A lot to learn, Forbes family

This house is most famous and imposing 19th residence of Forbes Family. It was a levantine family based in Izmir,Turkey.

Levantines are people of Venetian, Genoese, French origin who lived in Ottoman Empire (now Turkey) during 19th century to 20th century. They were Christian or Jewish and mostly governing the relations of the Ottoman Empire with outside world. Levantine culture still has effect on Izmir's social life. Many of them migrated back to Europe. They were not European nor Ottoman.

Forbes family had their own emblem with the image of Forbes house on the hill in Buca, an image of fisherman possibly harking back to his Scottish roots and Scottish heraldic symbols with the words Lonach, possibly signifying family links to the Highland & Friendly Society founded by Sir Charles Forbes in 1823.

There is a grave of George King Forbes in Buca Anglican Cemetery in Buca Protestant Church. I used to play when I was kid in the garden newer knew who buried there.

Now the Forbes House in the garden of a hospital and hope they will renovate it soon.