Arpaz Beyler Mansion & Tower
Ottoman Meets Medieval
By Slowtravelguide
When we visited the Arpaz Beyler Mansion, it was not the first time we were impressed by an Ottoman Mansion that needs restoration. The same thing happened earlier in Birgi with Çakırağa Konağı.
Only there the mansion was closed indefinitely for renovation. This is undoubtedly good news in the long run, but if you want to look inside now, you will be disappointed when you are refused access.
This is not the case with Arpaz Beyler Mansion, a spectacular Ottoman mansion near Nazilli. An agreement has been reached to initiate the repair work so the situation may change at any time however.
If you are in the area, perhaps the small detour is worthwhile when visiting Nysa or the pottery workshops of Karacasu!
Arpaz Beyler Tower
The History Of The Arpaz Beyler Mansion
Not much is known about the history of this mansion and its tower. Nonetheless, most sources seem to agree that local Ottoman lords built this group of buildings in the early 19th century, on the outskirts of Harpasa, which must be the city and diocese of Karian.
These lords, Arpaz Beyleri, own vast farmland extending from Esenköy to Akçay, which is nearly 20 kilometres further south.
A Newly Built Extension Was Painted In The Same Blue Color
Other sources, including those still living on the site, claim that these structures are at least a few hundred years older and that relics from the early Ottoman period have been discovered, suggesting that the current building is a restored version of the previous one.
The estate includes a mansion, a hotel, fountains and bathrooms, stables, watchtowers and warehouses, and outbuildings.
Details Of The Open Air Sitting Area
One Of The Spectacular Rooms At Arpaz Beyler Mansion
The Mansion Seen From The Side With The Watchtower Next To It
Arpazlı Hacı Hasan Bey II built the current version of the Arpaz Tower during the time of Mahmud II. He brought artisans from Rhodes, who made the tower after the medieval Naillac Tower, which has now been destroyed.
It is protected by a suspension bridge and directly connected to the mansion where the family lived.
Click here to see a picture of the Rhodes Tower.
Window Of The Inhabited Room
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private, rental car (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Parking: Yes.
Terrain: Easy.
Stroller: No
Entry Fee: No.
Facilities: No.
Best Time To Visit: All year, depending on the weather.
According to the “Visit Aydın” website, the mansion of Arpaz Beyler was built as an exact copy of Sultan Murat Hüdavendigâr’ House in Bursa. It has exquisitely carved woodwork, elegant floral patterns, and typical architectural elements of Ottoman houses with outdoor seating areas.
Although many of these elements need to be restored, they are still well preserved today. We are particularly fascinated by the use of coloured leather to finish the door opening.
The mansion and tower of Arpaz Beyler look deserted, but one of the rooms in the villa is still inhabited, and the surrounding land is used as farmland.
In 2019, the Arpaz family agreed to donate the manor to the city of Nazilli on the condition that the tower and mansion be restored, and that museum status be granted. These projects will undoubtedly restore this magnificent manor to its former glory if done well.
Please don’t walk around without asking permission if you want to visit. The couple staying at the site are enthusiastic and happy to show you around this fantastic property.
Practical Information
From time to time, we are adventuring off the beaten track, and you will not find any other reviews on the places we visit. This is the case with the Arpaz Beyler Mansion. Please note that renovation works may start anytime, so seeing this mansion could be difficult or impossible.
These Windows Overlook The Open Air Seating Area
Even in its current state, this building is worth your time, especially if you have a weaknesses for abandoned buildings and urban-style locations. The scheduled repair work should have started, but when we visited, there was no sign.
Talking with people there we cannot confirm if and when they will start working. However, if we hear any news, we will update this article!
Places Nearby
Nysa, an ancient city turned olive grove (21 km)
Karacasu, the real deal for pottery! (25 km)
Visit Aphrodite at Aphrodisias in Turkey (35 km)
Gerga, hiking to one of Turkey’s most mysterious sites (37 km)
Alabanda, countryside meets ancient site (41 km)
If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
You can also join our group Turkey Travel Photography on Facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Places We Recommend
Birgi
Birgi, you may have never heard of it. However, we claim that this is probably one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey.
Eski Doğanbey
A wonderful day trip from Bodrum, Didim or Kuşadası to Eski Doğanbey which is located on the beautiful Dilek Peninsula, a national park between Didim and Kuşadası in Western Turkey at the Mediterranean Sea. (Read more)
Bergama
Its UNESCO World Heritage Site often eclipses the small town of Bergama, located below the Acropolis of Pergamon.
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