İzmir - Uşakizade Mansion

Uşakizade Mansion was built by Uşakizade Sadık Bey in 1860 in İzmir Göztepe. The Uşakizade Family researched the coolest place in İzmir to build a summer house and built this mansion, which has three floors including the basement. There is a cellar and staff rooms in the basement of the mansion, two living rooms, a dining room and a governess room on the first floor. On the second floor, there are 4 bedrooms and two living rooms.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha came to Uşakizade Mansion for the first time on September 14, 1922, the sixth day of the liberation of İzmir. Gazi, who stayed for 16 days on this arrival, used the Mansion as the "Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief". In this process, many local and foreign statesmen and journalists visited Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha in the mansion.

Zübeyde Hanım passed away on 14 January 1923 in the Uşakizade Mansion in Karşıyaka. Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, who came to Izmir upon the death of his mother, married Latife Hanım on 29 January 1923 in this mansion in Göztepe. Wedding; He pioneered today's civil marriage. After the wedding, Gazi made a trip to Western Anatolia with Latife Hanım and introduced Latife Hanım to his citizens.

During his third stay at Uşakizade Mansion; Gazi, who made the opening preparations and opening speech of the “Congress of Economics”, returned to Ankara, taking his wife Latife Hanım with him. The date of 23 February 1923 is the first visit of Latife Hanım to Ankara and Çankaya Mansion.

When Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha came to the mansion for the fourth time, he had two Minister guests with him.

The fifth and last arrival of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha; It takes place from January 2, 1924 to February 22, 1924. This resting trip, where Gazi stayed as a guest in Uşakizade Mansion for 53 days, has another importance as it is his first visit to İzmir as the President.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha stayed in Uşakizade Mansion, where he was a guest five times, for a total of 91 days. The Uşakizade Mansion still enjoys the honor of being the “Commander-in-Chief Headquarters” between 14 September 1922 and 29 January 1923.

Mrs. Latife

Mrs. Latife; He is the eldest of Uşakizade Muammer Bey's children, three girls and three boys. Latife Hanım, who was born in 1900, went to primary school with private teachers in the “Glass Mansion” in the garden of Uşakizade Mansion. After graduating from Istanbul Arnavutköy American College, she studied Law and Politics at the Sorbonne University in France. Latife Hanım, who speaks four languages, returned to Izmir after the Battle of Sakarya was won in order to see the liberation of Izmir.

Latife Hanım, who was married to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha for 2 years, 5 months and 5 days between 29 January 1923 and 5 August 1925, passed away on 13 July 1975 in Istanbul Harbiye. His grave is in Edirnekapı Martyrs' Cemetery.

İzmir Private Turkish College at Uşakizade Mansion

Uşakizade Mansion was rented from Latife Hanım in 1951 by Bahattin Tatış, the Founder of İzmir Private Turkish College, and was used for educational purposes until 1991. The mansion, which became the property of İzmir Private Turkish College in 1979, was decided to be restored by the Tatış Family. Uşakizade Mansion, whose restoration was initiated by President Süleyman Demirel in 1998; It was opened on 15 June 2001 with a ceremony attended by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. The pavilion, which was opened to visitors after being arranged with original furniture, received the “Massive Repair Award” from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in 2003.

The days when Uşakizade Mansion is open: Monday to Saturday (except Sunday) between 09.00-17.30 and public holidays.

Telephone: 0232 244 05 00 Ext: 140-210

Source: www.usakizadekosku.com

Uşakizade Mansion and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha

Usakizade Family

Uşaklı Helvacızade Hacı Ali Efendi decided to migrate to İzmir in the first half of the 19th century, thinking of continuing his business in Uşak in İzmir. The family left the ancestral profession of halva and immigrated to İzmir, and began to be known as Uşakizade. The Uşakizade family begins to trade the Anatolian carpets that adorn the homes of Europeans.

Uşakizade Family and Caravanism

Haci Ali Bey's son, Sadik Bey, acted rationally and started caravanning with camels, which is a profitable business. The purpose of this trade is to flow the traditional products of the Aegean Region between İzmir and Aydın to İzmir Port. It brings the figs, raisins, barley, wheat and all kinds of similar products of the Aegean to İzmir and exports them from here, with its caravans reaching approximately 2000 camels.

The İzmir-Aydın line, the construction of which was started in 1858 and the first railway of the Ottoman Empire, did not please Uşakizade Sadık Bey. When the train line reached Aydın in 1886, the caravan business of the Uşakizade Family lost its former importance and profitability. Sadık Bey, who continues his father's profession in the carpet trade as well as transportation, participates in the Paris Exhibition in 1867. A red carpet of the products he exhibited is deemed worthy of a gold medal award. The Ottoman Sultan, Sultan Abdulaziz, also visited this exhibition as the first Ottoman Sultan to go abroad.

Uşakizades Are Building a House in Göztepe

Sadık Bey, whose economic situation has become very good, has a summer mansion built next to Karşıyaka Station upon the expansion of his family. This mansion is the 'Latife Hanım Mansion Memorial House' of today, where Zübeyde Hanım lived and died for 28 days.

In 1860, Sadık Bey wants to have another summer mansion built for the glory of the Uşakizade family. He makes examinations in various districts of İzmir. Acting in line with the traditions of the day, fresh meats are hung in different districts at the same time. Based on the assumption that the place where the meat is spoiled last is the coolest place, the location of the mansion to be built is determined. Today, this mansion in Göztepe Sadık Bey district is included in the family's assets as a result of such a research. This mansion, which can be reached by one hundred and twenty steps from Mithatpaşa Street, is also known by names such as Beyaz Köşk, Mor Salkımlı Köşk and Uşakizade Köşk. This mansion, which has been the property of Izmir Private Turkish College since 1979; It was deemed appropriate to name it as the first name, Uşakizade Mansion.

Usakizade Muammer Bey

Sadık Bey turns the 'Glass Mansion' in the garden of the mansion in Göztepe into a primary school for his children and the children of the neighborhood to study. He married Adeviye Hanım, the daughter of Daniş Bey, one of the Sadullah Efendizades.

Muammer Bey and Adeviye Hanım had six children. The eldest of the children, three girls and three boys, is Latife Hanım. He is followed by İsmail and Ömer Beyler, Rukiye Hanım, Vecihe Hanım and Münci Bey in order of birth.

Uşakizade Sadık Bey wants his son to become a successful merchant. He asks his nephew, Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil, who is a senior manager at the Ottoman Bank, to train his son in that bank. Uşakizade Muammer Bey successfully completes his internship related to export business at the Ottoman Bank.

Uşakizade Muammer Bey succeeds in becoming one of the foremost merchants of Izmir when he was only 20 years old. First he sells forest products, cotton, grapes, figs and tobacco to England. It is very surprising to find a Turkish name among our exporters in those years that coincided with the reign of Abdülhamit.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Muammer Bey furthered his exports to England and America. At that time, Muammer Bey went to America for trade six times. While listening to the memories of her youngest daughter Vecihe İlmen about her father, we learn that Uşakizade Muammer Bey was the only Turk to have a seat reserved for him in the stock exchange in the USA in 1905.

Muammer Bey, who played a role in the political life of the city before the Republic, became a member of the Izmir Municipality Council in 1908. In the 5 July 1909 election, the Mayor of İzmir was elected. Mr. Muammer deals with the problems caused by the lighting of İzmir with electricity instead of gas.

In those days, Izmir was a sanjak of Aydın. Muammer Bey resigned from his position as mayor on 1 February 1910 as a result of his disagreement with Aydın Governor Mahmut Muhtar Pasha.

About fifteen years later, on February 1, 1924, Muammer Bey became the Mayor of Izmir again. During this second six-month mayoral term in 1924, he started the first zoning plan work in İzmir. On September 20, 1924, he resigned from his duty as mayor, believing that he was responsible for the fire that broke out in a movie theater in Kokaryalı and killed 15 people.

Muammer Bey puts an end to his active commercial life after Latife Hanım married Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha. This marriage causes Muammer's children to turn to foreign affairs and leave their father's profession.

Latife's Education

Muammer Bey provides his children, especially his daughters, with the highest education opportunity to receive western culture. All children learn very well at least four languages, in addition to Turkish. The family completes their primary education with a special education for their children in their school located in the Camlı Köşk.

Latife Hanım studied middle and high school at Arnavutköy American College in Istanbul. Latife Hanım starts her education in Politics and Law at Sarbonnee University. Latife Hanım took piano lessons from Anna Maria Gresser and gave a concert in Paris during her university education in France. Latife Hanım learns English, French, Spanish and Greek.

Battle of Sakarya and Latife Hanım

Latife Hanım, who followed the Turkish War of Independence from Paris, told her father after the Battle of Sakarya was won:

“Daddy, I believed, Izmir will be saved. Mustafa Kemal Pasha will soon enter Izmir with his armies. Saying "I will go to Izmir to see their entrance," he comes to Izmir with his nanny a year before his family and begins to wait for Izmir's liberation day in the mansion.

Victorious Commander in Izmir

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha arrives at the Izmir Governor's Office with a ceremony at 14.00 on 10 September 1922. Gazi; He stays in Karşıyaka İplikçizade Mansion on 10-11-13 September. This house is the house that Gazi had the Greek flag raised and not stepped on.

Chief Adjutant Salih Bozok is looking for a safe house for the Commander-in-Chief to stay in Izmir. Reaching Uşakizade Mansion on September 10, Salih Bey learns from the gardener that Latife Hanım came to İzmir to greet Gazi Pasha. Chief Adjutant Salih meets Latife Hanım and asks her if Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha will stay in this mansion. Latife Hanım's response to Chief Aide Salih:

“I am honored to host Gazi, I came here to see these days”. Gazi's first encounter with Latife Hanım is as follows: On September 13, Gazi visits Uşakizade Mansion for the first time and meets Latife Hanım. We know that Gazi did not respond to Latife Hanım's invitation to stay in the mansion. The Izmir fire, which started in the Armenian quarter in the afternoon of September 13, envelops the entire Frenk neighborhood with the effect of the wind. As a result of this fire, 25,000 houses and workplaces were burned in İzmir.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha in the Mansion of the Uşakizades

While the Izmir fire, which started the night before on September 14, 1922, was still going on, Gazi's car was headed to the mansion in Göztepe. Gazi's arrival at Uşakizade Mansion will change the fate of him and Latife Hanım.

The hospitality that started with Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha's first visit to this mansion ended in marriage on his second visit. During Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha's five visits to Izmir between September 14, 1922 and February 22, 1924, Uşakizade Mansion hosted Gazi for a total of ninety-one days. The mansion witnesses the liberation of Izmir and many important events of the end of the War of Independence.

Salih (Bozok) Bey, one of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha's aides, describes this first encounter as follows: "Latife welcomed Mustafa Kemal with such great enthusiasm and with such warmth that I can't help feeling emotional when I remember some details. Gazi, who did not miss, could not remain indifferent to Latife Hanım's sincere attitude.

The great fire of Izmir was going on when Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha was a guest in Göztepe Mansion. While watching the fire with sadness from the terrace of the mansion, the great commander asks Latife Hanım, who is standing next to him:

-“Do you own real estate in this fire place?”

-“An important part of our property is on the burning field; But what is the obstacle, Pasha? If they want, they can all burn... As long as you are grateful. What is the value of property for people who see these happy days... The country was saved... We will have them built again and in a more perfect way in the future.”

Gazi mutters without taking his eyes off the flames:

-“Yes, let it burn down... It is possible for all of them to come true.”

Ali Fuat Cebesoy's memoirs include Uşakizade Latife Hanım and the mansion in detail:

“Uşakizade Muammer Bey's daughter Latife Hanım was personally serving in the mansion that Gazi Pasha chose as his headquarters. Latife Hanım was a young and beautiful Turkish girl who had a very good education and training. She was also familiar with Turkish literature. Although the mansion was quite busy, like a real Commander-in-Chief, its layout was perfect. He treated everyone with compassion and kindness, and was respected by everyone in return. Everything he said was accepted as the command of the headquarters commander. In fact, Gazi Pasha gladly accepted this course of action. Laughing:

"This is the order of the Headquarters Commander lady," he was saying.

In Salih Bozok's memoirs, the story of Gazi's departure from Izmir is as follows;

-“Latife Hanım sadly asked:

"Pasha, you have bestowed honor and happiness on our house. I request that our house be protected by a team of three or five privates under the name of 'Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief' so that my parents and brother, who will soon return from Europe, can enjoy this honor as well.'

Mustafa Kemal Pasha accepted Latife Hanım's request and left three or four men from the guard regiment at Muammer Bey's house on the way to Ankara. In this way, our relationship and connection with Muammer Bey's house became permanent."

Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal, in front of Uşakizade Mansion, İzmir. (30.01.1923)

Gazi's 2nd Coming to Uşakizade Mansion

Zübeyde Hanım comes to İzmir to get to know Latife Hanım. Zübeyde Hanım brought the horse named Sakarya, which Gazi loved very much, to be given to Latife Hanım. Zübeyde Hanım passed away on January 14, 1923, at the Uşakizade Mansion in Karşıyaka, where she stayed for a month.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha learns of his mother's death in Eskişehir. On January 15, 1923, Zübeyde Hanım was buried in the garden of Karşıyaka's Ferik Osman Paşa Mosque.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha in Karşıyaka

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, keeping his schedule, met with the Istanbul press in Izmit on January 16-17. It reaches Karşıyaka on 27 January 1923. Gazi informs Chief Aide Salih (Bozok) that he wants to meet with Muammer Bey, who is among those who welcome him. Gazi asked Latife Hanım from her father on the train; “Tonight I will marry your daughter,” he says.

Calling the people of Karşıyaka before getting off the train, Gazi later goes to visit his mother's grave in the courtyard of Ferik Osman Paşa Mosque. At his mother's grave, he gives the following historic speech:

“My poor mother has entrusted her body to the holy land of Izmir, whose salvation was once an ideal for the whole nation.... My mother is now under this ground; but above this land, national sovereignty will endure to the end of the world.”

The Marriage of Gazi Pasha and Latife Hanım

On January 29, 1923, Gazi invites his friends to the Uşakizade Mansion for tea. The guests are hosted in the main room of the mansion, which is Gazi's study room. The Uşakizade Family is the opposite room, which is the second guest room of the mansion. When the Mufti of Izmir, Rahmetullah Efendi, entered the main door of the mansion at 17.00, the guests realized that they were invited to a wedding. It is passed to the dining hall on the first floor of the mansion. Let's watch the wedding ceremony from the pen of one of the guests, Hakkı Naşit Uluğ:

“...After a while, the mufti of Izmir entered the room. Gazi followed him, the person whom he chose as his life partner.

The wedding ceremony was beginning in this simple decoration. Fevzi and Kazım Paşas were the witnesses of Gazi, Abdülhalik and Salih were the witnesses of Latife Hanım. Muammer Bey was standing by the window with tears in his eyes, the family members, the staff next to Gazi and we were filling the corridor. The voice fell silent, and a little hoarse and dignified voice of Gazi, addressed to the kadi, was heard:

- 'Your Excellency, we have decided to marry Latife Hanım, would you please take the necessary action?'

Listening to this address with great attention, the cadi master turned to Latife Hanım and asked:

"Ma'am, do you agree to marry Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha in front of those present with ten dirhams of silver mihri müeccel (indemnity that will guarantee the life of the woman in case of divorce) and the mihri due (money or property to be given in advance to the girl's side)?"

Kadı Efendi, who received the answer "I accepted", this time turned to Gazi and asked the same question, and Gazi said:

When he said "I accept", the cadi lord was happy that he had successfully performed the most honorable service of his life, quickly rolled up his sleeves and raised his hands towards the sky, inviting those present to pray for the happiness and well-being of the newlyweds and for this marriage to be beneficial for our country.

Some details and changes in the marriage were remarkable; The veteran determines the divorce price and the mihri, which is the bride price given to the father, as ten dirhams of silver. ten dirhams of silver; 31.5 gr. corresponds to a weight. Gazi's giving the least value of this price, which is called mihri; It causes Kazım and Fevzi Pashas to laugh, saying, 'You hung up on the girl cheaply'. But the thought that 'women are equal to men' in Mustafa Kemal's mind determines this price. The wedding is held on Monday instead of on a Thursday, as per the rules of religious marriage.

Gazi made a statement to Anadolu newspaper on February 1, 1923. On February 2, 1923, he introduced Latife Hanım to the women of Izmir at the meeting held in the tobacco warehouse where the Izmir Economy Congress would be held. Women's issues and Lausanne are discussed. This meeting is called the 'Women's Congress' as most of the attendees are women. Gazi attends the events of İzmir Schools at Evening Pathe Cinema with his wife, Latife Hanım.

On February 4, 1923, Latife Hanım, Marshal Fevzi (Çakmak) Pasha and his friends, accompanied by Gazi, went on a train trip to Akhisar, Balıkesir. They also stop by Edremit and Bergama on this trip. Gazi introduced his wife, Latife Hanım, to his citizens with this trip in Western Anatolia. On February 10, she will return to Izmir again.

Ghazi Mustafa Kemal's Third Arrival at Uşakizade Mansion

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, who visited Izmir Regional Art School on February 13, 1923, was very pleased with this trip.

The Turkish Economy Congress, which took place on February 17, 1923 with the participation of 1135 delegates, was held in an old fig warehouse. Gazi gives his longest speech here after Nutuk. The Turkish Economy Congress lasts until March 4, 1923. The "Economic Pledge", which includes a series of decisions, is announced with the representatives of agricultural, industrial, merchant and worker groups coming from various parts of the country. The exhibitions that will be the pioneers of today's fair will be opened during this congress. After making the opening speech, Gazi, who left İzmir the next day, greets İsmet Pasha who is returning from Lausanne with Latife Hanım in Eskişehir. Together they go to Ankara by train. The people of Ankara welcome Muzaffer Commander and his wife Latife Hanım and wish them happiness.

4th Arrival of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha to Uşakizade Mansion

Gazi Mustafa Kemal was accompanied by Minister of Internal Affairs, Fethi (Okyar) Bey, and Minister of Public Works, Fevzi (Pirinçzade) Bey. Their stay in Uşakizade Latife Hanım Mansion lasted until 1 August 1923.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha's Last Guest at Uşakizade Mansion

This stay of Gazi, when he came to Izmir as the President, lasted for 53 days. Gazi, who had a heart spasm in Ankara, visited İzmir for resting purposes. President Mustafa Kemal Pasha made short visits and receptions during his stay at the Uşakizade Mansion. The Izmir days of President Mustafa Kemal Pasha at that time; It can be summarized as school visits, visiting Izmir Municipality, celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the İnönü Victory, visiting the Turkish Hearth, trips to Selçuk, Kuşadası, Söke and the 1st Corps War Games.

Ms. Talia (Akatürk) describes her own wedding as follows:

-"Our wedding was held at the mansion of Latife Hanım's grandmother, Aunt Refika, in Göztepe. Her Holiness Veteran and Latife Sister were invited as honored guests. Although they had various duties and visits. We thought they could not come.

…My sister Latife came to my wedding without a sheet. Indeed, she did not wear a chador before she got married. He had a horse called Cici. He used to ride it. That's why Muammer Bey was often threatened. 'Your daughter has become infidel, we will kill her!' Saying. I've never worn a bed sheet either."

President Mustafa Kemal Pasha and his wife Latife Hanım gave a meal to journalists from Istanbul on the night of February 5, 1924 at the Uşakizade Mansion. The country's problems are discussed with the guests until 20.30 and dinner is started. At the dinner, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra of the future, directed by İhsan Bey, performs a concert in the hall of the mansion.

Establishment of İşbank

During the last stay of President Mustafa Kemal Pasha in Uşakizade Mansion, the idea of ​​establishing İşbank emerged. Let's learn about this event, which is also included in the history of İşbank, from Celal Bayar's memoirs:

-"Atatürk had 250 thousand liras in the Ottoman Bank. He was not even given deposit interest there. Indian Muslims sent the money to Atatürk during the years of the National Struggle. Atatürk gave the money to the Finance Ministry so that it could be spent on the needs of the army. After the victory, the money was taken from the people. While all debts were paid, Atatürk's money was also given back, and he took it and deposited it in the Ottoman Bank. Atatürk's father-in-law, Muammer Bey, was the biggest merchant in İzmir at that time. He was the only Turkish merchant who had relations with Europe. He said, 'Let's work the money.' Atatürk said, 'Go to our Celal, talk to him, I don't know these things'.

Mr. Muammer came to me and I saw it as a condition for our people to have a bank ourselves, to establish a bank where our people would be comfortable and in a way that both sides could understand each other. And Mr. Muammer 'export company is also required; But this job is more important, I said. I also stated that I personally do not like the fact that Gazi's name is involved in this trade.”

Separation of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha and Latife Hanım

The marriage of Latife Hanım and President Mustafa Kemal Pasha lasted for 2 years, 5 months and 5 days and ended on August 5, 1925. While leaving, Gazi says: "You will promise Latife a soldier, you will not tell anyone about anything about our common life".

After the end of their marriage, both Mustafa Kemal and Latife Hanım do not say the least about the two and a half years they were together, even to their close circles. By keeping their memories and secrets to themselves, they know how to carry them with them to eternity. Respect, dedication and understanding required this.

Latife Uşşaklı died on July 13, 1975 in Istanbul due to cancer, which she concealed even from her relatives. Latife Hanım's grave is in the Edirnekapı family cemetery, where her father Muammer Bey is also buried.

Uşakizade Mansion Becomes “İzmir Private Turkish College”

İzmir Private Turkish College was founded by Bahattin Tatış in 1950. In the first year of the establishment of the school, a need for a new school building arose due to the increasing number of students. When Bahattin Tatış learned that the Uşakizade Mansion was empty, he talked to Latife Hanım and informed him that he wanted to rent the mansion as a school.

When Latife Hanım learned that the mansion was intended to be rented as a training center:

-"Suitable. In this way, Atatürk's spirit will be happy”.

After the death of Muammer Bey in 1951, the five heirs of the Uşakizade Mansion sold the Uşakizade Mansion to the Izmir Private Turkish College until 1979. Uşakizade Mansion, which served education until 1991; It hosted thousands of Atatürkist students and the wish of Latife Hanım was fulfilled.

Tatış Family decided in 1991 to restore the worn-out Uşakizade Mansion. Prepared project; It included conservation, repair projects and new additional buildings and the conversion of the mansion into a Cultural Center.

On May 16, 1998, the restoration was started with a ceremony with the participation of President Süleyman Demirel. On June 15, 2001, the restoration of the mansion was completed with a ceremony attended by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

Since the restoration of Uşakizade Mansion was completed, approximately 100 thousand students and adults visited the mansion. At the request of the schools, Atatürk themed documentaries were shown at the Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha Cultural Center to ensure that the event was permanent. 29 October 2008

Author: Ahmet Gürel, İzmir Private Turkish College Uşakizade Mansion Md.

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