Rıza Bey Mansion

This historic mansion, with its white wooden facade and red tile roof, rises by the water's edge with fine craftsmanship, offering a glimpse of the coastal life of the Ottoman period at first glance. While passing by by boat from the Bosphorus, the Rıza Bey Mansion, along with the surrounding mansions and greenery, creates an impressive scene. With its historical texture and magnificent presence, it leaves a lasting first impression on both local and foreign visitors.

History

The Rıza Bey Yalı was constructed in the late 19th century by the Ottoman statesman Ahmet Rıza Bey during the reign of Sultan II. Abdülhamid. Born in 1858, Ahmet Rıza Bey played significant roles in the final period of the empire and passed away in 1930. The yalı features a two-story wooden architecture rising above a stone ground floor and has a traditional layout where the rooms open to a central sofa, embodying the typical characteristics of classic Bosphorus yali from that era.

Throughout the 20th century, the mansion underwent various repairs; during these renovations, changes made to the facade and upper section partially transformed the classic style of the mansion, and late European architectural influences emerged. The mansion was registered as a protected monument under number 91 by the Ministry of Culture in 1971, thus receiving legal protection. After many years of neglect, it was purchased by Dr. Osman Yargıcı and underwent a comprehensive restoration in the subsequent period. Thanks to this restoration, the mansion was restored to its former glory while modern infrastructure systems were also updated. Today, Rıza Bey Mansion is used as private property belonging to Prof. Üstün Ergüder, a former rector of Boğaziçi University.

Explore By Yacht

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Istanbul Strait is to take advantage of yacht rental options. On a Bosphorus tour with a private yacht, you can have the chance to see the historic waterfront mansions lined along the coast up close. Rıza Bey Mansion, located on the shores of Anadolu Hisarı, is one of the most impressive structures you will encounter on this tour. Gliding through the calm waters of the strait, seeing and photographing this elegant mansion from the sea becomes an unforgettable experience.

By renting a yacht, you can freely enjoy the historical texture of the Rıza Bey Mansion and its surroundings. You will have the opportunity to easily reach and closely examine points that may have limited access from land. As you sail in front of Anadolu Hisarı, you will have the chance to see both the medieval Anadolu Hisarı castle and Ottoman heritage structures like Rıza Bey Mansion along the same route. By opting for a guided yacht tour, you can learn about the history of these works and witness the cultural riches of the Bosphorus up close.

If you want to make the most of the unique view of the Bosphorus, you should rent a yacht in Istanbul and explore these unique beauties from the sea. Away from the crowds, you can enjoy the comfort of your journey while watching the historical mansions like Rıza Bey Mansion with your loved ones as you please. This exploration trip by yacht will be one of the unforgettable memories of your visit to Istanbul and will offer you a different perspective on the city's history.