Belhomme Mansion (Ataturk Library)

Introduction

The Belhomme Mansion, also known as the Xenopoulou Mansion, was built in 1880.

Two possibilities regarding the architect are advanced in different sources: the English architect Clark or the Wolf Brothers, who were influential in the buildings of the period.

The first owner was the Greek-Catholic merchant Pierre Xenoupoulo.

The building later passed to the Belhomme family and in the first half of the 20th century was occupied by Helen Armand, a member of one of Bornova's distinguished Levantine families.

Architectural Features

• Façade: The front elevation displays an eclectic character defined by Ionic-capitalled columns and a broad staircase.
• Rear elevation: The rear bears the influence of late 19th- to early 20th-century Italian civic architecture.
• Plan: A two-storey, rectangular-plan building arranged with a large central salon, rooms on either side and entrances at opposing ends.
• Interior: Enriched with ceiling ornamentation, plaster borders and cast-iron details.
• Garden: The mansion is enclosed by a small front garden facing Fevzi Çakmak Avenue and a more extensive landscaped area to the rear.

The Belhomme Mansion is a representative in Bornova of the eclectic Levantine style, reflecting both the architectural language and the cultural diversity of the period.

Historical Recollections

The mansion is remembered as a meeting point among Bornova's Levantine families in the pre-Republican era.

In addition, Fahri Korutürk, Turkey's sixth President, was hosted at this mansion as a young officer together with his wife Emel Korutürk and their children.

The tenant of the mansion at that time was Saynur Hanım, Emel Korutürk's sister.

Restoration and Present Use

In 1997, during the tenure of Bornova Mayor Prof. Aysel Bayraktar, the mansion was restored by the Kavala family, preserving its original architectural details.

Following restoration, the building was repurposed as the Bornova Municipality Atatürk Library and became a publicly accessible cultural venue.

Today it serves as a space for research and cultural events for both Bornova residents and students.