With a longing sigh
Güncelleme Tarihi:
ISTANBUL – Living in a yalı, a seaside house on the Bosphorous, has always been part of the Turkish dream. These houses are more than just residences, they offer the fulfillment of a daily longing felt by Istanbul residents, to be closer to the Bosphorous.
Istanbul Life magazine showcased some of the most expensive yalıs in its latest issue. Some of them are works of art, others are postcards from another era. They have housed celebrities and served as backdrops to some of Turkey’s favorite TV shows. Whatever monetary value they hold, to Istanbullites, they are priceless jewels of the Bosphorous.
The Abud Efendi Yalısı, valued at $30 million, was built by İsmail Fasa, a businessman and politician during the rule of Sultan Abdülmecid. It was the setting of the famous Turkish TV show Gümüş, a favorite in many middle eastern countries. This might explain why tourists from that region flock to the yalı to take photos each year.
The Ahmet Afif Paşa Yalısı, valued at $50 million, is in Yeniköy. The yalı has been the backdrop for many TV shows and for a long time it was the main location for many Yeşilçam movies, the Turkish equivalent of films from the Hollywood golden age.
The Faik and Bekir Bey Yalısı, valued at $75 million, was built for the twin daughters of Sultan Sara and for a long time was known as the İkiz Yalı, or Twin yalı. When two people bought two different sides of the house, the yalı was then referred to by two names, Faik and Bekir.
The Sait Halim Paşa Yalısı was previously known as the informal Turkish Music Academy, as many masters of Turkish music gathered there. In 1955 the yalı was damaged by fire and turned over to the government. Restorations were completed in 2002 and it is now used as an events venue.
The Edip Efendi Yalısı carries the name of a high-ranking Ottoman official. A famous resident of this house was the author of “Romance of the Bosphorous,” Dorina Lady Neave.
The Ahmet Fethi Paşa Yalısı, valued at $120 million, belonged to the highest ranking religious officer in the Ottoman Empıre. The yalı then through marriage, changed hands and became the property of Fethi Paşa, who gave it his name and its grand style. The yalı is now owned by the Moccan Family and is sometimes referred to by their family name.
The Hekimbaşı Salih Efendi Yalısı, valued at $85 million, is still inhabited by Salih Efendi’s relatives. The house has been preserved in its entirety, highlighting the taste of its owner and decorator Salih Efendi. The yalı is renowned for its beautiful gardens which would bloom into a dizzying array of color during Salih Efendi’s time there. People say although the house and gardens have been fully preserved, the flowers never bloom as beautifully as they did when Salih Efendi tended them.