A Century-Old Legacy: M/Y HALAS 71
The Bosphorus Strait is one of the most captivating waterways in the world, and among the many vessels that have graced its waters, few embody its spirit as profoundly as M/Y Halas 71. Bearing the marks of a storied past, this distinguished yacht has witnessed history unfold —from the twilight years of the Ottoman Empire to the rise of the Republic, from the turbulence of wartime to the elegance of today’s exclusive events. With a life story spanning more than a century, Halas is a living gift from history.
Amid the countless ships and boats that traverse the Bosphorus, M/Y Halas 71 has always stood apart. Built in Scotland and originally acquired by the Ottoman Empire, Halas served the British during World War I before beginning its remarkable 61-year career as a Şirket-i Hayriye steamship in Istanbul’s waters. Today, it continues to sail as one of the city’s oldest and most graceful maritime treasures. Since 1984, in its lovingly restored form, it has hosted distinguished gatherings, and during the summer months, it takes its timeless elegance beyond the Bosphorus, cruising along the southern shores of Turkey to the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
A JOURNEY THAT BEGAN IN SCOTLAND
Launched in 1914 at the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company Shipyard in Glasgow, Scotland, Halas 71 was commissioned by the Ottoman Empire and named Reşid Paşa. It was initially designed to serve as a passenger vessel for the Bosphorus. However, that same year, with the outbreak of World War I, it was seized by the United Kingdom and renamed Waterwitch. Under British naval command, it operated as a transport ship during the Gallipoli Campaign, notably taking part in the Suvla Bay landing in 1915 as part of the British and French support forces. The vessel remained in the British navy until the war’s end.
Following this dramatic chapter, the ship was returned to its original owners in 1923, after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey and the liberation of Istanbul from occupation. Renamed Halas—meaning “liberated” in Arabic—it entered passenger service in the Bosphorus. As part of the Şirket-i Hayriye fleet, Halas was assigned the hull number 71, eventually becoming affectionately known to the public as “Halas 71.” The name Halas speaks to its rescue and historical significance, while “71” marks its place among the company’s steamships. Serving Istanbul’s waters for over six decades, Halas 71 became an enduring symbol of the Bosphorus.
REBIRTH
By 1984, Halas had reached the end of its service as a steamship and faced the grim prospect of being dismantled for scrap. At this critical moment, Haldun and Çiğdem Simavi stepped in to save it, acquiring the vessel with a vision to restore and transform it into a luxury motor yacht.
The restoration preserved the ship’s historic character and original charm while giving it new life. Its twin-screw, triple-expansion steam engine was replaced with two modern diesel engines, each producing 500 horsepower and capable of a maximum speed of 12 knots. Since then, Halas has welcomed illustrious guests, including Prince Charles, Princess Margaret, Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife, former U.S. President George Bush, and Hillary Clinton, offering them the unparalleled experience of the Bosphorus from its decks.
Today, Halas remains a symbol of maritime elegance. It accommodates 24 guests across 12 suites and cabins, and can host up to 120 guests for weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations. Adorned with flowers and exuding timeless grandeur, it is affectionately known as “The Rose of the Bosphorus.” Recognized in 2017 by the United Kingdom’s National Register of Historic Ships, Halas 71 continues to enchant with its century-old story, historic hull, and enduring presence on Istanbul’s waters.
M/Y Halas 71 Technical Specifications
Year of Construction: 1914
Place of Construction: Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Glasgow, Scotland
Original Name: Reşid Paşa
Length: 56 meters
Beam: 8.5 meters
Maximum Speed: 12 knots
Hull Type: Twin-screw, triple-expansion steam engine (original), modern diesel engine
Engine Power: Two diesel engines, 500 horsepower each
Accommodation Capacity: 12 suites and cabins for 24 passengers
Event Capacity: 120 guests
