Mehmet Arif Bey Mansion

The structure, which offers a stunning view while passing through the Bosphorus by boat or ferry, is arranged in a row with other similar wooden mansions next to it. This three-story mansion with a white wooden façade leaves a strong first impression on both local and foreign visitors with its elegant presence by the water. Thanks to its location intertwined with the blue waters of the Bosphorus, especially when viewed from the sea, the historical texture and aesthetic details of the structure are felt in all their glory.

History

Mehmet Arif Bey's Mansion was built during the last period of the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the three waterfront mansions built by Mehmet Arif Bey, who served as the Undersecretary of Justice in the Ottoman State, for his family at the beginning of the 20th century. This mansion was specifically constructed for Mehmet Arif Bey's aunt; the other neighboring mansions were commissioned for his uncle and daughter. The structure, reflecting the eclectic style unique to the Bosphorus in traditional Ottoman civil architecture, is designed with a ground floor made of rubble stone and upper floors made of wood. The wooden decorations in its architectural plan, bay windows, and high-ceilinged rooms make the mansion suitable for the seaside style of that era.

By the 1960s, it became necessary to protect the mansion due to its historical value. In fact, it was registered as a cultural asset in need of protection in 1971 and included in the official inventory. With this registration, the structure began to be protected under the status of a 2nd degree historical monument, and unauthorized changes to its exterior were prohibited by law. Recently, the mansion came back into the public eye due to a significant event: In 2011, two of the three Mehmet Arif Bey Mansions on the Kanlıca coast were purchased by the famous businessman Reza Zarrab and gifted to his wife, singer Ebru Gündeş. Following the purchase, an unauthorized illegal floor added to one of the buildings and the renovations that combined the two mansions caused a great stir in the press because they disrupted the original silhouette of the historical structure. Although a decision was made as a result of legal proceedings to remove these interventions, it could not be implemented for a long time. Today, the Mehmet Arif Bey Mansion and the surrounding villas are still privately owned; the structure is not open for interior visits and can only be seen from the outside. Visitors passing through the Bosphorus can witness this historical mansion from the exterior during boat tours or yacht trips.

Explore By Yacht

The most enjoyable way to explore the shores of Kanlıca, known as the pearl of the Bosphorus, and this unique waterfront mansion is undoubtedly to create your own route with a private yacht rental experience. Unlike crowded tours, you can enjoy the Bosphorus as you wish with the yacht you rented, and you can stop at any point you desire to photograph historical structures closely, such as the Mehmet Arif Bey Mansion. While enjoying the comfort of your yacht, you will be captivated by the serene atmosphere of the Bosphorus breeze and the sound of the waves, watching Istanbul's natural beauty and cultural heritage from a unique perspective.

While charting a route to the peaceful bays and historic mansions of Kanlıca, the best option for this experience to be truly free is to rented a yacht in Istanbul. Chartering a private yacht transforms the Bosphorus cruise into a completely personalized adventure for you and your loved ones. While sailing on your own without a guide, you can spend as much time as you wish on the Kanlıca shore and have the opportunity to examine the details of the Mehmet Arif Bey Mansion, even from a distance. Moreover, by approaching the shore closely with your yacht and stopping in front of this historic structure, you will enjoy the privilege of soaking in both the view and the history.

If you want to create unforgettable memories while exploring Istanbul's stunning Bosphorus coastline, rent a yacht and embark on your own personal Bosphorus voyage. Setting sail on a yacht with a professional captain will provide a safe and luxurious experience. Gliding past historical structures like the Mehmet Arif Bey Yalı while moving through the cool waters of the Bosphorus will take you on a journey into the city's past. By renting your own yacht, freely explore the exquisite beauty of the Istanbul Bosphorus and turn this experience into a memory you will never forget.