Most attention focused on the Bosphorus talks about its role separating the east and west. The long stretch of water divides the exotic city of Istanbul into two continents, defining the land mass as either Asian or European. Many wars and battles took place in the Bosphorus as powerful rulers aimed to gain control of this strategically important strait.<\/p>\n
These days, it is more a tourist attraction than a battleground. <\/strong><\/p>\n Cruises along the Bosphorus pass several historic sites including castles and palaces that stand proud on the waterfront, surrounding the\u00a0 impressive yali houses from the last four centuries.<\/p>\n It is a waterfront mansion lining the Bosphorus. Traditionally built from wood, they were popular during the reign of the Ottoman Empire when rich owners used them a second home, especially for holidays. The present day yalis of the Bosphorus date from the 18th<\/sup>, 19th<\/sup> and 20th<\/sup> century, making them an important part of history in the area.<\/p>\n No expense was spared in the construction and decoration of the yalis. Windows typically had to be large and low so constant breezes would flow through the mansion while allowing a panoramic view of the Bosphorus. Furniture was handmade to specifications and the d\u00e9cor was a reflection of the family\u2019s wealth and connections.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, it would be easy to dismiss the oldest yali as an insignificant building and pass it by without a second thought. It has fallen into a state of disrepair and no longer holds the grand appearance that it once used to. Called the Koprulu Amcazade Huseyin Yalisi<\/strong>, it was built by Amcazade K\u00f6pr\u00fcl\u00fc H\u00fcseyin Pasha in 1699. The fa\u00e7ade is of rotting wood and a structure that looks like it could fall into the Bosphorus should strong winds circle around its perimeter.<\/p>\n The most expensive yali has a bank breaking price tag of 100 million dollars. Listed by Forbes magazine as the fifth most expensive house in the world, the Erbilgin Yal\u0131s\u0131<\/strong> has been extensively remodelled combining modern trends with traditional d\u00e9cor and antique furniture of which some dates from the time of construction, 127 years ago.<\/p>\n The four-story house includes a private swimming pool and Turkish hamam but part of its extraordinary price tag might be because of the 22-carat gold used to decorate walls and ceilings.<\/p>\n The Hekimba\u015f\u0131 Salih Efendi Yal\u0131s\u0131<\/strong> features on most picture postcards of the Bosphorus. The large bridge towering to the left marks a shadow at certain times of the day and looms over the Yali, as if to play down its importance.<\/p>\n It has kept most of its original architecture and furniture. A physician of the Ottoman Empire called Salih Efendi built the privately owned property. He had a passion for gardening and it is said that in summer, the large garden was filled with blooming flowers.<\/p>\n The Yali of Zeki Pasha<\/strong> was featured in the Turkish connoisseur\u2019s magazine, Cornucopia<\/a>. They called it one of the last great waterfront mansions. Constructed in the 19th<\/sup> century, it is immediately distinguishable from other yalis because of its castle like appearance.<\/p>\nWhat is a Yali?<\/h2>\n
Famous Yalis of the Bosphorus<\/h2>\n