Did Sadullah Pasha ever imagine his magnificent yalı would become a stage for such dramatic tales? Sadullah Paşa Yalısı stands before us, a silent witness to a tumultuous past. This yalı, located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Çengelköy, whispers stories of political intrigue, exile, and tragic loss. Built before 1800 by Darüssaade Ağası Mehmet Ağa, it eventually became the property of Sadullah Pasha, a prominent figure in the late Ottoman Empire. Sadullah Pasha, born in Erzurum in 1838, was involved in the plot to place Sultan Murad V on the throne, opposing Sultan Abdülaziz. When Sultan Abdulhamid II ascended to power, supporters of Murad V, including Sadullah Pasha, were exiled. In 1877, he was sent to Berlin as an ambassador and later to Vienna in 1883. Overwhelmed by his exile, Sadullah Pasha tragically took his own life in Vienna.
The story doesn’t end there. Sadullah Paşa Yalısı continued to bear witness to the family’s misfortunes. His wife, Necibe Hanım, refused to believe the news of his suicide. She reportedly wore the pink dress he admired, waiting daily for his return to the yalı until her death in 1917. Their children also met with unfortunate fates. Their eldest son, Asaf Bey, reportedly committed suicide due to a love affair. Another son, Ragıp Bey, joined the German army and disappeared after requesting a transfer to the Ottoman army. Their daughter, Nazlı Hanım, endured an unhappy marriage and divorce. Their son, Nusret Sadullah Bey, known for his kind nature but sensitive disposition, also experienced an unhappy life. The family’s misfortunes, whether by coincidence or some other force, cast a long shadow over Sadullah Paşa Yalısı.
The yalı’s ownership passed through several hands, each adding their chapter to its history. It was owned by Koca Yusuf Pasha, a Grand Vizier of Sultan Selim III, then Kaptan-ı Derya Seydi Ali Paşa, followed by Baghdad Governor Hamdi Pasha, and finally Esat Muhlis Paşa, Sadullah Pasha’s father. The yalı’s architecture reflects a blend of traditional Turkish and Baroque styles. The original selamlık was demolished, leaving only the harem section standing today. Inside, a grand, domed sofa dominates the central space, surrounded by rooms on each floor. The ceilings of these rooms, each painted in unique colors and patterns, are adorned with paintings of 19th-century Istanbul by European artists. Sadullah Paşa Yalısı, with its blend of architectural beauty and tragic history, remains a captivating landmark on the Bosphorus, reminding us of the powerful figures and personal tragedies that shaped Istanbul’s past.