Historic Buildings
Discover Bornova's past through its architectural heritage spanning from mansions to public buildings, mosques and churches.
MansionsCivil ArchitectureBornova Merkez
The Aliberti (Wolf) Mansion is an important Levantine residence built in the mid-19th century. Although there are differing accounts regarding its first occupants between the Wolf Brothers and the Paterson Family, the mansion also hosted the La Fontaine Family in the early 20th century. It has been used by the Aliberti Family since the 1950s.
MansionsCivil ArchitectureBornova Merkez
Located at the entrance of Fevzi Cakmak Avenue, the Aliotti (Michel Topuz) House was built in the 19th century by the Aliotti Family, one of Bornova's prominent Levantine families. The building later passed to the Topuz Family and has largely preserved its original Levantine architecture. Today it operates as a dental clinic.
MansionsCivil ArchitectureBornova Merkez
Thought to have been built in the late 19th century, the Alain Giraud House is located on Bornova's 83rd Street. Its first known occupant was Alain Giraud of the Giraud Family. As of 2024 used as an educational institution, the house is said to have hosted Keriman Halis Ece, the first Miss Universe, according to local legend.
Historic FountainsCivil ArchitectureIşıkkent
Located on Salih Omurtak Avenue in the Isikkent neighborhood, this small Ottoman-era fountain was built in the same period as the Carsi Mosque. Only a column fragment and part of its mirror stone have survived to the present day. Despite its modest form, it reflects the historical importance of water culture in neighborhood life.
Historic FountainsCivil ArchitectureErgene
Located in the Ergene neighborhood at the II. Yaka locality, the Fatima Hanim Fountain was built in 1868 in the name of Fatima Hanim, daughter of Evliyazade Haci Mustafa Aga of Izmir. The square-plan structure is also known as "Kurtlu Fountain" today. It is one of the rare charitable fountains commissioned through women's donations during the Ottoman period.
Historic FountainsCivil ArchitectureAltındağ
Located at the corner of Fevzipasa Avenue and Kivanc Avenue in the Altindag neighborhood, this Ottoman-era fountain is notable for its single-facade form with a round arch and triangular pediment. Although its inscription has been damaged, its decorative details date to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is one of the well-preserved examples of public water architecture in Bornova.
Historic FountainsCivil ArchitectureAltındağ
Located in the courtyard of the Cesmeli Mosque in the Altindag neighborhood, the Nine Fountains consist of two separate fountains leaning against each other. With its nine-niche facade arrangement, it is also popularly known as the "Bitter Fountain." Built in different periods during the 18th and 19th centuries, these fountains are unique examples of Altindag's Ottoman water architecture heritage.
BathsCivil ArchitectureErzene Mahallesi
Located in the Erzene neighborhood, the Dramalilar Mansion dates to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The mansion is notable for its outbuildings and private family bathhouse. Allocated to the Dramali Family, who came to Bornova during the 1924 population exchange, the building is an important cultural heritage that brings together the Levantine mansion tradition with post-exchange life.
BathsCivil ArchitectureBornova Merkez
The small single-cell bathhouse in the garden of the Edwards (Murat) Mansion, which currently serves as the Izmir Directorate of Surveying and Monuments, was a socio-cultural component of mansion life. Currently in a state of near-collapse and in urgent need of restoration, it is an example of Levantine heritage in Bornova that requires preservation.
Historic FountainsCivil ArchitectureBelkahve
At Belkahve, the spot where Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk first saw Izmir on September 9, 1922, a memorial fountain was commissioned by Izmir Governor Kazim Dirik between 1926 and 1928 to immortalize this historic moment. The current fountain was renovated in the 1940s; its original inscription was discovered in 2017 and is now exhibited at the Belkahve Ataturk Memorial House.
MuseumsCivil ArchitectureBornova Merkez
BAYETAV Art, opened at the Fernand Pagy House on May 6, 2023, hosts art and cultural events on its ground floor, while the upper floor brings Izmir's 300-400 year-old Levantine culture to the present through furniture, household items, and digital narratives of Levantine life. Admission is free.
MansionsCivil Architecture80 Sokak No:14, Bornova, İzmir
Although the exact construction date is unknown, the Edward Whittall Mansion is known to have existed since the period when the Duke of Rovigo stayed in Izmir between 1816 and 1819. Taken over by British botanist Edward Whittall in the late 19th century, the mansion is notable for its botanical garden that gave its name to species such as Tulipa whittallii and Galanthus whittallii, and for hosting guests including Ataturk.
