Italian Consulate

Italian Conak is a historically and culturally significant building located in the center of Tekirdağ. Currently serving as the Namık Kemal Provincial Public Library, the conak is an example of a civil structure reflecting architectural features of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its surroundings and location are integrated into the urban fabric of Tekirdağ, giving it importance both historically and urbanistically.

History

The Italian Conak is a historical building in the center of Tekirdağ, named after the Dussi family, who once owned the property. The family’s origins trace back to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany; due to diplomatic duties, they left Genoa in 1662 and settled over three centuries first in Austria, then in Bulgaria, and finally in Türkiye. In 1841, brothers Andrea and Matteo Dussi arrived in Tekirdağ and built twin houses along what is now Rakoczi Street, settling in them by lottery. The building now known as the Italian Conak and long used as the Namık Kemal Provincial Public Library was awarded to Matteo Dussi in this draw. After his father’s death, Matteo Dussi continued to serve as Italian Consul from within the conak and raised his family there.

Italian Conak (Culture Portal)

The conak’s history reflects not only the family’s personal story but also international events of the era. During the Italo-Turkish War, Italian forces stationed in various regions in 1911 forced the Dussi family to vacate the building, which was temporarily used by soldiers. After the armistice in 1912, the family returned to the conak. Matteo, son of Riccardo Dussi, continued living there due to his father’s health issues while studying engineering in France, representing the family. Matteo Dussi married Edvige Zabloska in 1934, raised five children in the conak, and served as Honorary Consul of Italy from 1959 until 1977. Upon the end of his term, the consulate was closed and family members emigrated to Istanbul and Italy.^【1】

Over its historical course, the conak has undergone several functional changes. In addition to housing three generations of the Dussi family, it also served as the Italian Consulate. It was later purchased by the Tekirdağ Municipality and transferred to the Ministry of Culture. In 2001, the Namık Kemal Provincial Public Library moved into the conak and continues to operate as a library today. Prior to its relocation, the building had not remained vacant for long, and restoration efforts ensured its historical and cultural value was preserved while making it accessible for public use.

Architectural Features

The Italian Conak is a reinforced concrete structure with wooden cladding. Rising above ground level, it features a two-story gabled design with a spacious garden in front. The main entrance is on the north façade, while stairs on the south side lead down to the basement. Rectangular windows are framed with wooden shutters, supporting the illumination of interior spaces.

The roof is of the gabled type and covered with traditional Turkish clay tiles. The gabled floor plan and layout were designed to accommodate both residential and consular functions. The building’s location and garden area were carefully planned to harmonize with Tekirdağ’s urban fabric, reflecting local construction techniques and material use of the period.

Use and Function

The Italian Conak served for many years as both the Dussi family residence and the Italian Consulate. Its multi-generational design allowed different rooms and floors to be used for various purposes. After the family’s departure, the building was purchased by the Tekirdağ Municipality and transferred to the Ministry of Culture.

Italian Conak (Republic of Türkiye, Süleymanpaşa Municipality)

Since 2001, the building has been used as the Namık Kemal Provincial Public Library. The library offers 43,859 books to the public, with an additional 3,120 books in its branch library, bringing the total collection to 46,979. The periodicals section provides access to 54 different publications. The regional binding workshop has been operational since 1965, and events such as exhibitions, film screenings, and slide shows are held on specific days and weeks.^【2】

Protection Status and Significance

The Italian Conak is preserved as a structure of historical and cultural value. Its association with the Dussi family’s life and Tekirdağ’s diplomatic history enhances its significance. The building’s acquisition by the Tekirdağ Municipality and transfer to the Ministry of Culture, followed by its use as the Namık Kemal Provincial Public Library, has ensured both its functional continuity and preservation of its historical integrity. Restoration and technical upgrades carried out in 2014 have secured its safety and longevity.