The Sculptor İhsan Bey Mansion, located in the neighborhood of Kuzguncuk on the Bosphorus coast, is a beach mansion that catches the eye at first glance with its elegant silhouette and historical texture.
This mansion, visible from the Bosphorus by boat or from the shore, complements the enchanting view of the Bosphorus due to its location. The Art Nouveau-inspired decorations on its exterior and the elegance of classical Ottoman mansion architecture evoke a sense of nostalgia in visitors. As a part of Istanbul's cultural mosaic, this historical structure leaves a lasting first impression on both local and foreign visitors, evoking admiration in the face of the beauty of the Bosphorus.
History
The construction of the sculptor Ihsan Bey's villa dates back to the late 19th century. The first owner of the villa is a Mevlevi sheikh named Şemsi Efendi from Bursa, and the building was used as a summer residence for the Sheikh of the Bursa Mevlevi Lodge for a period. It is even stated that there is a small semahane (a hall for the rituals of Mevlevi dervishes) with a mezzanine in the villa. It is known that during this early period, there was also a two-story wooden garden house facing the street on the villa's property, but this additional structure later disappeared. By the early 20th century, Ihsan Özsoy (1867-1944), recognized as the pioneer of Western-style sculpture in the Ottoman Empire, purchased this villa. Ihsan Bey, who was one of the first Turkish students in the sculpture department of the Sanayi-i Nefise Mektebi (the Fine Arts Academy of the time) and known as the first sculpture teacher of the Republic, became the later owner of the villa, which then began to be referred to by his name. It is known that architect Vedat Tek designed this mansion for his friend Ihsan Bey as one of his first important projects. This way, the mansion has gained an aesthetic that reflects the architectural trends of the period.
In the following years, the changes undergone by the mansion had an impact on its historical texture. Like many traditional waterfront mansions along the Bosphorus, the Sculptor İhsan Bey Mansion consisted of two separate parts: the selamlık (the section for male guests) and the harem (the family living area). The mansion even had a small boathouse adjacent to the harem section, making it a beautiful example of the integration of maritime transport into daily life during the Ottoman period. However, in the mid-20th century, the interior of the mansion was completely renovated and transformed into reinforced concrete, significantly altering its original wooden structure. Nevertheless, the historical appearance of the building's street and sea facades has largely been preserved; particularly, the details in the Art Nouveau style on the exterior façade of the selamlık section have survived to this day. The villa was registered as a cultural asset to be preserved by the High Council of Real Estate Ancient Monuments in 1971. Although it is currently under private ownership and can be easily seen from the outside, its interior is not open for visits. The villa, which is part of the historical heritage, continues to exist as one of the pearls of the Bosphorus.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most unique ways to explore the unparalleled beauties of the Istanbul Bosphorus is to
yacht rent and create your own route. When you set sail on a private yacht, you can escape the chaos of the city and enjoy the pleasure of viewing Istanbul from the sea. This way, you have the opportunity to witness history and enjoy panoramic views by seeing historical mansions such as Sculptor İhsan Bey Mansion along the Kuzguncuk shores from the water. A peaceful boat trip accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus will be one of the unforgettable memories of your Istanbul journey.
When you take a Bosphorus tour that includes the shores of Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk, you will feel the comfort of being able to move freely by renting a yacht. With your own rented yacht, you can stop wherever you want without being tied to crowded tours, take photo breaks, or enjoy the Bosphorus for as long as you like. If you prefer a guided yacht tour, you will also embark on a cultural journey by listening to the stories of the yalis and palaces you pass by. Especially seeing structures such as the Sculptor İhsan Bey Mansion from the sea gives you the best sense of the beauty of the structure and its harmony with the Bosphorus. Exploring these historic districts of Istanbul by renting a yacht allows you to view the city from a different perspective and enhances the quality of your trip.
We suggest renting a yacht as a way to personalize this experience for everyone who wants to discover the pearls of the Bosphorus. You can enjoy a luxurious and peaceful atmosphere while exploring the coves, mansions, and coastal beauties of the Bosphorus with your loved ones in the comfort of your own yacht. The yacht rental option offers a solution for every kind of desire, whether you plan a romantic sunset tour or an enjoyable trip with your group of friends. If you want to experience the full grandeur of the Istanbul Bosphorus and glide past historical structures like the Sculptor İhsan Bey Mansion, rent a yacht and be part of this unique adventure. A personalized yacht tour for an unforgettable Bosphorus journey will allow you to fully feel the magic of Istanbul.
