The History of Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul

History of Mansions

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas brings its trademark unique and quirky take on hospitality to two restored Ottoman-era mansions in Istanbul, Turkey.

Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul which also incorporates next-door Sait Pasa Mansion, is located in the prosperous Sarıyer district of Istanbul's European side, famous for its "Pearls of Bosphorus" waterfront properties. The urban resort recreates historic architectural features and artifacts from the site's former 19th century Kocataş Mansions, which were devastated in a fire years ago, paying homage to its original footprint.

The former mansion was owned by and named after Ottoman Minister of Justice Necmettin Molla Kocataş, owner of Kocataş Water. Indeed, just behind is a 2.5-hectare community known for its pure spring water. The site enjoys far-reaching views over the Bosphorus as it begins its last curve towards the Black Sea. This iconic Strait has been sailed since the Roman-era and today marks one of the world's most strategic waterways, separating Europe and Asia.

The 19th century Kocataş Mansion was purchased and restored by N. M. Kocataş in 1928, the mansion was home to many historic figures.

On July 31, 1930, Turkish leader Atatürk visited the Kocataş Mansion where a special dinner was held in his honor. Before long, a crowd of Sarıyer locals gathered before the mansion to cheer their leader just as he was dining. Atatürk went out to the terrace to acknowledge the cheering crowds, delivering one of his most iconic quotes to date, "To see me does not necessarily mean to see my face. To understand my thoughts is to have seen me."

Notably, the mansion has been the setting for a number of Turkish-language blockbuster movies. The list of movies shot on set at the palace includes Vahşi Bir Kız Sevdim (1972), Elif ile Seydo (1972), Kahpe Tuzağı (1972), Gönül Oyunu (1972), Kara Haydar (1973), İki Süngü Arasında (1973), Beyaz Kurt (1972), Büyük Bela (1972), Yaralı Kurt (1973) just to name a few.

Kocataş Mansion was rendered unusable after a fire ravaged the place in 1997 but was later restored with the modern touches of Six Senses and was thus brought back to life.

Sait Pasa Mansion

Sait Pasa Mansion is located right next to the Kocataş Mansion, Istanbul and was built by Mehmet Sait Paşa, who served as grand vizier for nine terms, seven times during the Abdulhamit the Second era and two times during the Second Constitutional Era. A devastating fire left Sait Pasa Mansion uninhabited at the beginning of 20th century. Six Senses once again to restore the stately mansion with modern touches and bring back its original splendor.