Kadın Efendi Mansion

This elegant Ottoman mansion, easily noticeable from the boats sailing in the Bosphorus, presents a postcard-like view with its wooden facade and its vermilion color. Its zero-distance location to the shore and the surrounding greenery create an impressive silhouette that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the Bosphorus, leaving an unforgettable first impression, especially against the blues during sunrise or sunset.

History

The mansion built in the last quarter of the 18th century (around the 1770s) was commissioned by Sheikh al-Islam Mehmed Emin Efendi, an important statesman of the era. Mehmed Emin Efendi, who served as the chief physician (head doctor) during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III, later rose to the highest religious position of the Ottoman state, the Sheikh al-Islam. The Women's Mansion was initially known as Hayatizade Mansion; in later years, after a member of the family married into the Dürrizade family, it began to be known as Dürrizade Mansion.

One of the most striking inhabitants of the mansion in the last period of the Ottoman Empire was Şeyhülislam Dürrizade Abdullah Efendi, who issued a death fatwa against Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms during the years of the National Struggle. Dürrizade Abdullah Efendi, who lived in this historical mansion in the 1920s, had to leave Turkey in 1924 with the establishment of the Republic and died while in exile in Hejaz. When his family had financial difficulties, two parts of the mansion were sold to different people: The harem part, which was the main residence, was transferred to Dilfirib Kadınefendi, the wife of Sultan Mehmed Reşad V, and the selamlık (male guest section) was transferred to Mihrengiz Kadınefendi, another wife of Sultan Reşad. The term "Kadın Efendi", which gave its name to the mansion, comes from the title of the women of this Ottoman dynasty. Today, the Women's Efendi Mansion has the status of private property; Although the interior is not open to visitors, it can be seen from the outside and continues to arouse interest with its historical texture, especially when viewed from the sea.

Explore By Yacht

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the beauties of the Istanbul Bosphorus is to rent a private yacht and create your own route while cruising along the shores. On a Bosphorus tour with a luxury yacht, you get the chance to see the historic mansions and palaces lined along the coast up close. Passing by Kandilli, viewing unique Ottoman structures like the Kadın Efendi Mansion from the sea offers visitors the opportunity to see Istanbul's rich heritage from an authentic perspective. While gliding on the cool waters of the Bosphorus, you can photograph this magnificent mansion and experience a unique moment by observing the beauties the city has carried from the past to the present over the sea.

If you rented a yacht, you can enjoy the Bosphorus as you wish, without being tied to crowded tours or fixed routes. Kandilli and its surroundings are worth exploring from the sea as it is a region where historical structures and natural beauties intertwine. During this journey on your private yacht, you can set your route as you wish and stop wherever you like in the calm bays of the Bosphorus to enjoy the view. If you prefer a guided tour, you will also have the opportunity to learn rich historical stories about structures such as the Kadın Efendi Mansion during the trip.

If you want to experience an unforgettable Bosphorus experience during your trip to Istanbul, turn your route towards the shores of Kandilli and be sure to admire the unique view of this area from the sea. The most beautiful facades of the historical mansions emerge when viewed from the sea during boat tours. Don't miss the chance to observe the Kadın Efendi Mansion while cruising on the Bosphorus; rent a yacht to have the freedom to stop at your own chosen spots to explore this precious corner of Istanbul. This comfortable and free exploration journey will be one of the most special memories left behind from Istanbul for both local and foreign visitors.