Owned by Yücel Cultural Foundation, Abud Efendi Mansion is one of Istanbul’s distinctive heritage buildings, with its garden, annexes and historic character. Together with its garden and annexes, the mansion covers an area of 3,243 square metres. The building consists of three main floors and an attic floor, with a total usable area of 960 m2. The interior layout of the mansion includes 12 large rooms and 5 large halls. In addition to its central location, the site offers parking for 110 vehicles. Watch the introductory video to explore the mansion’s architectural character, historical atmosphere and unique location. Dating back to the late 19th century, Abud Efendi Mansion takes its name from Ahmet Abud Efendi, a merchant of Syrian origin and the brother of Mehmet Abud Efendi, who served during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II as President of the Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Purchasing Commission of the Ministry of War, and as President of Şirket-i Hayriye. The building, where the traces of the harem and selamlık layout can still be observed, is among the notable examples of its period with its architectural plan and interior ornamentation. Abud Efendi Mansion underwent a comprehensive project and restoration process carried out in accordance with its original character. Survey, restitution, restoration and adaptive reuse project studies began in 2008. The prepared project was approved by the No. 4 Regional Council for the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage on 8 November 2010, under decision number 4191. Following the mechanical, structural and electrical projects prepared based on the approved architectural project, the construction permit was obtained in 2019. After the permitting process, restoration works began in 2020. The restoration works were completed in 2023 together with the landscaping works. Abud Efendi Mansion and its surroundings have served different functions over time, touching Istanbul’s social, cultural and sporting life. After being used by the Abud Efendi family, the building was sold to the Americans by Ferit Bey and began operating as a YMCA building in 1925. Opened in 1927 as an annex to the building, the 470-seat Alemdar Cinema became one of Istanbul’s oldest and most significant cinemas, and is known as the first cinema hall in Istanbul where women and men watched films together. The sports hall built in the mansion’s rear garden in 1934 holds an important place in the city’s sporting memory as Istanbul’s first known indoor sports hall. After the YMCA ceased its activities in 1939, the building began to be used as the American Boys’ Language and Commerce School. The mansion was transferred to Yücel Cultural Foundation by donation on 12 October 1972. For a period, it was used as Yücel Dershanesi, hosting accounting, language and typing courses. The mansion also hosted the Foundation’s social and cultural activities, including the Fraternity Club and other youth clubs. The mansion is located on one of Istanbul’s most important historic axes, in the Historical Eminönü Peninsula, between Gülhane and Sultanahmet. The mansion is located near the area known in the Byzantine period as Khalkoprateia, a district associated with the production of copper and bronze objects. It is estimated that part of the remains of the Theotokos Chalkoprateia Basilica, one of the important religious structures of the Byzantine period, is located within the block and parcel where the building stands. Beneath the building are arched cellars from the Byzantine period and vaulted structural remains from earlier periods. The sports hall built in the rear garden of Abud Efendi Mansion in 1934 has been refunctioned through the restoration project as a multi-purpose culture and arts venue. With a seating capacity of 242, Yücel Arts Center is a multi-purpose culture and arts venue offering flexible use for performances, concerts, theatre plays, rehearsals, film screenings, art workshops and filming projects. With its historic architecture, restored structures and Yücel Arts Center, Abud Efendi Mansion brings together the Foundation’s memory, culture and art in the heart of Istanbul.
Abud Efendi Mansion
3,243 m2
Total Area
960 m2
Usable Area
12 / 5
Rooms and Halls
110
Parking Spaces
Discover Abud Efendi Mansion
A mansion bearing traces of Ottoman architecture
Plan layout and staircase system The mansion’s plan has largely been preserved. Rooms and staircases are positioned on both sides, while the sofas are located in the centre. The upper floors are accessed by double-flight staircases on two wings.
Coloured marble selsebil The impressive coloured marble selsebil located in the entrance marble hall is one of the striking elements that has survived in a well-preserved state.
Hand-drawn ornamentation and wooden decoration The three main floors of the mansion feature hand-drawn ornamentation and wooden decorative work. Some ceiling decorations were applied directly onto wood, while others were made on canvas.
Star-patterned ceiling The star-patterned ceiling on the second floor bears similarities to the dome and ceiling decorations of Yıldız Mosque. Gilded muqarnas details can be seen in the ceiling transitions.
Landscape paintings The ceilings on the third floor feature 12 landscape paintings depicting scenes such as the Maiden’s Tower, Sarayburnu, Eminönü as seen from Rumeli Fortress, and village landscapes thought to represent the surroundings of Istanbul.
Registered cultural heritage status Abud Efendi Mansion was registered as a civil architectural example requiring protection by the decision of the High Council of Monuments dated 11 June 1983. In subsequent council decisions, the building was classified as a Group I cultural property requiring protection.
Restoration process
2008
Project studies began
2010
Approval from the Conservation Council
2019
Construction permit obtained
2020
Restoration works began
2023
Restoration completed
Traces from the mansion’s recent history
1925
Used as a YMCA building
1927
Alemdar Cinema
1934
Indoor sports hall
1939
Language and commerce school period
1972
Transferred to Yücel Cultural Foundation
YCF
Social and cultural activities
In the historic centre of Istanbul
Near Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern Located 70 metres from Hagia Sophia and 42 steps from the Basilica Cistern, the mansion stands at the heart of the historic centre.
Connection to Alemdar Avenue The mansion faces Alemdar Avenue, one of the area’s major transportation routes, and also opens onto Salkım Söğüt and Zeynep Sultan streets at the rear.
Terrace area The 845-square-metre terrace area next to the mansion stands out with its bar section, restaurant service and commanding view of Hagia Sophia.
From historic sports hall to Yücel Arts Center
Yücel Arts Center
Discover Abud Efendi Mansion and Yücel Arts Center
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