Located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, on the Rumelihisarı coast, Zeki Paşa Mansion is a historic building that immediately catches the eye with its magnificent appearance on the coast.
Located just below the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, this elegant mansion stands out from other buildings along the Bosphorus coast with its castle-like architecture and grandeur. Dating back to the Ottoman period, the Zeki Pasha Mansion remains one of the most iconic buildings along Istanbul's coastline.
History of the Zeki Pasha Mansion
Zeki Pasha Mansion was built in the late 19th century during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamit II for Tophane Müşiri Mustafa Zeki Pasha (also known as Filinta Mustafa). Designed by French-born Levantine architect Alexandre Vallaury, the building was completed at the beginning of the 20th century. Zeki Pasha, one of the leading commanders of the period, planned this magnificent mansion as a summer residence for his family, especially during the summer months. However, with the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, Zeki Pasha fell from grace and was removed from his posts without being able to live in his mansion for long. The Pasha, who was exiled, passed away in 1914. Following Zeki Pasha's death, this mansion, considered one of the pearls of the Bosphorus, began to change hands.
Members of the Ottoman dynasty became the subsequent owners of Zeki Pasha's mansion. Ömer Faruk Efendi, the son-in-law of the last Ottoman sultan, Mehmed VI (Vahdettin), purchased the mansion from Zeki Pasha's family and lived there for a time with his wife, Sabiha Sultan, and their family. In 1924, when members of the Ottoman dynasty were forced to leave the country, Sabiha Sultan also departed from Istanbul, and the mansion changed hands again during the Republican era. In the 1930s, the mansion was purchased by the Baştımar Family, one of Istanbul's prominent families, and was used as a private residence for many years. The Zeki Pasha Mansion, which has largely retained its original character throughout the 20th century, was put up for sale in October 2019 for 550 million Turkish Lira and made headlines as one of Turkey's most expensive residential properties. Today, the mansion remains in private ownership. As a historical monument, the structure is under state protection and safeguarded against unauthorised alterations or demolition. In recent years, plans and reports have emerged regarding the comprehensive restoration and revitalisation of the mansion for tourism purposes. If these plans are realised, the Zeki Pasha Mansion could potentially be opened to the public as a museum or cultural venue.
Discover the Zeki Pasha Mansion by Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to discover the beauty of the Bosphorus is by taking a private boat trip. The historic mansions and palaces, lined up like pearls along the European and Asian shores of the city, reveal their full splendour when viewed from the sea. Viewing structures such as Zeki Pasha Mansion from the cool waters of the Bosphorus is like watching a living history panorama. For those seeking a more independent experience than crowded tour boats, rental yacht on the Bosphorus is an excellent alternative. You can enjoy the privilege of seeing these historical treasures up close by setting your own route and taking a peaceful boat tour.
If you want to completely personalise your Bosphorus cruise, you can rent a yacht and enjoy the freedom to stop wherever you like. While travelling on your privately rented yacht, you can pass by the Zeki Pasha Mansion on the shores of Sarıyer, the jewel of Istanbul, at your own pace and anchor whenever you wish to admire this unique structure to your heart's content. Whether you want to take a photo break or examine the details of the mansion, being able to follow your own itinerary will give you a unique Bosphorus experience. Moreover, away from the crowds, this journey, which is exclusively for your loved ones, will allow you to feel the natural beauty and historical stories of the Bosphorus more deeply.
To fully experience the enchanting atmosphere of the Bosphorus, rent a yacht. On private yacht tours accompanied by a professional captain and crew, you can witness the stories of historical monuments such as the Zeki Pasha Mansion off the coast of Sarıyer from the sea. From the deck of your private yacht, you will be captivated by the unique silhouette of Istanbul as you gaze at the surrounding scenery in the gentle breeze of the Bosphorus. This experience, which offers a comfortable and educational journey, will add an unforgettable dimension to your trip as the most exclusive way to explore Istanbul's historical coastline.