x. completed project: The Sa'dullah Paşa Yalısı (türkçe)

The Sa'dullah Paşa Yalısı

Investigation of an ottoman haremlık in Çengelköy/Istanbul

Location

Dreamlike setting immediately on the Bosphorus

The yalı of Sa'dulla Pasha lies on the Asian shores of Istanbul beside a small bay within the community of Çengelköy. Once used as a harem, the structure is surrounded by a large, park-like garden opening directly onto the Bosphorus. It stands out with its characteristic red hue, immediately familiar as one of the traditional palatial wooden-frame residences-the so-called "yalı"-that once dotted the shoreline.

History

	The façade facing the garden

The former haremlik, literally the domicile of the women, is the sole building remaining intact among a group of structures that once comprised the summer residence of an upper-class Istanbul family. Only a few ruins of small outbuildings remain; save for scant traces of the dock, the neighboring selamlik-the realm of the men-folk-and the other structures have been destroyed. The wooden kösk that remains stems from the second half of the 18th century and reflects the principal characteristics of the Ottoman pavilion; thus not only its position directly on the water is significant, but its close relationship with the surrounding gardens as well. Moreover, the house displays much of its original wall and ceiling ornament, elements of carved wood and stucco. Earlier fallen into a deplorable condition, it has been more than once restored and is now looked after by the private Tek Esin Endowment. In preparation for its use once again as a private residence, a proper analysis of the structure was called into question as a basis for authentic restoration. At the same time, a scholarly and analytic study of the house will be prepared. 

Objectives

	The marvelous domed sofa on the upper floor

The building represents one of the last examples of the Bosphorus yalı-and moreover, a fine example. It is a two-story structure with both stories laid out on nearly the same floor plan. Opening off a central entrance hall and reception room known as a sofa, are four two-room apartments symmetrically located (point-perspective) at the four corners of the structure. Grand staircases along both ends of the house lead up to the second story. The open organization of the floor plan provides a fusion of exterior and interior so that daylight and the atmosphere of the surroundings pervade every part of the house. The upper sofa is crowned with a richly decorated oval dome of lightweight construction suspended from the ceiling timbers, yet another feature characteristic of the traditional yalı. A thorough documentation of the structure provides us with the opportunity for a complete analysis that-within an interdisciplinary framework-will result in a monograph on architectural history, presenting this rare example of Ottoman domestic life and culture: an Islamic variant of the "villegiatura" phenomenon known since ancient times but not yet investigated in this perspective.  

History of Research

Although the Sa'dulla Paşa Yalısı enjoys a high reputation and is recognized in the history of architecture, it has been the subject of very little research. Emel Esin has looked into the history of the past inhabitants and has published the findings of her research. To be sure, the Sa'dulla Paşa Yalısı is mentioned from time to time in the wide collection of literature on Ottoman houses; nevertheless, no thorough general study has ever been undertaken. More specifically, it is the interior decoration with its magnificent trompe l'oeil painting that has received attention. The paintings are said to be the work of the same artist who adorned the harem in Topkapı Palace, a consideration that certainly emphasizes the status of the Çengelköy complex. 

Previous Activities

	Floor plan of the upper story

On-site tasks including the gathering of all data needed for the outlines, sections, elevations, and plans; selected details and the neighboring structures were also recorded. Photographic documentation was carried out as well. The task of drawing is complete.  

Methods

The documentation and final drawings of the structure were for the most part digitally prepared. Tachymetrically determined points are fed directly into the system where they are further allocated by CAD programming. Decorative elements such as ceiling panels, lintels, and indoor fountains were photographed, the images rectified and set into the CAD drawings as vector-graphs. 

Results

	N-S section of the yalı
	E-W cross-section with elements from the elevation

In places the new plans differ appreciably from those earlier published. In many locations elements purposely break with the supposed double symmetry (point- and axis-perspective) of the structure to allow for certain functionally required demands. The aspects of space and light within the yalı, as well as the bond between interior and exterior combine to create a truly theatrical effect; the fragile and almost artificial appearance of the dome and ceiling emphasize the stage-like character of the house.

The rather schematically organized layout of this structure-intended specifically for occupation in the summer months-allows certain conclusions about the summertime life and the hierarchical organization of those fortunate enough to inhabit a yalı.  

Further Contact Partners

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Adolf Hoffmann (via DAI Istanbul)

Bibliography

E. Esin, Sa'dullah Paşa Yalısı (1977); S. H. Eldem, Türk Bahçeleri (1977); S. H. Eldem, Türk Evi - Turkish Houses, I-II (1984); O. Erdenen, Boğaziçi Sahilhaneleri, II (1993); Ch. Hellier-F. Venturi - Villen und Paläste am Bosporus (1994)