Historic Buildings
Bornova's historical buildings
Discover Bornova's past through its architectural heritage spanning from mansions to public buildings, mosques and churches.
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.
La Fontaine Mansion
Located across from St. Mary Magdalene Church, the La Fontaine Mansion was built in the late 19th century by British-origin James La Fontaine (1881-1930). The grandson of Charlton Whittall, owner of the Big House, through his daughter Blanche Magdalene Whittall, La Fontaine is known as the person who established the league system in Turkish football. The mansion today serves as the Ege University Ataturk Principles and Revolution History Center.
House with the Well (English Club)
Located next to the Big House grounds, the House with the Well was the center of Levantine social life in Bornova in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known as the "English Club." Its first owner was James La Fontaine. Transferred to Ege University in 1966, the building was restored in 2015 and today serves as the International Relations Coordination Office.
School for the Blind (Former Orphanage) / La Fontaine House
Built in the late 19th century, the building was used as the residence of the La Fontaine Family for a period. In the 1960s and 70s, it served as an orphanage and School for the Blind. Today it has been restored in keeping with its historical character and operates as a private school.
Kemal Aktuglu House
Located at the entrance of Fevzi Cakmak Avenue toward Ankara Avenue, the building was constructed in the 1860s for Bornova Train Station employees. The deteriorating building was faithfully restored by Kemal Aktuglu in 2015. According to tradition, meals were prepared in this house during Ataturk's visits to Bornova.
Iplikciyan Mansion
Used as a residence by Arthur Iplikciyan and his family between 1895 and 1922, the mansion served as a military headquarters under the name Emin Ari Barracks for many years from the early years of the Republic. Owned by the Ministry of National Defense, the building has been vacant as of 2025.
Giraud Mansion
The Giraud Mansions, consisting of two twin mansions built by Greek-origin Marcopoli in 1860, are notable for their position overlooking Bornova Square. While the right structure retains its original form, the left mansion was rebuilt by Harold Giraud in the 1930s. Today they serve as private residences.
Edwards Mansion (Murat Mansion)
Built in 1880 by the British Edwards Family, the mansion is one of Bornova's important Levantine heritage buildings. It acquired the name "Murat Mansion" from Constantin Murat, who married Edwards's daughter Emily. Expropriated in 1980, the building was evaluated by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and Ege University after restoration. Today it serves as the Izmir Directorate of Surveying and Monuments.
Dramalilar Mansion
Dating to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Dramalilar Mansion belonged to a Greek family before 1922. Passing to the Dramali Family, who came from Drama during the population exchange, the building was purchased and restored by the Bornova Municipality in 2010. An eclectic example of Levantine-Ottoman residential architecture with its bathhouse and outbuildings, the mansion today serves as a culture and arts center.
Douglas Whittall House
Located on 83rd Street, known by locals as "Long Street," the Douglas Whittall House was built in the late 19th century on a portion of the vineyards belonging to David Offley, the US Consul of the period. Built as a summer house for the Lochner Family, the property remained in Douglas Whittall's possession until 1977 and is currently used as a cafe.
De Andria Mansion
Built in the 1830s by the Zipcy Family, the De Andria Mansion is one of the elegant early examples of Levantine architecture in Bornova. Owned by prominent Levantine families including Richard Matheys and Charles Balladur, the building was used as the De Andria Family's residence until 1973. Today it has been restored and serves as a cafe.
Davy Mansion (Officers' Club)
Built by the American Davy, the mansion was used by the Macropodere Family in the early 20th century and served as the residence of Izmir Governor Rahmi Bey for a period. On April 11, 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had his photograph taken with the people of Bornova here. Today it serves as the Officers' Club.