Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem Mansion

Located at the very beginning of the waterfront villas in Yeniköy, right next to the İstinye Pier, this elegant mansion has a striking appearance that will be immediately noticed by those passing through the Bosphorus due to its location. Known as the "Writers' Mansion" because it was a meeting point for literati at the end of the 19th century, the building attracts interest not only with its architectural grandeur but also with its cultural history.

History

The construction of Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem's mansion dates back to the 19th century. The mansion was built by Monsieur Pigeon, one of the master craftsmen of the Beykoz Glass Factory; later, the writer Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem Bey purchased this structure from him and gave it a more elegant appearance with some additions. Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem transformed this mansion into almost a literary club as one of the leading writers and poets of the period spanning from the Tanzimat to Servet-i Fünun. Young literary figures of the time, such as Tevfik Fikret, Cenap Şehabettin, and Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil, frequently gathered in this mansion to hold literary meetings. In fact, the birth of the Servet-i Fünun literary movement also occurred thanks to the gatherings held in this mansion. It is known that Recaizade Ekrem wrote many of his works here, including his famous novel 'Araba Sevdası', and that his children were born in this mansion. However, towards the 1900s, as a result of a report given to the Yıldız Palace by the detectives, Recaizade had to evacuate his mansion due to the political pressures of the time.

In the following years, the ownership of the mansion changed hands; for a while, it was used by Sultan II. Abdulhamid's favorite, Hacı Mahmut Efendi, and later hosted statesmen like Cemil Pasha and the Minister of Commerce (Ticaret Bakanı) Kabulî Pasha. In the 20th century, the Süleymangil and Hancıoğlu families became the new owners of the mansion. Registered as a cultural heritage and protected in 1971, Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem Mansion is one of the rare Bosphorus mansions that has largely preserved its historical texture to this day. Although the mansion, which is currently private property, is not open to visitors, it can be seen from the outside and stands out with its magnificent façades, especially in tours conducted from the sea.

Explore By Yacht

You can best explore such a historic structure from the sea. During a special yacht tour you will take in the Bosphorus, you will have the opportunity to closely see the elegant facades of Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem Mansion. Thanks to the private yacht rental service, you can enjoy the beauty of this unique structure and the surrounding landscape in a peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowds, only with your loved ones.

Thanks to your yacht rental, you can completely determine the route and duration of your Bosphorus tour according to your own wishes. Along the coastline extending from Istinye to Yeniköy, you will have the chance to see many historic mansions and palaces, including the Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem Mansion, all at once. Moreover, with the comfort of your rented yacht, you can stop at any point to take photos and enjoy the view to the fullest without any rush.

In your trip to Istanbul, rent a yacht to explore the stunning mansions and waterfront houses of the Bosphorus and plan your own private tour. This unique experience that combines history with natural beauty will make your visit to Istanbul unforgettable. Under the guidance of experienced captains, you can enjoy the privilege of closely observing the grandeur of structures like the Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem Mansion while gliding through the blue waters of the Bosphorus.