Yagcı Şefik Bey Mansion is located on the Anatolian side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, in the Kanlıca neighborhood, along the waterfront.
With its white-painted wooden facade, garden surrounded by greenery, and elegant stance bordered by the blue waters of the Bosphorus, it immediately catches the attention of those passing by. This magnificent waterfront mansion, reflecting the architectural aesthetics of the Ottoman period, has a majestic silhouette that resembles a fairy tale mansion at first glance.
History
In fact, there was a seaside palace belonging to Cemile Sultan, the daughter of Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid, where this magnificent structure is located. Unfortunately, Cemile Sultan's mansion was devastated by a great fire in 1871, and only the selamlık (the part where male guests were hosted) remained. The existing structure was built in 1905 by merchant and politician Yağcı Hacı Şefik Bey after the land had been vacant for a long time.
Mr. Şefik was one of the prominent businessmen of the era and served as one of the administrators of the Ottoman Navy Society, as well as a representative of Istanbul in the Ottoman Parliament. He commissioned the construction of a villa that was planned in accordance with the traditional Ottoman residential layout, featuring a large three-story haremlik (family living area) and a smaller selamlık (the area designated for male guests) adjacent to it. The structure, whose architect is not definitively known, has an eclectic style with influences of the Art Nouveau style; notably, there are no balconies in the villa.
The mansion has preserved its grandeur since the Republican era and has reached the present day. In 1989, it underwent a comprehensive restoration to regain its former elegance, and it started to be referred to by the surname of its then-owner, businessman Faruk Yalçın. Today, the mansion, known as Faruk Yalçın Yalısı, is privately owned; although the interior is not open to visitors, it can be admired in all its splendor from the outside.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Istanbul Strait is to hire a yacht; while watching the historic mansions and palaces along the coast from the middle of the sea, you will feel like you are on a journey through time. The Yagcı Şefik Bey Mansion is also one of the most impressive structures that can be seen during yacht tours. While closely observing this mansion from the waters of the strait, you will have the opportunity to see the fine woodwork and symmetrical beauty of the building from the best angle.
Sailing along the shores of Kanlıca from the deck of your private boat offers a unique opportunity to experience this historic neighborhood and its mansions from a different perspective. As you pass in front of the mansion, you can listen to interesting stories from the Ottoman period from your guide; you can also observe other famous Kanlıca mansions nearby, such as the Grand Vizier Kadri Pasha Mansion or Hekimbaşı Salih Efendi Mansion. Thanks to the yacht tour, not only the mansions of Kanlıca but also its lush hills (like Mihrabad Grove) and vibrant coastal life will be laid out before your eyes.
If you want to experience the Bosphorus tour freely according to your own schedule, definitely
rent a yacht on the Bosphorus. This way, you can enjoy the Bosphorus away from the crowds, taking photo breaks in front of beautiful structures like the Yagci Şefik Bey Mansion as you wish, whether in the daylight sunshine or under the evening lights. Exploring the Bosphorus with the comfort of a yacht will be one of the unforgettable memories of your trip.