Izmir is the city we chose to live in, not Antalya or Marmaris, of course, but Izmir has a lot of advantages, even though it's a port city, but it's also a huge metropolis with a lot of interesting places that I'll tell you about a little bit.
Izmir is Turkey's third-largest city, formerly Smyrna. After Istanbul, Izmir is the most important Turkish port.
The exact date of Smyrna's foundation is unknown; in ancient times, the city was a trade and cultural center comparable to Troy. Smyrna was conquered by the Ionians, destroyed by the Lydia King Aliyatta I, Alexander the Great, and restored in the Hellenistic period by Antigonus I and Lishimach. The city has seriously suffered at earthquake of 178 BC. In the Byzantine era, Smyrna was considered the second city of the empire. In 1415, Smyrna was conquered by Mehmed II and included in the Ottoman Empire. Having survived the devastating earthquakes of 1688 and 1778, the city became a major trading center with a population of over 100 thousand people. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the city became part of Greece, but in 1922 was captured by the Turkish army headed by Mustafa Kemal.
The main attraction of Izmir, so to speak, its visiting card is the clock tower or in Turkish, Saat Kulesi. The clock tower was erected in 1901 by the French architect Raymond Pere. It is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the reign of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II. The tower has a height of 25 meters and four fountains at its base.
The clock tower was erected in 1901 by the French architect Raymond Pere. It is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the reign of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II. The tower has a height of 25 meters and four fountains at its base.
From the top of Mount Pagus, where the Velvet Fortress is located, there is a beautiful view of the city and the Izmir Bay. In the Park of Culture,there are pavilions of the Izmir Fair. In the park, there is a lake, a zoo, numerous children's playgrounds,and tea houses. One of Izmir's attractions is the bazaar, which can be accessed via Ashref Pasha Boulevard. There are plenty of junk shops located on small squares with fountains.A traveler visiting Izmir should definitely visit Asanser, one of the oldest neighborhoods is Jewish. There are a lot of restored ancient houses here. You can get to this area with the help of a lift or in Turkish Asancer, the height of which reaches 51 meters. A picturesque street called Dario Moreno leads to it. The lift was built in the 19th century thanks to the means of Nessim Levy, a rich Jew. Asancer connects the streets of the quarter, located in its upper and lower parts. On the terrace on the top floor, there is a beautiful restaurant with a picturesque panorama of Izmir.
Agora
Another ancient landmark is the Agora Market Square. It is located in the Namazgakh quarter and owes its origin to Alexander the Great. However, the ruins that came down to us and underwent reconstruction date back to the later period of the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The strongest earthquake which has happened in 178 B.C. has destroyed a set of constructions. Archaeological excavations in 1920-1940 found fragments of hundreds of Ottoman tombs, Corinthian columns and their capitals, the remains of three gates, and the remains of magnificent statues of Neptune and Diana.
Ruins of the Cadifkalet fortress
CadifkaleCadifkaleCadifkale
Once the majestic castle of Cadifkale towered over the bay of Izmir on Mount Pagos. At that time the castle amazed people with its huge size and beauty. The velvet fortress, which is how the name Kadifkale was translated from the name of the fortress, was built by Lishimah and later rebuilt by the Byzantines in the 6th century, offering a beautiful view of the city and the Izmir Bay.
In the Park of Culture, there are pavilions of the Izmir Fair. On the territory of the park, there is a lake, a luna park, numerous children's playgrounds,and tea houses. One of Izmir's attractions is the bazaar, which can be accessed via Ashref Pasha Boulevard. There are plenty of junk shops located in small squares with fountains.
St. Polycarpus Church
This Christian church is considered to be the oldest building in the city. During the reign of Suleiman the Great, in 1620, it was reconstructed, so it managed to survive in good condition to this day. The temple was named after St. Polycarpus, who once lived in Cadifacal and was tortured to death by the Romans in 155 BC. I agree with the legend, they tried to burn the bishop, but the fire did not touch the saint. Then the Romans stabbed Panteleimon with sharp daggers.
Izmir Museums
Izmir is famous for its archaeological museum. On three floors are exhibits found during excavations in the area of the Aegean Sea. You can admire the magnificent antique statues and cult objects found in the burial places.
M.K. AtaturkAtaturkA museum
The Ataturk Museum, the founder of the Turkish Republic and the first President, is located in Konak Square. It is in this house that Ataturk stayed when he was in Izmir. The exposition of the Museum of Painting and Sculpture presents paintings and sculptures belonging to the authors of modern artists.
Near Izmir, there are Bairakly, a place of excavation of ancient Smyrna, and Inciralty, a sea resort near the western outskirts of the city. On the way to them, there are hot springs called Agamemnon baths. Izmir can also be visited in many ancient places, including Troy or Bergama, Ephesus, Kusadasi and Cesme, Bodrum...