Y is for Yali.
No, not that mythical creature from Hindu mythology, but the gorgeous waterfront mansions lining the banks of the Bosphorus!
Derived from the Greek Yialos, meaning seashore, these 17th century mansions whose architectural styles can only be termed ‘eclectic’ were intended as summer abodes for the Turkish bourgeoisie, whose numbers swelled with the extension of the Ottoman empire. The size and grandeur of the Yali, proclaiming the owner’s social standing.
The facades were traditionally made of wood with panoramic windows and suspended balconies, and were generally painted a reddish brown. The later ones are paler with more elaborate detailing mimicking the spare-no-luxury opulence of European Baroque architecture.
These properties with cross-continent views are now prized pieces of real estate. Some reputed to be in the price bracket of over $100 million! If I ever return, I would be sure to seek out a Yali hotel – a modest one of course – at least for one night, and cruise down the Bosphorus in search of every famous water mansion in town.
The Bosphorus can be described as an avenue of water
surrounded by mansions one more beautiful than the other.
Believe me, if fate had granted you one of these,
you would never think of leaving to your last day.”
~ Alphonse de Lamartine</blockquote>
Happy travels to you dear people…no matter where life takes you.
The Urge To Wander 
You have sent me scuttling off to look at my Bosphorus photos, sadly most are taken too far from the banks to see much of the yalis. Lovely memory though 🙂
Mine aren’t that great either Gilly. Yes wonderful memories. Reliving these moments is the best part of blogging for me 🙂
Beautiful! I’d like to take one of those water tours as well!
I’m so impressed that you’re being a ‘good student’ and making up your x , y and almost z for frizztext! he will surely give you good marks, for being conscientious!
Its been a frantic race! Have run out of ideas for Z though! Yours was spectacular 🙂
you surely have some zebra photos! i never get tired of seeing zebra images!
thank you for your YALI etymology: “Y is for Yali. No, not that mythical creature from Hindu mythology, but the gorgeous waterfront mansions lining the banks of the Bosphorus! Derived from the Greek Yialos meaning seashore…”
I did it….just one more to go Frizz, yay! My readers are not going to forgive me for bombarding them with so many posts though 🙂
Au contraire!
Another nice post . Hope you end the year on a high note Madhu! happy new year – Soni
stunning mini palaces – oh what stories they could tell!
Have enjoyed you a-z stories. I come here to learn… Thank you so much, Madhu!
Amazing how beautifully-maintained and/or restored so many of them still are — but actually I enjoyed the photo of the one in disrepair, hopefully waiting for a helpful (and wealthy) hand. Happy 2013, Madhu! ~ Kat
Interesting post and great shots… 🙂
Never heard of … see house boats all over the world or are they on the bank- but not so magnificent like those here – beautiful and the details in the architectur
Thanks for sharing this with me !
Just one more reason to head for Istanbul. As if I needed one? Happy 2013, Madhu. Perilously close now.
What incredibly beautiful houses! I have never heard of them before, Madhu…
I feel much more intelligent for having known you Madhu. Thanks for another great history lesson. 🙂
I remember those houses so well when I took the Bosphorus cruise, especially that white palace-looking one! Oh the memories 🙂
Hi,
What a gorgeous place to live, and the homes are magnificent.
A Very Happy New Year to you and your family, Enjoy. 🙂
On the Bosphorous? Istanbul? Just come back from this gorgeous city but didn’t have time to see most things. It’s a huge city! Need to go back. The sooner the better 🙂
Happy 2013, Madhu!
E’ l’acqua la vera essenza dell’uomo che lungo le sue rive adagia le sue case. Mi tornano in mente le Ville del Brenta, i castelli della Loira, e i canali di Venezia.
Buon anno Madhu 🙂
A tremendous post Madhu, and great shots, as usual – I remember things looked a little less spick and span when R and I were there in 76, but those houses were every bit as picturesque then as they are now. 🙂
Beautiful mansions! I wonder how it is like living there or…cleaning it. 🙂
Best wishes for the new year, Madhu. 🙂
Happy travels in 2013 to you as well, Madhu. Thanks for the beautiful photos and stories.
Wonderful and the wonderful quote 🙂 I had no idea it was this beautiful!
Even as relics… some look quite magnificent. 🙂
Fabulous picture. It’s so interesting, it looks more like a hand drawn print than a photograph. Lovely!
Eli and I enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus last October, and I recognize some of these mansions and palaces. It was indeed some prime real estate, and that is reflected in your photographs. Thanks for another great post, Madhu.
Now I need to see them for myself…looks and sounds lovely.
Your header captures a timeless period. One can only imagine the elaborate parties and teas that took place in these mansions along the water.
Some of those mansions look like palaces. I’d like the cream coloured detached one, if I win the lottery. 😀 Now I’m also wanting to cruise down the Bosphorus on one of those Yali hotels.