Today, let’s admire the Arif Sarıca Mansion. This Ottoman-era mansion stands as a testament to a fascinating history. It is located in the Moda neighborhood of Kadıköy in Istanbul.
The Arif Sarıca Mansion dates back to 1903. It was a time when Moda was transforming into a prestigious residential area. Wealthy families were settling here. They built grand mansions surrounded by gardens.
Arif Sarıca, also known as Arif Pasha, had a compelling story. He hailed from a family with military roots. His medical skills brought him to the Yildiz Palace. He became one of Sultan Abdulhamid II’s court physicians. Curing the Sultan led to his promotion. His brother, Ragıp Pasha, also served the Sultan. He was an aide-de-camp.
The mansion’s architect was C. Pappa, an Ottoman Greek. The Arif Sarıca Mansion was designed as an apartment building for the Sarıca family. The building sits within a large garden. A 3-meter high masonry stone wall surrounds it. Originally, two iron gates provided access. One served as the main entrance. The other was for service.
In the 1930s, a tram line was constructed. The street-side garden wall was moved back. The main gate was removed during this construction. The Arif Sarıca Mansion itself has a basement, a ground floor, three stories and an attic.
Four marble columns with Ionic capitals mark the monumental entrance. A crescent-shaped mosaic-paved walkway leads to the street. Diverse cornices balance the facade’s vertical lines. Windows feature white-painted wooden blinds. They are of the so-called Istanbul-type. These can be lowered and drawn. Big double-wing doors separate the floors. Rooms open to a central hall. This design was common in mansions of that era.
Arif Pasha resided in the street-side apartment on the ground floor. Other family members occupied the upper floors using the second entrance. Servants lived in the basement. They used a service staircase. It connected to the kitchen, the central hall and each floor’s stairhead. Each floor has a servant restroom and a small storage area. Frescoes and crown moldings decorate the walls and ceilings.
During the Occupation of Istanbul in World War I, British forces used the Arif Sarıca Mansion. It was used as a primary school for Armenian children for over two years. Many objects were ruined or lost. After the Turkish War of Independence, the Sarıca Family regained the mansion.
The grandchildren of the Sarıca Family still own the mansion today. Concert pianist Ayşegül Sarıca resides there. This beautiful mansion stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history. It also is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sarıca family.