Nuri Pasha Mansion

Nuri Pasha Mansion

A historic mansion that stands out with its elegant silhouette on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

Located between Kanlıca and Anadoluhisarı, the Nuri Pasha Mansion boasts a breathtaking view from its coastal position and is renowned as one of the most charming and striking mansions on the Bosphorus. Passing by boat on the Bosphorus, the mansion's white facade with Art Nouveau details and unique balcony immediately catches the eye. Nestled like pearls on the sea at the foot of lush green hills, this elegant mansion gives the impression at first glance that it is an important structure contributing to the historical beauty of the Istanbul Bosphorus.


History of the Nuri Pasha Mansion

The Nuri Pasha Mansion was built in 1895 by Nuri Pasha, who served as the Minister of Education during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Nuri Pasha, one of the last statesmen of the Ottoman Empire, left a lasting legacy on the Bosphorus coast with this magnificent seaside residence. The mansion was used as a family residence during the period it was built and hosted distinguished guests of the time.


According to one legend, Nuri Pasha's painter son, Hami Bey, eloped from the mansion to marry the daughter of the neighboring Marquis Necip Bey's mansion. This event became a memorable anecdote that was talked about for years around the mansion. After the Nuri Pasha family, the mansion changed hands many times. First, it passed from Hami Bey to Muhlis Erkmen, a politician of the time, and later it was purchased by the Sadıkzade family. In the late 20th century, the famous businessman Rahmi Koç became the new owner of the mansion and resided there for many years. In fact, among the locals, this building began to be referred to as the "Rahmi Koç Mansion". After Rahmi Koç moved to another mansion in Kandilli, the Nuri Pasha Mansion remained in the ownership of the Koç Family and continues to be used as a residence by family members today.


Architecture of the Nuri Pasha Mansion

The Nuri Pasha Mansion, with its design different from the classic Ottoman mansions of the Bosphorus, is one of the rare mansions built in the Art Nouveau style. The two-story wooden structure sits on a masonry (stone) ground floor, and the Western influence of the period is felt in the facade decoration. The most striking architectural element of the mansion is the balconies located one above the other in the middle of the facade facing the sea. This balcony element, rarely seen in classic mansions, both adds an aesthetic emphasis to the structure and offers a pleasant viewing place to admire the Bosphorus view. The wooden balcony on the upper floor ends with a triangular pediment as an extension of the roof, adding a characteristic appearance to the silhouette of the building. The mansion also features French-style wooden shutters above the windows; These details are elegant touches reflecting the Western influences of the late Ottoman period. Although its general plan scheme is a traditional arrangement with rooms arranged around a central sofa, thanks to its Art Nouveau decoration on the exterior and the balcony element, Nuri Pasha Mansion has a unique appearance among the mansions on the Anatolian side.


Exploring Nuri Pasha Mansion by Yacht

One of the most ideal ways to explore the enchanting atmosphere of the Bosphorus is to yacht rental. On a Bosphorus tour with a private yacht, you can experience the privilege of seeing the historical monuments on the coast from the sea. Nuri Pasha Mansion, located on the Kanlıca coast, reveals all its splendor when viewed from the sea. While closely observing the elegant white-facade architecture of the mansion from the deck of your yacht, you will notice its historical texture and its harmony with the other structures of the Bosphorus. Away from the crowds, photographing the mansion to the rhythm of the waves and listening to stories about it from your guide is a unique experience. A yacht trip, especially at sunset or at night under the lights, is an unforgettable opportunity to discover the beauty of Nuri Pasha Mansion and the Bosphorus in general.