With its red brick façade and towers, this historic mansion stands out among the traditional waterfront mansions in the surrounding area and is known locally as the Haunted Mansion. Rising close to the European side of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the mansion has an imposing appearance, resembling a castle when viewed from the Bosphorus coast. Today, the Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion serves as the headquarters of Borusan Holding and hosts the Borusan Contemporary contemporary art museum on weekends. With its architectural splendour and contemporary use, the mansion successfully carries the grandeur of the past into the present day with its view of the Bosphorus.
History of the Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion
The construction of Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion began in the 1910s, during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. The mansion's patron, Yusuf Ziya Pasha, was a wealthy Ottoman statesman who served as the chief aide to Abbas Hilmi Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt at the time. With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the construction work came to a halt as the craftsmen working on the mansion were called up to the front lines, and the building remained unfinished. Due to the prolonged construction delay, especially the second and third floors remained vacant, giving the structure an abandoned appearance. During this period, rumours spread among the local population, and the building came to be known as the Haunted Mansion. Legends about the mansion bringing bad luck and being haunted by ghosts or spirits spread by word of mouth, and the mansion became associated with a mysterious story for many years.
Despite the construction deficiencies, Yusuf Ziya Pasha and his family lived in the lower floors of the mansion for a while, but after the Pasha's death in 1926, the mansion was largely abandoned to its fate. The structure, which remained neglected for many years, remained in the possession of the Pasha's heirs during the Republican era and was not used. Finally, in 1993, the mansion was purchased by businessman Basri Erdoğan from all its shareholders. Subsequently, between 1995 and 2000, a comprehensive restoration and completion project was carried out under the leadership of architect Hakan Kıran. While the unfinished floors were completed in accordance with the original plan, the exterior of the building was restored to its original design. The red bricks used on the façade were specially imported from England to match the original texture. With interior renovations suitable for modern office use, the mansion was reborn in 2000. Shortly thereafter, Borusan Holding leased the renovated mansion on a long-term basis, moved its headquarters here, and began operations in this historic venue on 19 February 2007. Additionally, in 2011, a contemporary art museum opened its doors under the name Borusan Contemporary, combining office and museum concepts; thus, the mansion began serving Istanbul residents as an office during weekdays and a museum on weekends.
Discover the Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion by Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to discover the unique scenery of the Bosphorus is to witness this beauty from the water. A yacht tour of the Bosphorus offers a completely different perspective of the city, allowing you to see the waterfront mansions and pavilions from the sea. The Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion also appears in all its splendour when viewed from the sea, creating an impressive tableau that blends with the natural beauty of its surroundings. This special journey, far from the crowds and accompanied by the rhythm of the waves, offers you the opportunity to discover details of Istanbul's history and architecture that you may not have noticed before.
The most comfortable way to freely explore the Bosphorus is to take advantage of the Istanbul yacht rental service and set your own route. Taking a Bosphorus tour on your own rented yacht offers you a much more personal experience than scheduled ferry trips. You can stop at any point you like and admire the unique mansions or other historical buildings along the coast from the sea, taking as many photos as you wish to enjoy the view. Your trip on your private yacht allows you to discover the gems of the Bosphorus in both luxury and flexibility.
When you charter a yacht and set sail on the blue waters of Istanbul, the city's historical structures and natural beauties will begin to reveal their different faces to you. As you glide over the waves, both the Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion and other coastal mansions take on enchanting views that change with the light at different times of the day. Experience this unique adventure by renting a yacht and enjoy exploring the Bosphorus's beauty at your own pace. At the end of your private tour on the blue waters, you will have created unforgettable memories in the heart of Istanbul.