Kıbrıslı Mansion, which boasts the longest facade on the Bosphorus, dazzles on the Kandilli shores with its historical texture and architectural splendor.
Located on the Kandilli coast, right on the edge of the Bosphorus waters, the Kıbrıslı Mansion stands out with its long white facade and classical architecture. Situated in the Kandilli district on the Anatolian side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, this magnificent mansion is the widest in the region with its approximately 64-meter coastal frontage. Its modestly shaped, boat-like structure creates a unique first impression, resembling a silhouette with outstretched wings on the shore. Thanks to its location at the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, it boasts a panoramic view framing two historical fortresses, Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı. Because the structure is hidden behind high walls and trees from the land, its true splendor is revealed to those passing by at sea.
History of the Kıbrıslı Mansion
The Kıbrıslı Mansion was built in the late 18th century during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid I by Grand Vizier İzzet Mehmet Pasha. The mansion was initially known as the Kara Vezir Mansion because its first owner, İzzet Mehmet Pasha, was also known as the "Black Vizier." In 1840, Kıbrıslı Mehmet Emin Pasha, who served as Ottoman Grand Vizier three times, became the new owner, and the building took its current name from this statesman.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Kıbrıslı Mansion hosted important meetings and gatherings. The famous French writer Pierre Loti and the Turkish poet Yahya Kemal frequently met here for conversations about the Bosphorus; the venue became a popular meeting point for intellectual circles of the time. The mansion also gained international renown by hosting foreign guests such as King Faisal of Iraq and Empress Eugénie of France. Today, the Kıbrıslı Mansion remains privately owned and consists of four separate sections belonging to different families. This historical building, whose interior is closed to visitors, can be seen from the outside, especially from the sea.
Architecture of Kıbrıslı Mansion
Kıbrıslı Mansion is a wooden structure built in the neo-classical style, combining traditional elements of Ottoman civil architecture with Western influences. Located parallel to the Bosphorus coast, the mansion's plan, consisting of separate sections such as the harem and selamlık (men's quarters), gives the building a horizontally expanding form. The front facade facing the sea is enlivened by projections (bay windows-like projections) and rows of narrow, long windows that break the monotony of the building. Over time, the architecture of the mansion was further enriched with structures such as the selamlık hall and the summer pavilion (divanhane) added in the 19th century.
The selamlık section of the mansion (the section where male guests were received) has survived to the present day in the best preserved form. This section is accessed from the garden side via a portico with four columns. The interior is notable for its high ceilings and elegant plaster decorations with floral motifs on the walls. The large hall on the east side has a mosaic floor made of small colored stones, and a marble ornamental pool (fountain) in the center. The two-story structure is large enough to house a total of 21 rooms. Unfortunately, some of the structures on the extensive grounds of the mansion have disappeared over time; a garden pavilion known to have been built in the late 18th century and three large baths have not survived to the present day. Only a marble fountain and a small pool remain from the garden. With all these architectural features, Kıbrıslı Mansion stands out as one of the rare historical structures of the Bosphorus.
Exploring Kıbrıslı Mansion by Yacht
To explore Kıbrıslı Mansion in the most impressive way, one must view it from the sea, that is, from the waters of the Bosphorus; this magnificent structure, hidden behind walls and trees from the land, only reveals itself in all its splendor when approached from the sea. With a private yacht or boat tour, you can closely observe the expansive facade of the mansion; photograph its historical details and the unique scenery surrounding it from the best angles. As you glide along the calm waters of the Bosphorus, the view offered by the mansion, with the lush green Kandilli hills and the historic silhouette of Anadolu Hisarı in the background, will be an unforgettable experience for visitors. Today, yachting on the Bosphorus is no longer an unattainable luxury. It's possible to find a boat that suits your preferences and budget among the various yacht rental prices. Whether you plan a short Bosphorus tour or a romantic trip at sunset, you can stop at any point you wish and enjoy the view as you pass by historic mansions like Kıbrıslı Yalısı. This special experience, an alternative to crowded boat tours, makes your visit to Istanbul unique. As you imprint the sea view of Kıbrıslı Mansion in your memory, you'll feel as if you've embarked on a journey intertwined with history, accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus and the sound of waves.