The word Levant, of French origin, means “east,” referring to the place where the sun rises. In geographical terminology, this word has been used to describe the region located to the east of Italy, in other words, the Eastern Mediterranean.
European merchants who came to this region, including İzmir, for trade and eventually settled here were called Levantines. Especially after the Industrial Revolution, the supply of industrial raw materials became crucial for Western European countries, particularly England. As a result, from the first half of the 19th century, a large number of Levantines settled in İzmir for industrial raw material trade.
The Levantine families were the driving force behind the expansion of cotton production in Western Anatolia. These families, who specialized in the trade of cotton and other agricultural raw materials, amassed great wealth through commerce. The reflection of this wealth in İzmir was the structures built by Levantine families as residences and workplaces. A significant number of the mansions they constructed for residential purposes in the districts of Bornova and Buca have survived to the present day. The size and grand architecture of these mansions provide insight into the scale of their owners’ wealth.
In addition to the mansions in Bornova and Buca, the Levantines also built houses and business premises in Kordon Promenade. These houses, which were not their primary residences, can be interpreted as a reflection of the families’ desire to be part of the public sphere that developed in Kordon Promenade, centered around culture, arts, and entertainment. However, none of the houses and workplaces in Kordon have survived to the present day. Nevertheless, although many Levantine families left Türkiye in the 1950s, a few still maintain their presence in İzmir’s trade and industry sectors.
Playing a significant role in the development of İzmir-centered trade and in shaping the city, the Levantine families are an essential element of the city’s collective memory. The Levantine Heritage Foundation, established by these families, serves as a valuable center for those seeking knowledge about Levantine culture.
