Yılanlı yalı [mansion with snakes] – Abstract from the book by Cahit Kayra, Bebek, Mekanlar ve zamanlar [Abodes and times] – Akbank – Istanbul 1993
During the days of Mahmut II one sees the high officials settling along the shore between Akıntıburnu and Rumelihisarı. One of Mahmut II’s advisers, Hekimbaşı (the Sultan’s chief physician) Behçet Efendi; the Durrizade family that provided the Ottomans with Sheikhulislams [religious heads] for centuries; the family of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sekip Pasha; the Sultan’s beloved gentleman in waiting Said Efendi and many more spent cool summers and sweet spring times in the residences on these shores. One of the mansions standing up to the present day is the Yılanlı yalı actually built in the18^th century, and situated at the northern end of the bay of Bebek, half way to Rumeli Hissar. Its residents were a variety of Ottoman palace officials. One day when the Sultan at the time, Mahmut II, was passing it by boat, noticed this fine building and in comments expressed an interest in the yali. In fear of appropriation, the owner asks for aid for one of the courtiers (Musahip Said Efendi) who then stated to the sultan that the house was plagued with snakes, thus saving it for the owner. The name stuck.
Return to Nancy Cutcliffe’s photos.

Yılanlı yalı, beginning of 19^th century, engraving by W. Bartlett, with one of the towers of Anadolu Hissar (the smaller and earlier Ottoman construction, opposite the Rumeli castle) just visible on the edge. There seems to be some ‘artistic licence’, as the hills across seem improbably high - other engravings by Bartlett showing both forts, and various views along the Bosphorus, part of the series published in 1840.

Photo of the building 1917, with a travelling vegetable seller with donkey.

Similar period showing the selamlık [male quarters] section.

Post restoration views - this photo allows the building to be positioned in respect to the Rumeli Hissar, as the castellated top of the southern tower is just visible beyond the white house at a slightly higher elevation on the right, thus with the line of sight, the location of Yılanlı yalı can be pin-pointed on the satelite photo as house directly across from the two large ships anchored side by side, whose roof is easy to spot. Thus this house would have certainly be within walking distance of the original George Baker house.

A postcard view of the former Rumeli hisar ferry station, around the turn of the century.

The steps leading to Yılanlı yalı seem to be in the distance of this 1906 dated postcard.

A postcard view of the Roumeli Hissar, probably viewed from Robert College buildings.

View from out in the Bosphorus, with a winding road within a wooded valley, possible site of the Baker house yet to be built?

Colour tinted postcards of around turn of the century showing the path of the winding road leading to the valley in the rear of the castle.

Possibly the George Baker house referred to as the “Cedars” was in the valley behind the Rumeli Castle, half-hidden amongst the trees.

Scene in 1918.

The location viewed from the Bosphorus in the 1970s - modern views:

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