Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus Strait, in the Kandilli neighbourhood of Üsküdar district, the Kıbrıslı Mansion is a magnificent building with a striking white façade and extraordinary width that catches the eye of everyone passing by the coast.
With its approximately 64-metre-long sea-facing façade, this historic mansion holds the title of the widest façade on the Bosphorus. Thanks to its elegant Ottoman architecture and rich history, it attracts the curiosity of both local and foreign visitors. Named after Kıbrıslı Mehmet Emin Pasha, an Ottoman statesman who owned the mansion in the 19th century, it has remained one of the most impressive examples of civil architecture in the Bosphorus for centuries.
History of the Kıbrıslı Mansion
The construction of the Kıbrıslı Mansion dates back to the late 18th century. Safranbolulu İzzet Mehmet Pasha, who served as Grand Vizier during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid I, was the first owner and builder of this mansion. The residence, which he had built in the late 1780s, was also known as the Kara Vezir Mansion due to his position in the state. The mansion was used by Izzet Mehmet Pasha's family for a time; it is even known that it was briefly rented to Izzet Mehmet Pasha, a grand vizier from the reign of Sultan Selim III, who coincidentally shared the same name, in the 1790s. During this initial period, the mansion became one of the most sought-after gathering places for state officials and established itself as a prestigious location along the Bosphorus coast.
In 1840, the mansion was purchased by Kıbrıslı Mehmet Emin Pasha, who had served as governor of Kıbrıslı and as grand vizier during the reigns of three different sultans. This magnificent mansion, which began to be known as the ‘Kıbrıslı Mansion’ in reference to the pasha's homeland, also witnessed important events and meetings of the Tanzimat period in Ottoman history. Mehmet Emin Pasha was a prominent figure known for his experience in state administration and his passion for art and literature. Informal diplomatic meetings and gatherings of the intellectual elite of the era were frequently held at this mansion, away from the official palaces. Indeed, it is known that famous poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı and French writer Pierre Loti, who was enamoured with Istanbul, gathered here and engaged in literary conversations. Among the foreign guests hosted at the mansion were prominent figures such as King Faisal of Iraq and Empress Eugénie of France. The story that Sultan Abdülaziz hosted Empress Eugénie here during his visit to Istanbul in 1869 is a striking anecdote that shows the mansion's splendour at the time. Mehmet Emin Pasha passed away in this mansion in September 1871, and it was inherited by the mansion's family.
Throughout the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Republic, the Kıbrıslı Mansion remained in the ownership of the Pasha's family. Having remained in the same family for many years, it earned the title of the oldest and continuously inhabited mansion on the Bosphorus. During the occupation of Istanbul (1918-1923), the building was briefly used as a headquarters by British officers; however, it was returned to the family after the war. In the 1930s, a comprehensive restoration was carried out to ensure the maintenance and future of the mansion. It is said that Selim Ragıp Bey, a member of the family, had the mansion registered in Ankara, thus placing it under legal protection. Thanks to this, the Kıbrıslı Mansion has managed to survive to the present day in its original form. Following a fire in the southern section, the building underwent another major restoration in 1975, during which its exterior was preserved in its original form and reinforced with concrete and brick.
Today, the Kıbrıslı Mansion is still privately owned and divided among different families. The mansion is divided into harem and selamlik sections and is used by the descendants of Kıbrıslı Mehmet Emin Pasha and the families who later became co-owners. Although the interior is closed to visitors, it is possible to view and photograph this unique mansion from the outside. Especially when approaching by boat from the sea, you can admire the mansion's grandeur up close.
Discover the Kıbrıslı Mansion by Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Bosphorus and see the historic mansions up close is by boat. While passing by on the road, we can only see the facades of these buildings, but when viewed from the sea, you can appreciate their true splendour as they blend into their surroundings. Indeed, during boat tours in the Bosphorus, guides point out the Kıbrıslı Mansion as they pass by the Kandilli coastline, and passengers admire this unique view with awe. If you wish to see the Kıbrıslı Mansion up close during your Bosphorus tour, you can opt for a Bosphorus yacht rental tailored to your schedule instead of crowded ferry trips. The freedom to choose your own route and stop wherever you want to take photos is only possible with a private yacht tour.
By renting a yacht, you can see the unique beauty of Istanbul's coastline and the historic yalı mansions around Kandilli up close. Discovering the fine details of the mansion's sea front, its tall windows and architectural splendour from the deck of the yacht offers a unique perspective that cannot be experienced on land. What's more, a yacht tour allows you to experience the Bosphorus at any time of day, whether it's the first light of dawn or the red glow of sunset. Seeing the beauty of the Kıbrıslı Mansion in different lights and atmospheres makes this experience even more unforgettable. As you glide silently through the waves and pass in front of the mansion, you will feel the privilege of greeting this historical heritage up close.
To fully enjoy the Bosphorus and see a stunning historical landmark like the Kıbrıslı Mansion from the best angle, rent a yacht and set sail for the Bosphorus! A Bosphorus cruise on your own private yacht will offer peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amidst the sounds of waves and gentle breezes, you will experience a completely personalized journey as you witness the stories of the Bosphorus's pearls—the yalı mansions and palaces. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, you can freely choose your route and stopovers, explore the historical beauties of the Bosphorus up close, including the Kıbrıslı Mansion, and create unforgettable memories in Istanbul.