The Aziz İzzet Pasha Mansion, located in the Emirgan district on the Rumeli side of the Bosphorus, is a historic seaside mansion that draws attention with its magnificent stance.
This waterfront mansion, which offers a stunning view for boats and yachts passing through the Bosphorus, impresses visitors at first glance with its wide facade and elegant Ottoman architecture. Its magnificent three-story structure and location overlooking the sea make it a living treasure of history for both local visitors wanting to witness Istanbul's rich past and foreign tourists. Being the largest mansion on the shores of Emirgan also enhances the grandeur of the structure and its symbolic value in the region.
History
The Aziz İzzet Pasha Mansion was built in 1873 by Aziz İzzet Pasha, who was the Commander of the Selimiye Barracks at the time. This mansion, which was referred to as the largest seaside mansion of the neighborhood during its construction, presented a striking example of the architectural style of Bosphorus mansions of the period with its yellow-painted exterior and three large bay windows. The building, named after one of the high-ranking Ottoman statesmen, Aziz İzzet Pasha, is also known to the public as the Egyptian Aziz İzzet Pasha Mansion. After its construction, it was used as a private residence for many years by the Pasha family and has become one of the jewels of the Bosphorus.
Unfortunately, as a result of a major fire that occurred in 1946, the Aziziye İzzet Pasha Mansion was completely burned down and devastated. After this disaster, the mansion remained a vacant ruin for a long time. By the 1990s, a comprehensive restoration process was initiated with the aim of reviving the building's former glory. In 1992, detailed measurements were taken on the remnants of the mansion, and old photographs, insurance maps, and original plans were collected to prepare a meticulous restitution project. After obtaining the necessary approvals, reconstruction work was permitted in 1995, and after approximately three years of construction, the mansion was restored in 1998 in accordance with its original design. During the reconstruction process, care was taken to preserve the historical texture, and the structure was completed using modern technology and quality materials while remaining faithful to its old appearance. As a result, an impressive three-story mansion emerged, which does not fall short of its former days in terms of aesthetic scale along the Bosphorus.
Today, Aziz Izzet Pasha Yalı is a private property and is not open to visitors. The mansion, which remained abandoned for years, was rebuilt by businessman Mustafa Özkan through his personal initiative; for this reason, the building has also begun to be referred to as Mustafa Özkan Yalı among the public. After restoration, the mansion was used for a time by Abraaj Capital, an international company based in Dubai, and today it serves as a first-class residence. This historic mansion, equipped with modern amenities such as a sauna, wine cellar, elevator tower, infinity pool, and spacious parking, is a rare structure that brings together the past and the present. Preserving its exterior beauty inherited from the Ottoman era while offering modern comfort in its interior, Aziz Izzet Pasha Yalı continues to exist as one of the most magnificent structures along the Bosphorus.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to discover all the beauties of the Istanbul Bosphorus is to rent a yacht. While gliding towards the shores of Emirgan on a private yacht tour, you can admire the unique silhouette of the Aziz İzzet Pasha Mansion from the water. Accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, watching the magnificent mansion's reflection on the sea closely will give passengers the feeling of traveling through time. Since you can best appreciate the mansion's detailed facade decorations and architectural elegance from the sea side, make sure to observe this historical structure during your Bosphorus tour.
The freedom offered when you
rented a yacht on the Bosphorus will make discovering Istanbul's pearls even more special. When you set your own course and approach Emirgan shore with your yacht, you also have the chance to see the historic mansions around it, including the Aziz İzzet Pasha Mansion, as well as natural beauties. From your yacht's deck, you can peacefully photograph this structure away from the crowds and listen to interesting anecdotes about the mansion's history from your guide. Thanks to the comfort provided by the private yacht tour, you can view the mansion from different angles both during the day in sunlight and in the evenings glittering with the lights of the Bosphorus.
As the highlight of your Bosphorus tour, do not miss the chance to see not only this mansion but also many historical values of Istanbul from the sea. Rent a yacht and set out on a cruise in the unique atmosphere of the Bosphorus; this way, you will find the magnificent Aziz Izzet Pasha Mansion right in front of you. This special trip you will take with your yacht will allow you to touch the history-laden shores of Istanbul and experience the buildings that bear witness to the city's past from the most impressive angle. The exploration trip you will conduct by yacht in Istanbul will return to you as an unforgettable memory, while you will have experienced the privilege of seeing this magnificent mansion up close.