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Mansion
Erzene
The earliest known history of Edward Whittall Mansion dates to 1816–1819, when the Duke of Rovigo, one of Napoleon's generals, stayed at this residence in Bornova. Edward Whittall Period (1875–1917): Born in 1851, Edward Whittall was one of Bornova's most renowned Levantines. After spending his childhood in the gardens of Charlton Whittall Mansion, he settled in this mansion in 1875 and quickly transformed it into a European-style...
Edward Whittall Mansion
The earliest known history of Edward Whittall Mansion dates to 1816–1819, when the Duke of Rovigo, one of Napoleon's generals, stayed at this residence in Bornova. Edward Whittall Period (1875–1917): Born in 1851, Edward Whittall was one of Bornova's most renowned Levantines. After spending his childhood in the gardens of Charlton Whittall Mansion, he settled in this mansion in 1875 and quickly transformed it into a European-style...
Introduction
The earliest known history of Edward Whittall Mansion dates to 1816–1819, when the Duke of Rovigo, one of Napoleon's generals, lodged in this building during his stay in Bornova.
The Edward Whittall Period (1875–1917)
Born in 1851, Edward Whittall was one of Bornova's most celebrated Levantines. After spending his childhood in the gardens of Charlton Whittall Mansion, he settled in this property in 1875 and swiftly transformed it into a botanical paradise with rare plants collected from Europe and Asia.
Contributions to the scientific world
- Tulipa whittallii — wild tulip
- Galanthus whittallii — snowdrop
These plant species have been entered into scientific literature bearing Edward Whittall's name.
Although Edward Whittall died in 1917, his botanical garden was maintained and developed for many years by his grandson, Brian Giraud.
Architecture and Garden Layout
- Structure: Stone ground floor with brick upper storey
- Elevation: Symmetrical window arrays, front portico, classical pediment
- Plan: Symmetrical layout in the English country-house style, with lofty reception rooms
- Garden:
- exotic plants,
- flower beds,
- ponds,
- long promenades,
- collections of monumental trees
This garden is regarded as İzmir's first private botanical garden.
Historical Guests and Events
The mansion boasts an exceptionally rich guest history. Among its celebrated visitors:
- Lord Byron
- Gustave Flaubert
- Alphonse de Lamartine
- Pierre Loti
- Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
- Latife Hanım
- İsmet İnönü
- Falih Rıfkı Atay
- Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu
1922 — Military Headquarters
By decree of 14 September 1922, the mansion was briefly used as:
- Western Front Command,
- Chief of the General Staff
Present Use
Following Edward Whittall's death in 1917, the mansion remained in family ownership; it is today privately held.
The mansion currently hosts:
- cultural and artistic events,
- wedding and reception functions,
- limited garden tours.
*Photographs courtesy of "www.edwardwhittallgarden.com"
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The General Staff Headquarters in Bornova
The General Staff Headquarters in Bornova: A Historic Command Center
Immediately after the liberation of Izmir, on September 14, 1922, the Western Front Command and the General Staff Headquarters were briefly relocated to Bornova. This critical headquarters was the Edward Whittall Mansion.
This building, which hosted prominent figures such as Mustafa Kemal Pasha, Ismet Pasha, Fevzi Pasha, and Halide Edip Adivar, served as the center where strategic decisions were made.
The diaries of Hortense Wood, the memoirs of Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoglu, and photographs of military officers from the period document the mansion's significant role.
