Known as the "Big House," the C. Whittall Mansion is one of Bornova's oldest Levantine residences. Built on the site of a monastery originally constructed for Dutch nuns in the early 18th century, the building was purchased by James Whittall in the 1820s. Expanded by Charlton Whittall after 1867, the mansion today serves as the Ege University Rectorate.
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.
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.
Originally a single-storey mansion above a basement, the building was enlarged by the addition of a second storey after 1867.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Known as the "Big House," the C. Whittall Mansion is one of Bornova's oldest Levantine residences. Built on the site of a monastery originally constructed for Dutch nuns in the early 18th century, the building was purchased by James Whittall in the 1820s. Expanded by Charlton Whittall after 1867, the mansion today serves as the Ege University Rectorate.
