C. Whittall Mansion (The Big House)

Introduction

Known as the "Great House" within Bornova's historic fabric, the C. Whittall Mansion is one of the district's oldest Levantine residences.

In the early 18th century, a convent built for Dutch nuns stood on the site. A single-storey dwelling was later constructed over its remains by a Dutch settler.

Early Period and Transfer to the Whittall Family

James Whittall, who came to İzmir for trade in 1817, purchased the property in the 1820s.

Following James Whittall's death, ownership passed to his brother Charlton Whittall, and the building was enlarged during this period, acquiring the name the "Great House."

The Whittall family exerted a considerable influence on the economic, social and cultural life of İzmir and Bornova.

Architectural Features

Originally a single-storey mansion above a basement, the building was enlarged by the addition of a second storey after 1867.

• The principal elevation features a balcony at upper-floor level with an enclosed space beneath.
• At the centre of the façade stands a Baroque-style double-return staircase that expands to either side, evoking European palace architecture.
• A similar balcony is found on the rear elevation.
• The large hall at the entrance serves as the central circulation space, opening onto the surrounding rooms.
• The greater part of the building materials was imported from Britain and Europe.
  
  Over time, annexes were added to the north and south elevations, giving the mansion its present expansive and imposing form.

Social and Historical Significance

The Whittall family played an active role in the social and political life of Bornova.

The "Great House" received many distinguished guests over the years:

• The Duke of Edinburgh, Alfred Ernest Albert,
• Prince Andrew of Greece (1921),
• George Frederick Ernest Albert (King George V),
• and, most notably, Sultan Abdülaziz, who visited İzmir in 1863.

Sultan Abdülaziz spent two of his three nights in İzmir at Charlton Whittall's house.

During the visit, a hillock was formed in the garden commanding views of the Gulf of İzmir, where tea was served to the Sultan.

This event is remembered as one of the most magnificent moments in the history of Bornova.

Change of Ownership and Present Use

In the 1930s the mansion passed to the Giraud family; in 1960 it was compulsorily purchased by the Treasury of the Republic of Turkey and subsequently transferred to Ege University.

Today the building serves as the Ege University Rectorate Administrative Building.

Having largely preserved its architectural integrity, the mansion represents both the history of Levantine residential life and the process of transformation from private property to public building during the Republican period.

Cultural Significance

The C. Whittall Mansion (Great House) is a spatial symbol of Bornova's multi-layered cultural identity.

With a continuity stretching from the 18th century to the present, it is one of the most powerful examples of the preservation and integration of Levantine heritage into public life.

Today it continues to stand at the heart of Bornova, its historic elegance undiminished.