R. Whittall Mansion (The Small House)

Introduction

Situated on Gençlik Avenue in the centre of Bornova, the R. Whittall Mansion is one of the restrained yet elegant examples of late 19th-century Levantine residential architecture. As the Whittall family's second-largest residence in Bornova, it is known among the local population as the "Small House."

History and Ownership

The mansion was used as a summer and guest house by different branches of the Whittall family. After the founding of the Republic it passed to the Balliani and Malinari Civani families, and was subsequently transferred to the Koyuncuoğlu family.

Between 1936 and 2015 the building served as Bornova Middle School and later as Suphi Koyuncuoğlu Middle School/High School.

Today it is used as the Bornova Directorate of National Education building.

Architectural Features

The two-storey building was constructed with brick walls on a stone base. Its front elevation displays a plain portico, large windows and a plan with balanced proportions.

The plan type is arranged in the central-hall layout in keeping with the Levantine residential tradition in Bornova. The interior features high ceilings, timber flooring and an English-style stepped staircase. The garden layout, like that of the "Great House," bears English landscape influences.

Social and Historical Significance

The building holds a special place in Bornova's educational history. It served as a school building accommodating thousands of students over approximately 80 years. It is also a typical example of the process by which Levantine residences in İzmir acquired a public function after the founding of the Republic.