi Özçelik in some sources), one of the founders of ENKA Holding, became the new owner of the mansion, but Gülçelik lost his life in a plane crash in 1980, and the property returned to the Ilıcak family. Later, the Ilıcak family transferred ownership of the mansion to media mogul Erol Aksoy, the owner of Show TV; however, due to the collapse of Aksoy's banking activities, the mansion was seized by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) in 2001. Finally, in an auction held in 2004, the mansion was purchased by Suzan Sabancı Dinçer for approximately 15 million USD, registering as one of the most valuable historical residences in Istanbul. Today, Selahattin Adil Pasha Mansion is a private property; the interior of the building is not open to visitors, and those who wish to see the mansion closely can only admire this architectural masterpiece from the outside, especially from the sea.

Explore By Yacht

One of the most enjoyable and comfortable ways to explore the Istanbul Bosphorus is to take advantage of the option to rent a yacht. While cruising on the Bosphorus with your own private yacht, you can travel in a calm and free atmosphere, away from the noise of the city. Moreover, renting a yacht gives you the opportunity to see the historic waterfront mansions and palaces from the sea, showcasing their most beautiful facades. Unlike crowded boat tours, this experience, where you can determine your route and pace as you wish, is ideal for truly experiencing the beauties of Istanbul.

By renting a yacht, you can explore the coast of Yeniköy and its surroundings according to your own schedule. You will especially have the chance to approach the magnificent structures like the Selahattin Adil Pasha Mansion at a reasonable distance with your yacht for close examination and photography. By renting a yacht, you can comfortably see other famous mansions in this part of the Bosphorus – such as the nearby Tahsin Uzer Mansion, the Şehzade Burhanettin Efendi Mansion, or the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion a bit further south – all in one go. By sailing at your own pace, you will have the opportunity to enjoy both the natural beauty of Istanbul and its historical mansions.

If you want to fully explore the unique view of the Bosphorus and its historic mansions, you can rent a yacht on the Bosphorus and experience this unique adventure. Whether you glide close to the mansions on the azure waters during the daytime or feel the romantic atmosphere of the Bosphorus under the lights at sunset – a yacht tour is always unforgettable. By renting your own private yacht, you can explore this jewel of Istanbul either with a guide or at your leisure, enjoying the privilege of roaming freely along the historically rich shores. Yachting on the Bosphorus is the best way to experience the magic of Istanbul for both local and foreign visitors.