“To see me does not necessarily mean to see my face.” These are the iconic words Atatürk spoke right here at Kocataş Mansion. Now known as Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul, this place has a rich story. It is located in the prosperous Sarıyer district. This area is famous for its waterfront properties. These are called “Pearls of Bosphorus.”
Six Senses Kocataş Mansions is made up of two restored Ottoman-era mansions. These are Kocataş Mansion and Sait Paşa Mansion. Both show the architecture and artifacts of the original 19th-century mansions. The original Kocataş Mansions belonged to Necmettin Molla Kocataş. He was the Ottoman Minister of Justice and owner of Kocataş Water. Just behind the mansions is a community known for its pure spring water.
The Bosphorus Strait is visible from here. This waterway separates Europe and Asia. It has been sailed since Roman times. N. M. Kocataş purchased and restored Kocataş Mansion in 1928. Many historic figures have stayed here.
On July 31, 1930, Atatürk visited Kocataş Mansion. A special dinner was held in his honor. Locals gathered to cheer him. Atatürk went to the terrace and spoke his famous words. “To understand my thoughts is to have seen me.”
Kocataş Mansion has been used as a set for Turkish movies. “Vahşi Bir Kız Sevdim” and “Elif ile Seydo” are just a few examples. A fire damaged Kocataş Mansion in 1997. It was later restored with modern touches. Six Senses brought it back to life.
Mehmet Sait Paşa built Sait Paşa Mansion. He served as grand vizier many times. A fire left Sait Paşa Mansion empty in the early 20th century. Six Senses restored this mansion too. They added modern touches while keeping its original beauty.
Today, Six Senses Kocataş Mansions has 45 guest rooms and suites. The rooms blend Turkish style with modern comforts. There are marble bathrooms and high ceilings. The hotel offers a private boat for sightseeing. There are also private gardens and a spa.
Richard Sandoval’s Toro Pan-Latin and Asian Gastro Bar is here. You can enjoy local food sourced sustainably. The hotel reflects Istanbul’s blend of east and west and ancient and modern. It respects its 150-year history.
Each guest has a GEM or Guest Experience Maker. They can arrange trips around old Istanbul. A boat shuttle runs daily. You can also explore Garipçe near the Black Sea. Or take a Bosphorus mansions tour.
Kocataş Mahallesi itself had a population of 4479 in 2023. This shows it is a vibrant part of Istanbul.