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 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 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
Located on the Kanlıca coast, where the Bosphorus flows with a more casual, warmer rhythm, the Nuri Pasha Mansion, thanks to its intimate relationship with its surroundings, initially evokes the feeling of a living space rather than a formal building. Viewed from the sea, the mansion reflects the unique colorful texture of Kanlıca and the life that unfolds along the coast in its architecture, exhibiting a harmonious unity with its environment. While often perceived as an ordinary residence from land, viewing it from water level reveals a much more conscious choice of location through its facade proportions, proximity to the shore, and positioning. As the yacht moves parallel to the shore, the Nuri Pasha Mansion illustrates that Bosphorus life is nourished not only by grand symbols but also by the daily flow and continuity. Along this line, the architecture prefers to be a natural part of life rather than merely drawing attention. The building stands out with a sense of warmth and accessibility rather than a heavy, representative feeling. Stopping and observing here is like being a guest for a short time in the everyday face of the Bosphorus. Seeing the Nuri Pasha Mansion in this intimate atmosphere becomes a much more authentic experience when you sail along the Bosphorus on a chartered yacht. Those planning a trip that will pass in front of Nuri Pasha Mansion can easily evaluate the yachts in our fleet online according to their preferences for duration and number of people, and see how the budget is calculated step by step as menu and extra service options are added, via yatkiralama.net/en.