Once home to a daughter of Sultan Murat V, this red-roofed yalı under the Bosphorus Bridge functioned as a school, orphanage and sports centre during the 20th century and at the time of writing was undergoing a huge renovation that will see it and the neighbouring Fehime Sultan Yalı transformed into a luxury hotel complex.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Fehime Sultan Yalı

Once home to a daughter of Sultan Murat V, this huge yalı was built in the 1880s and extensively damaged by fire in 2003. At the time of writing it was…

2. Ortaköy Mosque

0.22 MILES

This elegant baroque-style structure was designed by Nikoğos Balyan, one of the architects of Dolmabahçe Palace, and built for Sultan Abdül Mecit I…

3. Feriye Palace

0.5 MILES

This complex of three buildings on the Bosphorus shore was commissioned by Sultan Abdül Aziz in 1871 to house members of the royal family who could not be…

4. Beylerbeyi Palace

0.67 MILES

This opulently furnished 1865 building was designed by Sarkis Balyan, brother of Nikoğos (architect of Dolmabahçe Palace). It delighted both Sultan Abdül…

5. Yıldız Park

0.74 MILES

This large and leafy retreat is alive with birds, picnicking families and young couples strolling hand in hand. The best time to visit is in April, when…

6. Çırağan Palace

0.89 MILES

Not satisfied with the architectural exertions of his predecessor at Dolmabahçe Palace, Sultan Abdül Aziz (r 1861–76) built his own grand residence at…

7. Fethi Ahmed Paşa Yalı

1 MILES

A wide white building with a red-tiled roof, this yalı was built in the late 18th century. Composer Franz Liszt stayed in it during his visits to the city.

8. Robert College

1.31 MILES

On the hill behind Arnavutköy, the former American College for Girls (established 1871) is now part of the prestigious Robert College. Famous alumni…