Forbes Pavilion (İzmir)

İzmir's Buca district houses a large structure standing within a lush green hospital garden: Forbes Pavilion. This villa is just one of the valuable legacies left behind by the Levantines—European-origin merchants—who once lived in İzmir. The Levantines played vital roles in İzmir’s commercial life, accumulated wealth, and constructed many beautiful buildings in the region.

The Forbes Villa is not merely an old house; it is an important source of information about İzmir’s historical lifestyle and architecture. Like an antique artifact displayed in a in the museum, it whispers details about that era.

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Time Travel

The story of the Forbes Villa begins in 1908, when the wealthy Forbes family commissioned its construction as a summer residence. However, just one year later, in 1909, much of the villa was damaged by a major fire. The family immediately had the important structure rebuilt. By 1910, it rose again in a form similar to its current appearance. This demonstrates how significant the building was to the family.

What Makes It Special?

The villa is a two-story structure with a grand appearance. Its most striking feature is the roof that rises upward with varied shapes and the small tower-like element at the corner. These elements lend the building aesthetic beauty and a distinct identity.

Durable materials such as stone and wood were used in its construction. Given İzmir’s high risk of earthquakes at the time, architects clearly took great care to design a sturdy structure. Like pieces of a puzzle, the building combines multiple architectural styles.

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🏡 Why Buca?

During the Ottoman period, Buca was one of the most favored places for Levantine families to spend their summers. Escaping the heat and crowds of the city center, these wealthy families built these magnificent mansions—large, ornate residences—in Buca’s clean air and expansive lands.