Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus Strait, in the Kandilli neighbourhood of Üsküdar district, Edip Efendi Mansion is a historic mansion that stands out for its location and elegant appearance.
Built on a rocky promontory, it gives the impression of floating on the water. With its light blue painted wooden façade and red tiled roof, this elegant structure on the Bosphorus coast is an aesthetic treasure that brings the splendour of the past to the present day. When viewed from boats passing through the Bosphorus, the elegance and historical texture of the Edip Efendi Mansion reflected in the sea add unforgettable beauty to the coastal silhouette.
History of the Edip Efendi Mansion
Although the exact date of construction of the Edip Efendi Mansion is unknown, it is thought to date back to the 18th century. According to legend, the mansion was built around 1750 by Divitdâr Mehmet Emin Pasha, who served as Grand Vizier during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I between 1750 and 1752. Over the years, the mansion changed hands among the elite families and pashas of the Ottoman period, serving as the residence of Muammer Pasha and then Kani Pasha.
The mansion began to be known as Edip Efendi Mansion in the late 19th century. In 1887, Edip İbrahim Efendi, an important statesman of the period, purchased the mansion from the heirs of Kani Pasha. Edip Efendi, a high-ranking bureaucrat who served in the Defter-i Hakani (land registry office) and the Ministry of Finance during the Ottoman Empire, had the mansion extensively renovated without altering its architectural style and furnished the interior with European-style furniture in keeping with the fashion of the time. However, like its first owner, Mehmet Emin Pasha, Edip Efendi was unable to enjoy this magnificent mansion for long; he passed away in the mansion approximately one year after purchasing it, in 1888.
Following Edip Efendi's death, the mansion was divided among family members and fell into disrepair over time. In 1916, a fire broke out along the Kandilli–Vaniköy coastline due to a petrol-laden ship catching fire off the coast of Pashabahçe; while many mansions were destroyed, Edip Efendi Mansion was one of the few to survive the disaster. Left to its fate for a period in the mid-20th century, the structure was divided into two separate properties in the 1980s, with the harem and selamlik sections physically separated. Shortly thereafter, the new owners initiated a meticulous restoration process, with the dilapidated harem section restored in 1986 and the selamlik section in 1993. During the restoration, great care was taken to preserve the original architecture and decorative details of the mansion. Today, Edip Efendi Mansion is privately owned and not open to the public. However, it has occasionally made headlines, such as when it was rented for 50,000 dollars a month for the filming of the 2014 TV series Paramparça, and has hosted film and TV projects. The mansion, which has witnessed many events throughout its history, was also home to the English aristocrat Dorina Neave, who wrote memoirs about life in the Bosphorus during the reign of Abdulhamid II.
Discover the Edip Efendi Mansion by Yacht
Viewing the historic yalı mansions lined up along the unique landscape of the Bosphorus from the sea is one of the most enchanting ways to explore the city. The details and elegance of magnificent structures such as the Edip Efendi Mansion are much more evident when viewed from the sea rather than from land. Watching these historic mansions stretching along the coast accompanied by the sound of waves and the breeze during a Bosphorus tour gives you the feeling of travelling back in time. To experience this, Istanbul yacht rental is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus to the fullest.
Enjoying the Bosphorus on a private boat and seeing the historic mansions up close is both an enjoyable and relaxing way to explore. Away from crowded tour boats, you can travel at your own pace and discover the gems of the Bosphorus. Renting a yacht and setting out on such a tour with your loved ones is a comfortable and completely personal experience. With a yacht just for you, you can freely admire the silhouette of Istanbul, stop at any point you wish to take photos, or take short breaks in the cool waters of the Bosphorus.
If you want to discover the historic shores of the Bosphorus in peace and feel the unique atmosphere of Istanbul, don't waste any time, rent a yacht and indulge in this magical experience. Taking a yacht tour on the Bosphorus is not just a trip; it is one of the most special ways to feel the soul of the city. When you charter your own yacht and set sail, you will embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Istanbul, accompanied by the rhythm of the waves and breathtaking views.