Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion

Located within Bağlarbaşı Grove in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood of Istanbul's Üsküdar district, the Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion is a significant historical structure from the late Ottoman period that has survived to the present day. This mansion, used as a summer residence by Prince Abdülmecid Efendi, known for his passion for the arts, also served as a cultural hub and meeting point for artists, writers, and politicians of the era.

History and Architecture of Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion

Built between 1880 and 1885 as a hunting lodge by Khedive of Egypt, İsmail Pasha, the mansion was inherited by his son, Mahmud Hamdi Pasha, after İsmail Pasha's death. Later, it was purchased by Sultan Abdulhamid II and allocated to Prince Abdülmecid Efendi. While the architect of the mansion is not definitively known, some sources suggest it may have been designed by Alexandre Vallaury.

The mansion's architecture prominently features Ottoman and Egyptian styles. The three-story building, known as the selamlık (men's quarters), covers a total usable area of 1,860 square meters. On the ground floor, there is a large central hall, a late example of the traditional Turkish house layout. The exterior façade is adorned with rectangular and square panels, with intricate pencil-work decorations under the wide eaves of the roof. Inside, notable features include tiles on the walls and floors, fountains, fireplaces, a grand hall with a marble pool, and stained-glass windows on the upper floor.

Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion as an Art and Culture Center

Prince Abdülmecid Efendi, known for his interest in art, used the mansion not only as a residence but also as a cultural center. Leading artists, writers, and politicians of the time gathered here to organize cultural events. One notable feature is the "Fountain of Love," a figurative landscape painting on the wall to the left of the eastern entrance hall. This piece was designed and executed by Abdülmecid Efendi and painter Avni Lifij.

The Mansion Today

In 1942, the mansion was sold to the Kalkavan family and later to Kazım Taşkent. It underwent several restorations, including one during World War II, when it was temporarily used by the military. The structure was restored again in 1987-1988. In 2011, it was acquired by the Koç Holding Retirement and Welfare Fund Foundation and preserved as a social facility.

Admission and Visiting Hours

Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion is periodically opened to the public for exhibitions and events. For example, between October 29, 2023, and March 17, 2024, it hosted the exhibition "Elegance from Past to Present: Women's Clothing from the Late Ottoman Period to the Early Republic Years." Entry to such exhibitions is free of charge.

How to Get to Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion

The mansion is located within Bağlarbaşı Grove in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood of Üsküdar district. Visitors can reach the mansion by taking public transportation to Üsküdar and then transferring to buses or minibusses heading toward Kuzguncuk. For those arriving by private vehicle, parking facilities are available in the surrounding area.

Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion is one of Istanbul's prominent historical and cultural treasures. With its rich heritage, it offers a glimpse into the past and is a must-see destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts.