The Hacı Ahmet Bey Mansion, located at the foot of the Kanlıca hills on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, immediately catches the eye with its elegant appearance.
The stone walls on the ground floor and the bay windows on the upper floors of the wooden façade building in cream-yellow tones reflect the classic aesthetics of the Ottoman-era waterfront mansions. The triangular pedimented balcony on the second floor and the symmetrical arrangement of windows offer a grand first impression to those who view the mansion from afar. This mansion, witnessing the deep history of the Bosphorus, continues to add elegance to the Istanbul skyline today as one of the most eye-catching structures along the Kanlıca coast.
History
The Hacı Ahmet Bey Mansion was built in 1905 during the reign of Sultan II. Abdülhamid. The mansion is named after Hacı Ahmet Bey (whose full name is Hacı Ahmet Arif Bey), who is a member of the family of Mehmet Muhtar Bey, an important statesman of the time. Indeed, the mansion has remained as the property of the heirs of Mehmet Muhtar Bey, who served during the reigns of Sultan Abdülaziz and II. Abdülhamid for a long time. This distinguished residence from the last period of the Ottoman Empire retained its significance during the early years of the Republic. The famous Ramazanoğlu family of Kanlıca resided in the mansion for many years, and during this time, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk personally attended a grand circumcision ceremony held here. Thus, Hacı Ahmet Bey Mansion has gained the status of a historical site that has hosted both the Ottoman aristocracy and the founding leader of the Republic of Turkey.
Over time, various changes and restorations have taken place in Hacı Ahmet Bey Mansion. The structure, which underwent its first major repair in 1937, was registered as a first-degree historical artifact in 1971. By the 1990s, the mansion had fallen into significant disrepair and was even at risk of collapse. In 1996, the mansion was put up for sale through enforcement, and it was purchased by Sezgin Elmas, the owner of a food company, who subjected it to a comprehensive restoration. Sezgin Bey and his wife Saniye Elmas moved in around the year 2000 as the new owners of the renovated mansion, taking care to decorate the structure according to their taste while preserving the historical texture. Indeed, during the decoration phase of the restoration, architect Mustafa Toner was involved, and pieces from the collection of glass artist Felekşan Onar were also placed in the space, adding a contemporary interpretation to the mansion's interior atmosphere. Today, Hacı Ahmet Bey Mansion is a private estate and is preserved with its original materials such as stone, wood, and brick on its exterior; it continues to exist by combining the heritage of the past with modern life through extensions like the small pier to the west and the swimming pool in the garden.
Explore By Yacht
To experience this historic mansion on the shores of the Bosphorus in the most impressive way, you might consider the option of renting a yacht. While gliding towards the Kanlıca coast on a private yacht, you will have the opportunity to see the intricate wooden details and elegant balcony of Hacı Ahmet Bey Mansion closely from the sea. As you slow down in front of the mansion with your boat and photograph this architectural masterpiece, you can feel the unique atmosphere of the Bosphorus accompanied by the waves and the wind. Especially under the red lights hitting the mansion during sunset, your yacht tour will turn into an unforgettable memory.
If you want to set your own course,
rented a yacht in Istanbul will give you great freedom in your Bosphorus exploration. By renting a yacht, you can discover the beauties of Kanlıca and its surroundings without the limitations of crowded tours. You can stop at any point and enjoy the views of both sides of Istanbul as you wish; if you like, you can take a short break around Kanlıca Pier and taste the famous Kanlıca yogurt. Thanks to the comfort of a private yacht, you will closely examine the historic mansions of the city and enjoy the privilege of sailing freely in the cool waters of the bosphorus.
To fully experience the beauty of the pearl of the Bosphorus, Hacı Ahmet Bey Mansion, and the other historical structures around it, rent a yacht and create your own unique travel experience. A yacht tour will offer you a fresh perspective on the beauties of the Bosphorus, whether you are a foreign traveler visiting Istanbul for the first time or someone who has lived in this city for years. Rent a yacht along the Kanlıca shores, where history intertwines with nature, and enjoy the pleasure of getting close to this unique atmosphere – this journey will be one of the most special pieces of your Istanbul memories.