Forbes Mansion

Forbes Mansion is one of the historical buildings in İzmir's Buca district that bears the traces of the Levantine era. Built in 1908 by the Forbes Family, the mansion now stands within the garden of Buca State Hospital. The structure showcases a unique hybrid construction approach of its time with a wooden frame system embedded within masonry stone walls. Although the mansion has suffered significant damage due to neglect, looting, and natural conditions over many years, it continues to be one of the rare examples of Levantine architecture in İzmir.

From the second half of the 19th century onwards, İzmir hosted many European merchant families, primarily British, French, and Italian. These communities, known as Levantines, built their distinctive mansions and villas in districts like Buca and Bornova. The Forbes Family was an English-origin Levantine family that settled in Buca during this period. Completed in 1908, the mansion is a tangible reflection of the family's presence and lifestyle in the region. According to rumors, the health of the family's young daughter, who suffered from tuberculosis, was also a determining factor in the building's construction.

The most suitable time to visit the mansion is during the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) months. During these seasons, the weather temperatures are milder, making it much more enjoyable to explore the surroundings on foot. In summer, İzmir's intense heat can make spending time outdoors difficult, especially during midday. For those who want to take photographs, early morning hours or the last light of the afternoon yield the best results.

One of the most practical ways to reach Forbes Mansion is by İZBAN. You can take İZBAN from around Alsancak or Konak and head towards Buca. From Buca town center, it's possible to reach the mansion by minibus or taxi. Municipal buses departing from Konak also run regularly to Buca. For those coming by private car, simply entering 'Buca State Hospital' into navigation is sufficient; the mansion is located in the hospital garden. The distance to the town center is approximately 15 km and takes 20–25 minutes by car.

Forbes Mansion, even in its ruined state, offers captivating photo opportunities. Corners where stone walls meet wooden frames clearly reveal the architectural details of the period. The trees in the garden and the mansion's weathered facade together create a nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere. Shots taken in the morning light reflect the texture of the building and the play of shadows more distinctly. A wide-angle lens can be a good choice to capture the entire mansion and its surroundings in a single frame.

Buca town center offers various dining options close to the mansion. The district has restaurants serving traditional İzmir cuisine, breakfast spots, and patisseries. For boyoz, gevrek, and İzmir-style breakfast, you can choose the local eateries in Buca center. Since there are no restaurants immediately around the mansion, it will be more practical to head to the town center before or after your visit.

You can combine Forbes Mansion with other historical structures in Buca to create a wonderful day trip. There are other Levantine-era buildings in the district, such as Baltacı Mansion and Peterson Mansion; unfortunately, most of these are also in disrepair. Buca's historical center, with its streets bearing the traces of old Greek and Levantine neighborhoods, is very suitable for walking. You can start at Forbes Mansion in the morning and spend the afternoon in Buca bazaar.

Since Forbes Mansion is located within the Buca State Hospital garden, visitors must comply with hospital rules and staff directions. The structure is in a dilapidated state; attempting to enter the interior is both dangerous and prohibited. It is possible to examine and photograph the mansion from the outside. Obtaining information from the hospital administration before your visit will inform you about any possible restrictions in advance. If you are coming with children, we recommend being careful near the ruined structure.