The Zeki Pasha Mansion is one of the most remarkable and luxurious properties in Turkey— not only because of its prime location on the Bosphorus, but also for being a unique architectural witness to the late Ottoman era. Recently brought back to the spotlight after being listed for sale once again, the mansion has become one of the most desirable luxury properties attracting global investors.
Turkey’s Most Expensive Property in 2024
The current owners have listed the mansion for sale without revealing an official price, but 2024 estimates valued it at $125 million, making it the most expensive announced property in Turkey, according to official reports.
Located under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in the Rumeli Hisarı district of Istanbul, the mansion enjoys one of the most prestigious locations, offering a direct panoramic view of the Bosphorus.
A Unique Blend of Ottoman Elegance and Western Architecture
The mansion has preserved its original early 20th-century character and features:
- 23 bedrooms
- 5 grand salons
- 8 bathrooms
- A large landscaped garden
- A stunning panoramic view of the Bosphorus
Its architectural design blends traditional Ottoman spirit with Western influences. Baroque-inspired elements adorn the façade, with tall windows and elegant decorative belts connecting the floors.
This fusion of European flair and Ottoman taste gives the mansion a distinctive identity unmatched by any other property on the Bosphorus.
Commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II
The mansion was commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II as a summer residence for Marshal Zeki Pasha, one of the prominent military commanders at “Tophane Palace.”
The Sultan assigned renowned Italian-Ottoman architect Alexander Vallaury to design the mansion — the same architect behind many historic buildings in Istanbul.
Due to political changes, Zeki Pasha was dismissed from his positions in 1908 and passed away in 1914, marking the beginning of a long journey of ownership transfers for the mansion.
A Royal Journey Through the Ottoman and Republican Eras
After Zeki Pasha’s death, the mansion was purchased by Prince Ömer Faruk Efendi, the son-in-law of the last Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed VI Vahideddin. He lived there with his wife, Princess Sabiha Sultan, before they left the country.
During the early Republican era, the mansion was acquired by the Baştımar family in the 1930s and served as a private residence for many years.
This rich ownership history reflects the mansion’s high status among Ottoman elites and influential Turkish families.
Why Is This Mansion Back in the Investment Spotlight?
Today, the Zeki Pasha Mansion represents a rare combination of:
- Deep Ottoman historical value
- Exceptional Bosphorus views
- A once-in-a-lifetime location
- Architecture that blends East and West
- A fully preserved structure ready for luxury living or boutique hospitality investment
With the scarcity of waterfront mansions on the Bosphorus and the increasing global demand for exclusive properties in Istanbul, the Zeki Pasha Mansion remains one of the most unique investment opportunities to appear in the market.
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