Historic ‘Mansion with the Horse’ in Istanbul to be auctioned following court ruling

The historic Mansion with the Horse (Atli Kosk), located in Istanbul’s upscale Emirgan neighborhood and long associated with the influential Sabanci family, is set to go under the hammer. The decision follows a court ruling in favor of Sevilay Sabanci Cinar, who successfully petitioned for the dissolution of co-ownership through sale.

Decadeslong dispute ends with public auction decision

The legal battle stretches back 21 years, when Sevilay Sabanci Cinar filed a case against members of the Sabanci family, claiming to be the biological daughter of Ihsan Sabanci—son of Sabanci Holding founder Haci Omer Sabanci—born from his relationship with Nevin Tenik.

Cinar’s claim was ultimately upheld by the Turkish Court of Cassation (Yargitay) seven years ago, officially recognizing her as an heir to the Sabanci family estate. Despite this ruling, Cinar alleged that her inheritance rights had been obstructed by family members and filed multiple lawsuits targeting 21 relatives and Sabanci University.

Court cancels title deed, rules for public sale

In previous legal proceedings, Cinar successfully revoked the 1/48 title deed share of the Mansion with the Horse registered in the name of Haci Omer Sabanci Holding. The court also nullified a usufruct right held by Sabanci University over the property.

Claiming she officially gained legal title over her share in April 2023, Cinar proceeded to demand a court-ordered sale of the property to resolve the remaining co-ownership.

This week, the Istanbul Civil Court of Peace announced its verdict, approving the request. The court ruled that Mansion with the Horse must be sold via public auction, with proceeds to be distributed according to each owner’s share on the official deed.

Valued at nearly $79 million, open to all eligible buyers

Speaking to Hurriyet, Cinar’s attorney M. Cagri Bagatur revealed that the current market value of Mansion with the Horse and its related structures has been assessed at over ₺2.87 billion (nearly $79 million).

“This ruling means the partnership will be dissolved through an open auction,” Bagatur stated. “Anyone with the legal right to purchase property in Türkiye can participate.”

No priority rights for the Sabanci family

According to legal experts, unless the court specifically grants a right of first refusal or includes a legal caveat in the land registry, the Sabanci family will not be given any priority in the upcoming auction. Current records show no such legal note exists, meaning the family will need to compete with other bidders on equal footing.