In 1901, a prominent doctor, Cemil Topuzlu Pasha, commissioned a magnificent mansion. This mansion would later be known as the Cemil Topuzlu Köşk. He envisioned a grand Art Nouveau style villa on the shores of Çiftehavuzlar in Kadıköy, Istanbul. He spared no expense, hiring the renowned architect, Aleksander Vallaury, who also designed iconic structures like the Pera Palace Hotel. Cemil Topuzlu Pasha declared his intention to live in this house for the rest of his life. The Cemil Topuzlu Köşk quickly became a landmark, its beauty captivating all who saw it. In 1912, Grand Vizier Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha was so impressed by the Köşk’s elegance that he offered Cemil Topuzlu Pasha the prestigious position of Istanbul’s mayor.
Cemil Topuzlu Pasha enjoyed his beloved home for thirty years. However, in 1931, he sold the Cemil Topuzlu Köşk to the wealthy industrialist family, the İpars. The mansion then became known as the İpar Köşk. The İpar family hosted lavish parties, attended by prominent figures from the world of cinema, politics, and business. These gatherings became legendary, adding to the mystique of the Cemil Topuzlu Köşk. Filmmaker Ali İpar, inspired by his experiences in Hollywood, transformed the Köşk into a hub for Yeşilçam, the Turkish film industry. The mansion served as a backdrop for movies and a venue for extravagant parties. One such film shot at the Köşk was “Boş Yuva,” starring Göksel Arsoy and Fatma Girik. Sadly, the negatives of this film were destroyed in a fire, a tragic loss for Turkish cinema.
Unfortunately, the İpar family’s fortunes took a downturn after the death of Hayri İpar in 1966. This led to a series of legal battles amongst the heirs. In 1980, the Cemil Topuzlu Köşk was sold to the controversial businessman Cevher Özden, also known as Banker Kastelli. Despite initially claiming he intended to live in the mansion, Özden secured building permits in 1986. He then proceeded to cut down the rare trees in the garden and erect apartment buildings on the grounds where the pool, tennis court, and stables once stood. The mansion, protected as a historical artifact, survived demolition. However, it was obscured by the new constructions. Özden’s ownership was short-lived. Following legal troubles and a period of exile, he sold the property in 1997. The Cemil Topuzlu Köşk then passed into the hands of Şadan Kalkavan and Mehmet Nazif Günal. Cevher Özden tragically ended his life in 2008. Meanwhile, the Köşk, once a symbol of prosperity and glamour, fell into disrepair.
Today, the Cemil Topuzlu Köşk, a first-degree historical monument, stands in a dilapidated state. Its rich history, from its construction by a prominent doctor to its role in Turkish cinema, is etched into its walls. Though it awaits restoration, its story remains a testament to a bygone era of Istanbul’s elite.