The Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha Mansion, located on the shores of Kanlıca with a view of the Bosphorus, is a magnificent structure that stands out from afar with its red ochre facade.
This historic mansion, built at the end of the 19th century, is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman period civil architecture in the Bosporus. Due to its vibrant red exterior color, it was also referred to as the "Rose of the Ottomans" in the past. Located on the shores of the Kanlıca neighborhood surrounded by greenery, the mansion creates a stunning silhouette for boats passing through the Bosporus and captivates visitors at first sight.
History
The mansion was commissioned in 1870 by Asaf Pasha, who was the governor of Üsküdar at the time. For a while, it was also referred to as "Asaf Pasha's Mansion"; however, the building gained its true fame through its later owner, Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha. Hasan Pasha, one of the rare names who rose from the rank of private in the Ottoman army to marshal, earned the nickname "Yedi Sekiz" because he was illiterate and signed his name by combining the Arabic numerals 7 and 8. A well-known Ottoman statesman, Hasan Pasha was the famous commander of the Beşiktaş Police Station (Beşiktaş Guard), recognized for his loyalty to the sultan and for suppressing the Çırağan Incident in 1878. According to legend, Sultan II. Abdulhamid awarded the ownership of this mansion to Hasan Pasha in return for his services during the Çırağan incident. Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha spent the last years of his life in this mansion and passed away here in 1905.
After the death of Hasan Pasha, the waterfront mansion remained with his family for a while, and in the following years, it changed hands several times. In 1971, it was registered as a cultural heritage by the High Council of Monuments and Antiquities, thus being protected. The three-story wooden mansion reflects the architectural features of classical Ottoman waterfront mansions with its central hall layout, spacious stone section, and bay windows that extend toward the sea from the second floor. The structure underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2009 and is now among the most robust and well-preserved waterfront mansions in the Bosphorus. Since the mansion is privately owned, the interior is not open to the public; the best way to experience this historical beauty, which can be seen from the outside, is to watch it while passing by on a boat in the Bosphorus.
Explore By Yacht
During a pleasant yacht tour in the Istanbul Bosphorus, you can discover the Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha Mansion on the coast of Kanlıca from the sea. With the
yacht rental on the Bosphorus service that offers a unique experience away from the crowds, you have the opportunity to closely see this historic mansion by planning your route as you wish. As you glide through the cool waters of the Bosphorus, you can clearly admire the wooden facade decorations of the mansion, its bay windows, and its architectural elegance even under the shimmering lights.
Renting a yacht to take a Bosphorus tour and closely viewing the historical mansions makes your trip to Istanbul unforgettable. By renting a private yacht, you can stop at any desired location to take photos and gain insights about the cultural heritage of the Bosphorus with a guide. As you pass by Kanlıca, observing Ottoman heritage structures like the Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha Mansion from the sea allows you to notice many details that you wouldn't see from the land. Moreover, this way, you can enjoy both the natural beauty and history of Istanbul in a private setting, away from crowded ferries.
Our recommendation for those who want to enjoy the unique view of the Bosphorus to the fullest: rent a yacht and create your own private Bosphorus tour. Whether for a daily trip or a special event, seeing the pearls of Istanbul from the sea with a comfortable yacht offers a completely different experience. You can view many magnificent mansions, especially the Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha Mansion, from the best angles; you can feel the historical texture accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus. You can set your own route and explore at your desired pace, embarking on a Bosphorus journey where you will create unforgettable memories.