The Sait Halim Pasha Yali, on the upper European shore at Yenikoy, is one of the best-preserved of the empire-style yalis. It is named for the Egyptiian prince and aristocrat who held important positions in the Ottoman administration, and who rose to serve a, grand vizier during World War I. From the yali’s quay, two stone lions, brought from Egypt in the 1860's, keep a silent and distinctive watch to the east.
Unlike earlier yalis, the Sait Halim Pasha Yalis traditional sofa, the original heart of the Ottoman home, was replaced by several reception rooms. Today, guests are often led into the haremlik through a porch glazed in colored glass, which throws pools of red and, yellow light on the marble floor. Beyond lies the entrance hall of the women's side and a grand, split staircase with ornate iron balusters.
The columned hallway, with its Corinthian capitals and paneled walls embellished with egg-and- dart cornice moldings, is pure empire style. But in the small ground-floor study and reception room fronting the quay, the atmosphere changes: Rich gold-brown colors and doors sparkling with mother-of-pearl inlay combine Egyptian and Ottoman themes.
The yali's substantial collection of European paintings reflects the increasingly western orientation of upper-class Ottoman taste and culture
This mansion which has a Neo Classical architectural style, burnt down in recent years. It was later renovated by the Turkish State. Its original owner Sait Halim Pasa was a Grand Vizier in the Ottoman Palace for five years. Despite his efforts to keep the Empire impartial during World War I, he finally had to sign the treaty which obliged the Ottoman Empire to enter the war on the side of Germans. Later he was exiled to Malta, and was assassinated in in Rome1921.
