Amcazade Mansion

Amcazade Mansion

A tranquil wooden mansion extending towards the waters of the Bosphorus near Anadolu Hisarı on the Beykoz coast may catch your attention. This modest-looking structure is actually the Amcazade Hüseyin Paşa Mansion, considered one of the oldest historical waterfront mansions of the Bosphorus.
This mansion, which defies centuries, draws attention with its unpretentious appearance at first glance, but leaves a strong impact on viewers with the nostalgic atmosphere it adds to the Bosphorus view and the historical stories it carries.

History

This mansion, commissioned by Grand Vizier Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha as a summer residence in 1699, is one of the rare examples of civil architecture from the Ottoman period that has survived to this day. At the time it was built, the structure was part of a large mansion complex belonging to the Köprülü family, consisting of a harem and a selamlık section. Over time, much of the complex has been lost, and only the divanhane pavilion in the selamlık section has reached the present day. The fact that drafts of the Treaty of Karlowitz, a significant turning point in Ottoman history, were prepared in this mansion increases its historical importance. Additionally, it is known that in the same year, the Austrian envoy Oettingen arrived via the Bosphorus and was hosted here, and even Sultan II. Mustafa visited the mansion in 1700 as a guest of Amcazade.

By the 19th century, the original grandeur of the Amcazade Mansion had suffered greatly. During the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-78, the harem section of the building was destroyed due to refugees seeking shelter in the harem quarters, leading it to become dilapidated in a short time. While the exterior of the divanhane has a rather plain appearance, its interior was dazzlingly luxurious, adorned with gold-embossed embroidery, ivory, and mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinet doors. The Amcazade Mansion, which remained neglected for a long time, now holds a special value as the oldest mansion that has managed to survive on the Bosphorus. This unique structure is under protection and awaits a comprehensive restoration process to regain its former splendor.

Explore By Yacht

The most enjoyable way to get a close look at such a special structure is by crossing the sea. By choosing the yacht rental option, you can easily reach right in front of Amcazade Yalı. Watching the historical texture of the mansion and its impressive silhouette reflected on the water from your yacht's deck will be a completely different experience. Discovering this mansion, which can only be seen in a limited way from land, gives visitors a feeling as if they are traveling through time.

By renting a yacht, you can also include the hidden beauties around Anadolu Hisarı and Kanlıca in your own itinerary. While cruising with your private yacht in these tranquil parts of the Bosphorus, you will have the opportunity to see other historic mansions lined along the coast, green groves, and the Anadolu Hisarı Fortress. Exploring the Bosphorus at your own pace and route, far away from the crowds, is the easiest and most enjoyable way to discover it.

For an unforgettable Bosphorus experience, rent a yacht and add Amcazade Mansion to your itinerary. As you glide slowly in front of the mansion, you can closely feel the atmosphere of this three-century-old masterpiece and capture unique photos. Discovering the historical beauties of the Bosphorus with a comfortable tour will be one of the unforgettable memories of your visit to Istanbul.