English
Today we travel to Turkey to discover one of the hidden treasures of the Bosphorus. These are Yalis, which you might not be familiar with yet. Keep reading and you will be certain never to forget.
The Yalis are ostentatious mansions that dot the entire shore of the Bosphorus. Although they are well-known and popular throughout the region, they often go unnoticed by many tourists who visit Istanbul. The word Yali has its origin in ancient Greek and means “by the sea, on the beach.” The Turks adopted the word and it now applies to these houses.
There are hundreds of these spectacular constructions but they can only be seen if you take a boat ride. They are four centuries old, from the time when the Ottoman Empire dazzled the world. Since that time they have continued to build spectacular mansions. Even the oldest has undergone several renovations, which allows us to continue to be impressed by its beauty.
The Yalis on the Bosphorus were usually second homes; they were typical summer homes for the city’s wealthy patrons. They were intended to be a reflection of the family’s social position, so there was fierce competition between neighbors about who had the most luxurious and beautiful Yalis in the area.
Currently, more than 600 Yalis are being maintained, although not all are in perfect condition. The structures are made of wood, and the passage of time has reaked havoc on some of them. However, most still reflect the splendor that was once the pride of their owners. Having been modernized, especially in the interior, they have adapted to changing times.
Among the Yalis of the Bosphorus one can find some of the most expensive houses in the world. According to Forbes magazine, the fifth most expensive one is there. We’re speaking of the “Elbilgin Yalisi”, which is located in Yenikoy and valued at more than $ 100 million.
It is possible to take a boat trip along a route through the most significant and important Yalis. The guide will explain who lives there, what year the house was built, and many more interesting and curious details.
If you are spending a few days is in Istanbul, I would highly recommend going on such a boat ride. There is also a sort of Turkish version of what a tour that might be more typical for the coast of Miami in which you see famous coastal mansions. The tour price for this one is only € 15 and it lasts approximately two hours. It is short excursion and offers an interesting a change from the hustle and bustle of the busy city of Istanbul.
To end the day we recommend that when you go out to eat at a good restaurant and to be certain to taste the delicious baklava. This typical Turkish sweet has prepared for thousands of years.
If you were thinking of traveling to the fabulous and historic city of Istanbul, now you have another reason to go. And if you’ve already purchased tickets, you’ve got one more thing to add to your must-see list.
If you know more interesting places to visit in Istanbul, write us a comment.
We’ll talk again soon, travelers!
