The Princess Rukiye Mansion, located at the northern tip of Kanlıca Cove on the Anatolian side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, immediately draws attention with its magnificent presence.
This three-story, white-painted historical mansion offers a postcard-like view with the cool waters of the Bosphorus in front and the lush Mihrabat Grove behind. While passing through the Bosphorus by boat, its elegant wooden architecture in neo-classical style dazzles the eyes. With its ostentatious facade and symmetrical windows, this mansion is one of the most impressive structures reflecting the coastal culture of the Ottoman period. At first glance, it conveys to visitors both the traces of a historical heritage and the aesthetic richness of Bosphorus life.
History
The origin of the Rukiye Palace dates back to the mid-19th century. The structure, which was first constructed by Mehmed Vecîhî Pasha around 1850, was known at that time as the Vecihi Pasha Mansion. In the following years, the mansion came into the ownership of Princess Rukiye, who belonged to the Ottoman Egypt viceroy (governor) family. Princess Rukiye was an important figure of the time as the daughter of Abbas Halim Pasha and inherited the mansion as a wedding gift from her husband’s family through marriage. In 1895, Princess Rukiye had the old mansion's single-story part, which was on the brink of collapse, demolished and ensured the construction of the magnificent mansion we see today. This new mansion, built in a neo-classical style, began to be referred to as the Rukiye Sultan Mansion in her honor.
The mansion, which continued to change hands after the princess it was named after, was sold by Princess Rukiye after living in this magnificent seaside villa for a while to Egyptian Princess Iffet Hanım. During this period, the building was also referred to among the people as Princess Iffet's Villa. However, after Princess Iffet left the country, the villa was purchased in 1957 by the famous horseman and former president of the Turkish Jockey Club Özdemir Atman. Özdemir Atman bought the reception section of the mansion and carried out extensive renovations; the harem section was also transformed into a masonry structure by a separate owner. Throughout history, the villa has been associated with different owners' names (such as Vecihi Pasha's Villa, Princess Rukiye's Villa, Princess Iffet's Villa, Özdemir Atman's Villa) and holds an important place in the cultural heritage of the Bosphorus. Registered as a historical monument in 1971, this structure has managed to survive to the present day as one of the rare examples of civil architecture in the Bosphorus.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most special ways to explore the beauties of the Istanbul Bosphorus is to rent a yacht and set your own route. Anchoring off Kanlıca and watching the unique silhouette of the Prenses Rukiye Yalı from the sea offers visitors a completely different perspective. During your Bosphorus tour, you can closely observe the detailed carvings of the yalı and its elegance reflecting on the shore from the deck of your yacht. Moreover, with a private yacht tour, you will have the chance to photograph this historic yalı and other surrounding Ottoman structures away from the crowds, in a serene atmosphere. Gliding through the blue waters of the Bosphorus, listening to the story of this magnificent yalı and savoring the view will be an unforgettable experience.
The bays around Kanlıca are extremely suitable and enjoyable routes for yachting. Especially as you approach waterfront mansions like the Prenses Rukiye Mansion, you step into an atmosphere intertwined with history. If you
rented a yacht, you can personalize your travel plan entirely to your liking, and you can enjoy this historic mansion in the natural light of the Bosphorus at sunrise or sunset. Touring the Bosphorus on your own yacht means not only a means of transportation but also a luxurious and comfortable travel experience. Flexibility such as coastal breaks where you can taste Kanlıca's famous yogurt or a short stop with a view of Mihrabat Grove is also among the privileges of a yacht tour. This way, discovering the pearls of the Bosphorus turns into a much more free and personal adventure for both the local residents of Istanbul and foreign guests.
While exploring all these historical beauties of the Istanbul Bosphorus, enjoy the experience of being the captain of your own boat to collect unforgettable memories. There are many more magnificent mansions and palaces lined along the Bosphorus, creating a captivating panorama when viewed from the sea. If you want to fully experience this panorama and especially see a masterpiece like the Princess Rukiye Mansion up close, consider renting a yacht. Chart your own course to explore Istanbul's historic coastline away from the city's crowds, accompanied by the cool breezes of the Bosphorus. This unique experience will provide you with a different perspective on the city's history and natural beauty; it will be one of the most unforgettable moments of a trip to Istanbul for both domestic and foreign travelers.