The Kamil Paşa Mansion, located in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood of the Üsküdar district on the Anatolian side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, is a historical mansion that catches the eye at first glance with its simple elegance by the shore.
The structure with a wooden facade on the Bosphorus, painted with a humble yet striking appearance of traditional aşı paint red, reflects the spirit of the past among the modern buildings around it. The Kamil Pasha Mansion, which has survived from the Ottoman era to the present day, maintains its value as one of the most important historical heritages along the Kuzguncuk coastline.
History
Although the exact construction date of the Kamil Pasha Mansion is not known, it is estimated that the building was constructed in the late 18th century. The mansion takes its name from Kamil Pasha, one of the statesmen of the late Ottoman period. Kamil Pasha, who served as a member of the Council of State during the reigns of Sultan Abdülmecid and Abdülaziz and held the position of ambassador in Petersburg, resided here as the owner of this mansion in the mid-19th century.
Kamil Pasha, who had no children, gifted the mansion to his brother Yusuf Ziya Bey after a while. Following the death of Yusuf Ziya Bey in 1892, the mansion passed to the family of his son-in-law Halil Haşim Bey. After Halil Haşim Bey became the sole owner by purchasing all the remaining shares of the mansion, he carried out a major renovation in 1920, considering the wear of the structure. With the consultancy of the famous Italian architect Raimondo D'Aronco, Halil Haşim Bey preserved a portion of the original mansion and rebuilt a large part, laying the foundation for its current appearance. With this renovation, the mansion was arranged as two separate structures adjacent to each other in the same garden. The structure did not undergo significant changes in the continuation of the 20th century and was registered as a historical artifact in 1971, thus being protected.
Kamil Pasha Mansion is one of the rare waterfront mansions of the Bosphorus that has managed to remain in the ownership of the same family since the Ottoman period. Today, the mansion is owned by the Moralıoğlu Family, heirs of previous generations, and the structure is privately owned. Therefore, visitors cannot enter the mansion, but it can be seen from the outside. With its long history and unique story, Kamil Pasha Mansion holds significance as an architectural monument that has reached the present day without interruption in cultural continuity in the Bosphorus.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the beauties of the Istanbul Bosphorus is through private boat tours on the sea. The historic waterfront mansions and palaces lined up like pearls on the European and Asian shores are revealed in all their splendor when viewed from the sea. For those seeking a more liberating experience compared to crowded ferry boats, renting a yacht in the Bosphorus is a fantastic alternative. Sailing through the Bosphorus on a private boat, watching structures such as the Kamil Pasha Mansion from the water feels like observing a living history panorama. Seeing the elegant silhouette of the mansion with its red façade from the cool waters of the Bosphorus means both making a journey into the past and enjoying the enchanting view.
If you want to fully personalize your Bosphorus tour, you can rent a yacht to set your own course and have the freedom to stop at any point you wish. With a privately rented yacht, you can pass at your desired pace in front of the Kamil Pasha Mansion on the Üsküdar shores, anchor at a suitable spot, and enjoy this unique structure to your heart's content. Whether it’s for a photo break or to examine the mansion's details more closely, being able to follow your own schedule will provide you with a unique Bosphorus experience. With a private boat tour away from the crowds, you can feel the natural beauties of the Bosphorus and the stories of its historical mansions much more deeply.
To fully experience the captivating atmosphere of the Bosphorus, you should
rent a yacht on the Bosphorus. With an experienced captain and crew, it is possible to witness the stories of important historical sites, such as Kamil Paşa Mansion on the Kuzguncuk coast, during personalized yacht trips. While watching the views around you on your yacht's deck with the sweet breeze of the Bosphorus, you will admire Istanbul's unique silhouette from a different angle. This privileged experience, which offers a comfortable and educational journey, will add value to your trip as the most unforgettable way to explore Istanbul's historical coastline.