Ballian Mansion / Ege University Paper and Book Arts Museum

Introduction

One of Bornova's most elegant Levantine buildings, the Ballian Mansion was built in the second half of the 19th century. With its ceiling cornices, central medallion ornaments and refined façade proportions, it reflects the distinguished residential architecture of its era.

History

• Late 19th century: The building's earliest recorded owner is the Ballian family.
  
  The heirs of the industrialist Antoine Ballian — his wife Attilia Ballian and their children Marian Laura, Alferd, Adelina and Albert — resided in the mansion for many years.
• 1900: The mansion was purchased by Esther Marian Giraud (Wilkinson), wife of Charlton James Giraud.
• 1955: Following the death of Esther Marian Giraud, ownership passed to her children Friedrich, Joyce, Donald, Norman and Eldon Giraud.
• 1970: The property was compulsorily purchased by Ege University from the five siblings.
• 1970–2000: The building served at various times as staff accommodation, the College of Nursing premises and a university archive.
• Post-2000: The building was restored and reopened as the Ege University Paper and Book Arts Museum.

Architectural Features

• Plan: Two-storey, rectangular-plan Levantine residence.
• Façade: Symmetrical elevation, pedimented entrance, stone ground floor and brick upper storey.
• Interior:
  • Plaster ceiling ornamentation and central medallion decoration.
  • Timber flooring and high-ceilinged reception rooms.
  • Spacious entrance hall and symmetrically arranged rooms.
• Garden: Small green areas and pathways reflecting the English landscape sensibility of the period.

Present Use

The mansion was restored in the 2000s and recast as the Ege University Paper and Book Arts Museum.

The museum:

• Traditional Turkish paper-making techniques,
• Book arts,
• Calligraphy, marbling, miniature painting and bookbinding arts
  
  are showcased through permanent exhibitions and workshops.

The building is one of the most successful examples in Bornova of the transformation of Levantine heritage into a public cultural institution.