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Anadolu Hisarı sits directly across the Bosphorus from Rumeli Hisarı, smaller and 60 years older — built by Bayezid I in 1394 as the first Ottoman foothold on the European-Asian crossing. The fortress is more modest than its European twin but the village around it has kept its old wooden character: low Ottoman houses, a few yalıs right on the water, and the famous Kanlıca village 500 metres north where boats pull up for the namesake yoghurt with powdered sugar. From the water, the two fortresses face each other across the narrowest point and you sail between them. Season runs April through November.
Küçüksu Pavilion's history extends back to the Byzantine Period. During the Ottoman Era, it emerged as one of the Sultan's private gardens, known as "Kandil Bahçesi." It's known that Sultan Murad IV was fond of Küçüksu and its surroundings, naming the area "Gümüş Selvi" (Silver Cypress). The pavilion was designed for daily use, which is why it does not contain any bedrooms. It was utilized for day trips for hunting or picnicking. For overnight stays, the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces were preferred.
Though Kanlıca is first and foremost known for its yogurt, this beautiful district stands out with its green atmosphere and clean air. Located just beneath the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, it draws attention with its mansions, Mihrabad Grove, and the elegant Hıdiv Pavilion built by the last Egyptian Governor Abbas Hilmi Pasha. As you may recall, the magnificent Egyptian Consulate building on the opposite shore in Bebek was also related to Hıdiv, belonging to his mother, Khediva Emine.
In the past, full moon celebrations were held in Kanlıca Bay, where people would set out on moonlight cruises in their boats. Just under the second bridge, you can spot the Lacivert Restaurant, known for its distinctive twin roofs. This structure, which has appeared in numerous Turkish films, now serves as a luxury restaurant.
The Salih Efendi Mansion is notable for its red facade. Salih Efendi, who graduated from the first medical school opened during Sultan Mahmud II's reign and served as the chief physician to three sultans, owned it. Unfortunately, the mansion hosted many TV series and movies but suffered significant damage in a ship accident in 2018.
Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha Mansion is one of the oldest mansions on the Bosphorus. According to stories, the Treaty of Karlowitz was signed in this mansion in 1699.
The Marquis Necib Bey Mansion stands out with its white facade and yellow details, appearing as if it consists of stacked blocks at first glance. The original owner, a French Marquis, converted to Islam to marry Melike Aliye Hanım, taking the name Ahmet Necib. The elegant, white, two-story Nuri Pasha Mansion can be seen nearby.
Another notable white mansion is the Zarif Mustafa Pasha Mansion, which was originally a service building for the staff but is now highly valued. It fits the description of being right by the sea, or "Lebiderya," and contains a 300-year-old historical bathhouse within.
One of the larger mansions of Anatolian Fortress is the Bahriyeli Sedat Bey Mansion, known for its brown shutters and also as the Magnolia Mansion. The white mansion nearby is known as the Ali Rıza Bey Mansion.
Right in front of Anatolian Fortress, you can see the Commodore Remzi Bey Mansion. Former Prime Minister Erdal İnönü once lived in this mansion.
Göksu, historically famous for its leisurely boat rides, flows into the sea where the Sabancı Teacher's House is located. One of the largest and most expansive mansions along the Bosphorus, the Kıbrıslı Mansion, lies just ahead.
Flanking the Kıbrıslı Mansion on both sides is the white Abud Efendi Mansion. Behind the mansion, adorned with columns in its garden, are the maroon-colored Count Ostrorog Mansion and the white, splendid Ricardo Pulos Mansion, with the Cemile Sultan Grove extending behind them.
Kandilli, nestled between two groves, is known for its "devil's current" at the point where the stream hits the shore. Here, currents can reach speeds of 7-10 knots, as it is one of the narrowest points of the Bosphorus.
In this area, you will see three beautiful maroon houses. The one at the top is known as the Casanova Mansion. Legend has it that the infamous lover Casanova stayed here during his visit to Istanbul, which is why the mansion is associated with his name.
Among the magnificent white mansions in Kandilli, the Clifton Mansion was formerly owned by the Clifton Family. You can distinguish this mansion by the three small windows on its upper floor.
The mansion owned by one of Turkey's prominent ambassadors, Fuat Bayramoğlu, was designed by the famous architect Sedad Hakkı Eldem. With its red and white facade, the mansion stands out as a remarkable structure.
Vaniköy is one of the peaceful, green-clad corners of the Bosphorus, named after the significant historical figure Vani Mehmed Efendi. Following a fire that left the Vaniköy Mosque in ruins, it has been restored and once again takes its place among the Bosphorus's landmarks.
The Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem Mansion, with its stone facade, was used as an oil factory for many years. The Ahmet Nazif Pasha Mansion, notable for its chimneys at each end of the roof, is a smaller mansion.
One of the most beautiful mansions along the Bosphorus, the Mahmud Nedim Pasha Mansion, has its harem section on the right and the selamlık (reception section) on the left. The tower in the selamlık section is particularly striking.
