Wilkinson Mansion (Ege University 50th Anniversary Mansion)
Commissioned in 1865 by James Whittall for his daughter Jane and son-in-law Richard Wilkinson, Consul of Thessaloniki-Malaga-Manila, the mansion is one of Bornova's most distinguished Levantine buildings. Owned by the Wilkinson Family until 1985, the building was transferred to Ege University in 1997, restored in 2005, and named the "EU 50th Anniversary Mansion." Today it houses the EU Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture.
Introduction
The Wilkinson Mansion is one of the most distinguished residences of the English Levantine settlement in Bornova.
It was built in 1865 by James Whittall for his daughter Jane Whittall and son-in-law Richard Wilkinson (Consul at Salonika, Malaga and Manila).
The mansion is today situated within the Ege University Rectorate Garden, on the land once occupied by horse paddocks between the Great House (Charlton Whittall Mansion) and St. Mary Magdalene Church.
History and Ownership
- From 1865 onwards the building was used as the Wilkinson family home for generations.
- It remained in family ownership until 1985.
- In 1988 it passed to the Filidis family; it was subsequently transferred to Ege University in 1997.
Restoration and New Function
Having stood neglected for many years, the mansion underwent comprehensive restoration in 2005 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Ege University's founding.
After restoration it was named the "Ege University 50th Anniversary Mansion"; it was used first as an art gallery and international relations office, and subsequently as an academic events centre.
Present Use
As of 2025 the mansion houses the Ege University Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture.
The building's original plan has been preserved, though the interior has been rearranged to suit contemporary educational needs.
In its new function the Wilkinson Mansion is one of the most important examples of Levantine heritage in Bornova integrated into academic and cultural life.
Architectural Features
- Storeys: Two storeys plus basement.
- Materials: Stone ground floor, brick upper storey, timber window joinery.
- Façade: Symmetrical arrangement, columned entrance portico, large windows, classical pediments.
- Plan: Central-hall layout — salon at the centre, rooms arranged around it.
- Garden: Integrated into the Ege University campus landscape, preserving the original Whittall garden fabric.
With its elegant English rural residential architecture, the mansion is one of the restrained yet harmonious examples of the Levantine building tradition of the period.
Cultural Significance
The Wilkinson Mansion is one of the rare buildings in Bornova where Levantine architecture has been preserved and reclaimed for public education.
Born of James Whittall's family legacy, this building symbolises the social influence of the Whittall family and Bornova's cultural continuity.
Today, as part of Ege University, it unites the elegance of the Levantine era with contemporary educational life.
Photo Gallery
Location Info
Commissioned in 1865 by James Whittall for his daughter Jane and son-in-law Richard Wilkinson, Consul of Thessaloniki-Malaga-Manila, the mansion is one of Bornova's most distinguished Levantine buildings. Owned by the Wilkinson Family until 1985, the building was transferred to Ege University in 1997, restored in 2005, and named the "EU 50th Anniversary Mansion." Today it houses the EU Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture.
