Çukur Mansion

This mansion, located adjacent to the Beylerbeyi Pier, has a striking appearance that catches the eye of those passing through the Bosphorus at first glance. With its projecting façade in the middle of the two-story structure and its foundations built over the sea, it reflects the elegance of classical Ottoman waterfront mansion architecture. The mansion, which has both traditional details and a magnificent stance, offers visitors a glimpse of the past as it glides over the Bosphorus. The Çukur Mansion, which attracts the interest of both local and foreign tourists with its historical texture, is also known as the Ayaşlı Mansionsı.

History

The mansion, whose first owner was Şemsi Efendi from Bursa in the 19th century, was built to include a mezzanine semahane (Mevlevi ceremony hall) and served as the summer lodge for the Bursa Mevlevihane. Later, the structure passed to the family of the Ottoman statesman Talat Bey and became neglected due to the tumultuous events of World War I and the tragedies experienced by the family, and over time it has fallen into ruin.

The person who revitalized the mansion during the Republican era was the writer Münevver Ayaşlı. In 1936, Münevver Hanım purchased the land of this dilapidated mansion and had a villa built by the famous architect Sedad Hakkı Eldem, who reprojected it. Eldem, blending traditional Turkish mansion architecture with modern techniques, created a new two-story mansion in 1938 made of masonry (stone). Thus, the Ayaşlı Mansion has become one of the significant examples where contemporary Turkish architecture meets tradition. Münevver Ayaşlı spent 56 years of her life in this mansion; she turned her home into a cultural center and a meeting point for intellectuals with her conversations on illumination, marbling, Sufi music, and literature. Shortly after Ayaşlı's death on August 20, 1999, the management of the mansion passed to the foundation established by her family.

Today, Çukur Mansion serves a different functional purpose while maintaining its historical identity. Since 2000, the Mansion has been used as a restaurant operating under the name Beylerbeyi Villa Bosphorus. Once hosting literary and cultural gatherings, the upper floor of this unique venue is still used as an office belonging to the Münevver Ayaşlı Foundation, with plans for it to be evaluated as a cultural house in the future. Visitors to the Mansion converted into a restaurant can enjoy a delicious break in an environment overlooking the Bosphorus, as well as experience the atmosphere of an Ottoman Mansion rich in history.

Explore By Yacht

Chartering a yacht is one of the most exclusive and enjoyable ways to explore the Istanbul Bosphorus. When you sail on a private yacht, you get the chance to closely see historical mansions like Çukur Mansion on the Beylerbeyi coast from the sea. If you want to experience the unique view of the Bosphorus away from crowded tour boats, setting your own route, yacht chartering is the perfect option for you.

By renting a yacht in the Bosphorus, you can create your route as you wish and spend as much time as you like along the Beylerbeyi coast. This way, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Çukur Mansion, as well as the nearby Beylerbeyi Palace and other Ottoman yalis from the sea. While sailing on your own private yacht, you will experience the peace of discovering Istanbul's historic beauty in the coolness of the water, away from the noise of the city.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and sail freely in the blue waters of the Bosphorus, rent a yacht in Istanbul and experience this unique adventure. During your tour with your private yacht, you will have the opportunity to photograph stunning waterfront mansions like Çukur Mansion from the best angles. While discovering Istanbul's rich cultural heritage from the sea, you can be sure that your Bosphorus tour will be filled with unforgettable memories.