Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion

Mecid Efendi Mansion: A Short History
 
Although it goes by the name of Caliph Abdülmecid, Mecid Efendi Mansion was erected as a hunting lodge between 1880 and 1885 by Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt, who spent 20,000 and 8,000 Egyptian gold coins, respectively, on the structure and furnishings. The mansion was later purchased by Abdülhamid II, who allocated it to Abdülmecid Efendi, his uncle. So, the hunting lodge becomes both a summer residence and an art studio, where Caliph Abdülmecid Efendi, famed for his love of art, continued his passion for painting. Abdülmecid Efendi, a skilled painter, produced a decorative masterpiece on the Mansion's exterior entrance, inspired by Egyptian interior style. During his period, the mansion was the scene of artistic and literary gatherings. After the declaration of constitutional monarchy, politicians and former grand viziers gathered here for meetings. The mansion was transferred to the Istanbul Revenue Office and later sold to the Kalkavan family after the abolishment of caliphate in 1924 and liquidation of their property. Fully transferred to Yapı Kredi Bank in 1972, the building was eventually acquired by Koç Holding Pension and Provident Fund in 2011 to conserve this great structure and pass it on the next generation.
 
Mecid Efendi Mansion: Architectural Features
 
Ottoman and Egyptian styles are dominant in the architecture and interiors of the Mecid Efendi Mansion. The architect of the mansion is Vallaury. The structure, which was built amid a grove area of approximately 200 decares, offers a dazzling architecture. The present structure is the men’s quarters (selamlik) building. The mansion's basement also has a separate entrance that leads to the harem buildings. The selamlik structure is intriguing both in terms of architecture and craftsmanship. "There is no victor but Allah," says the inscription on the door, written in kufic script. The mansion consists of three storeys with a total living area of 1860 m2. On the ground floor, there is a huge sofa that is a late example of the traditional Turkish home architecture.  The mansion is unlike any other in Istanbul, with its ceilings, walls and embellishments, as well as its outer door. The unique features of Mecid Efendi Mansion include the colourful tiles covering the walls, the colours of the tiles, the fireplace, the fountain, and the stunning examples of calligraphy on the walls.