Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait in the Beylerbeyi neighbourhood of Üsküdar district, Şevket Pasha Mansion is one of the most eye-catching historical mansions on the Bosphorus with its white-painted wooden façade, elegant Ottoman architecture and location right on the waterfront.
This magnificent mansion, with its exquisite Bosphorus view and ostentatious appearance, resembles a small palace to those looking at it from the outside. The mansion, which gives all local and foreign visitors a fascinating first impression with its historical atmosphere, has attracted the attention of a wide audience and increased its fame in recent years with the filming of the popular television series Yalı Çapkını.
History of the Şevket Pasha Mansion
Şevket Pasha Mansion was built during the late Ottoman Empire and named after Şevket Pasha, one of the leading statesmen of that period. Dating back to the late 19th century, this wooden mansion was built by Şevket Pasha as a residence for his family. From the time it was built, it became one of the important venues of social life in the Bosphorus and is known to have hosted some of the prominent figures of the period. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic, the mansion retained its private property status for many years and was used as a residence by various families.
In the second half of the 20th century, the building was purchased by the Sabancı family, one of Istanbul's most prominent families, and came into the hands of its new owners. The late Sakıp Sabancı, a renowned industrialist, resided in the mansion for a period and meticulously maintained it, placing great importance on preserving its historical character. In the 1980s, the mansion underwent a comprehensive restoration in accordance with its original design, following permission from the Monuments Board. During this restoration, the building's original architectural features and decorations were preserved, while contemporary infrastructure systems and comfort elements were carefully integrated. As a result, the mansion has been reborn, retaining its elegance from the past while adapting to modern living conditions. Today, the Şevket Pasha Mansion, owned by Dilek Sabancı, remains a private property and continues to stand as one of the Sabancı Family's valuable heritage sites along the Bosphorus. Recently, the mansion has once again come to the forefront of public attention due to the filming of the TV series Yalı Çapkını. This location, which previously hosted the series Masumiyet, has become a must-visit destination for travellers interested in the historic mansions of the Bosphorus. Additionally, according to news reports in 2024, the mansion was put up for sale at a record price, but the listing was later withdrawn, further highlighting the structure's value and appeal.
Discover the Şevket Pasha Mansion by Yacht
Setting sail on the cool waters of the Bosphorus and admiring the historic mansions from the sea on a rental yacht is one of the most enchanting experiences this city has to offer. The true beauty of the mansions, which are lined up like pearls along the Bosphorus coast, is fully revealed when viewed from the sea. As you sail away from the city's hustle and bustle and into the peaceful atmosphere of the Bosphorus, the view that greets you will resemble a fairy-tale painting. One of the elements that makes this experience even more special is undoubtedly the opportunity to admire magnificent structures such as the Şevket Pasha Mansion on the Beylerbeyi coast in all their splendour from the sea.
Renting a yacht and taking a private tour is the ideal way to enjoy the historic Bosphorus scenery and see this unique mansion up close. You can set your own route and travel on a private boat, freely exploring the area without being tied to the standard itineraries of crowded tour boats. Whether you set sail at sunrise or sunset, you can photograph the ever-changing views of the Bosphorus as you wish, and even take a short break in front of the mansion to explore the details of the Şevket Pasha Mansion. During this journey accompanied by the sound of waves and seagulls, you can enhance the cultural richness of your tour by listening to the story of the historic mansion from your guide. As you slowly approach the Beylerbeyi coastline in your private yacht, seeing the intricate details of the mansion emerge one by one, as if transported through time, will make you feel like you are part of a journey into the past.
A recommendation for anyone who wants to experience Istanbul from a truly unique perspective: rent a yacht on the Bosphorus and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience. When you set sail on the Bosphorus's blue waters aboard your own yacht, you will have the freedom to admire the city's most beautiful structures, especially historic and majestic mansions like the Şevket Pasha Mansion, at your own pace and from any distance. During this exclusive journey, away from the crowds and with only your loved ones by your side, it is impossible not to be captivated by the magic of moments where history and luxury intersect. Whether it's for a special celebration or simply to fully savour the essence of Istanbul, a yacht tour on the Bosphorus will leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Feeling the breeze of the Bosphorus on the deck while watching the Şevket Pasha Mansion rise before you, combined with the peace of being on the water yet in the heart of the city, truly offers a unique experience.