Maltass (Topuz) Mansion
Thought to have been built in the 1880s, the Maltass (Topuz) Mansion is located on Bornova's 83rd Street, across from the Charnaud, De Andria, and Fernand Pagy mansions. Its first owner was the Marre Family, followed by the Maltass and Topuz Families. Restored by Aziz Kocaoglu in the 2000s, the building is currently used by the BAYETAV Foundation.
Introduction
Situated within Bornova's historic Levantine residential fabric, the Maltass (Topuz) Mansion was built in the 1880s. It stands on 83rd Street, directly opposite the Charnaud, De Andria and Fernand Pagy mansions. Having passed into the ownership of different families over time, the building has survived to the present day as one of the elegant examples of Bornova's residential architecture.
History
- Early period: The first known owner of the mansion is the Marre family.
- Later period: The property passed to the Maltass family.
- Mid-20th century: The building was also known in Bornova as the "Topuz Mansion" and became the residence of the Topuz family.
- 2000s: Purchased by Aziz Kocaoğlu, known for his contributions to Bornova and İzmir, the mansion was raised anew through an exemplary restoration.
- Post-restoration:
- For a time it was used as the Kocaoğlu family residence,
- It subsequently served as a wellness and beauty centre.
- Present day (2025): The mansion is in the ownership of the BAYETAV Foundation (Bir Arada Yaşarız Eğitim ve Toplumsal Araştırmalar Vakfı).
It is used by the foundation for education, culture and social research purposes.
Architectural Features
- Plan: Two-storey, rectangular-plan with a central hall.
- Materials: Stone ground floor, brick upper storey.
- Façade: Symmetrical window arrangement, high-pedimented entrance, balconied central axis.
- Interior:
- Plaster ornamentation on ceiling medallions,
- Timber joinery and staircase details,
- Restrained English-influenced façade proportions.
- Garden: As with traditional Levantine houses, it possesses a broad courtyard and green landscape layout.
Restoration and Present Use
The restoration carried out during the Aziz Kocaoğlu period set an example for the conservation of Levantine mansions in Bornova.
The building was renewed with its original façade and plan preserved; today it has become the centre of social research and cultural activities under the auspices of the BAYETAV Foundation.
Social Significance
The Maltass (Topuz) Mansion represents three distinct periods from Bornova's Levantine era to the present:
- Private life as a Levantine residence,
- Use by a local family during the Republican period,
- Cultural heritage as a foundation building with a public character today.
Location Info
Category
Mansions
83 Sokak No:8, Bornova Merkez, İzmir
Thought to have been built in the 1880s, the Maltass (Topuz) Mansion is located on Bornova's 83rd Street, across from the Charnaud, De Andria, and Fernand Pagy mansions. Its first owner was the Marre Family, followed by the Maltass and Topuz Families. Restored by Aziz Kocaoglu in the 2000s, the building is currently used by the BAYETAV Foundation.
