Hadi Semi Bey Seaside Mansion
Hadi Semi Bey Seaside Mansion, located on Goksu Cad- desi in Kandilli, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally known as Manford House, it was once owned by English physicians. After the First World War, the house was sold to a Greek shipowner named Licardopulos, who later exchanged it for property left by attorney Hadi Semi in Thessaloniki during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Since then, it has been known as Hadi Semi Bey Seaside Mansion.
This traditional wooden mansion boasts typical Bosphorus mansion features, with a claret red exterior, two floors, and segregated sections for men and women. The entrance floor comprises the kitchen, dining room, and storeroom, while the second floor houses the main living quarters. A small observation pavilion in the grove behind the mansion offers stunning views of the surroundings Exploring Istanbul’s Seaside Mansions.
In 1960, the mansion underwent restoration, during which the northern facade of the harem building and its gazebo were removed, and the lemon grove was replaced with a swimming pool.
Sehzade Burhanettin Efendi Seaside Mansion (Misirlilar Seaside Mansion, Erbilgin Seaside Mansion)
Situated on Yenikoy Kdyba$i Street No: 141, Sehzade Burhanettin Efendi Seaside Mansion is one of the largest mansions on the Bosphorus, boasting 64 rooms and covering an area of 600 square meters on 280X square meters of land. Initially named after Sehzade Burhanettin, the son of Abdulhamid II, it later became known as Misirlilar (Egyptians’) Mansion when purchased by Egyptian Ahmet Ihsan Bey. Presently, it is owned by the Erbilgin family and is referred to as the Erbilgin Mansion, known for being one of the most expensive residential buildings on the Bosphorus.
This Neo-Baroque mansion features a two-story wooden framework built upon the ground floor. The alcoves on the second floor facing the water are supported by protruding stone wings, with windows adorned with half arches. Balconies with wooden bays and three openings adorn the facade, providing panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Unfortunately, the garden connecting the mansion to the water was demolished in 1958 due to municipal expropriation Vitosha Bulgaria Private Tours .
Exploring these historic seaside mansions along the Bosphorus offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich architectural heritage and cultural legacy. Each mansion tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse influences and styles that have shaped the city’s waterfront landscape over the centuries.
