Izmir (Smyrna)

The pearl of Aegean region, the city of Izmir is the capital of the Izmir province, and after Istanbul and Ankara, is the third largest city in Turkey with a population of around four million. As a result of its population, busy trade, industry, tourism, entertainment business, education, cultural activities, and finance, Izmir became the center of the whole Aegean region and important land, air, and sea transportation networks. Together with the palm-lined promenades and avenues following the coastline, it is a very lively, stylish and attractive city with a variety of leisure, shopping and cultural facilities and activities.

Izmir, the home town of famous Greek poet and writer Homer, author of Iliad and The Odyssey (700 B.C), boasts a history of at least 8000 years.
In the years around 3000 B.C., Izmir was called Smyrna in the ancient Ionia.  Regarding Izmir’s history, we believe that even a  few modest examples listed below will be enough to amaze and attract your attention to the region:

• The province of Izmir and Izmir city is home to 3 out of seven churches mentioned in the Bible.
• Hosts one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Temple of Artemis in Selcuk.
• Parchment paper was discovered in this region in Bergama (Pergamon).
• The first temple in the name of the Goddess Athena was constructed in Izmir.
• One of the three biggest statues in the world is located in the Izmir province.
• Phokaians (Foca people) lived in the region, built boats with a capacity of 500 passengers, and founded several colonies in Velia (Italy), Ampurias (Spain) and Marseille (France).
• A number of famous historic persons, i.e. the philosopher and poet Xenophanes, the philosopher Heraklit, the medical Doctor Galen, the poet Homer, and the philosopher Anaxagoras lived in this region.
• St. John the Evangelist died and is buried in Selcuk.
• The famous Egyptian Queen Cleopatra stayed in Efes (Ephesus) with Antonius in 188.
• The first church built for the Virgin Mary is in Efes (Ephesus).

Izmir has a huge potential for tourism, as it is enriched with splendid natural beauties and an incredible history. It has a 630km of lace-like coastline, dotted with beautiful small villages. All along the shore and in the inland areas leading up to the 2160m high Bozdag mountains, there are several attractive natural and cultural beauties in the region. The coast around Izmir has natural formed beaches and small coves in most of the settlement areas.  They are surrounded by small villages or big metropolis areas like Izmir city, or completely secluded by lovely pine forests.
Izmir exceeds the expectations of all of its guests by offering well preserved conservation areas, several museums, historic remains, monuments and buildings, sacred places, delicious cuisine and lively attractions as well as many facilities for congress tourism, thermal springs, and neighbouring marvellous beaches with clear waters. The climate in Izmir is Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and rainy and mild winters. The easiest way to access the region is from Izmir Airport, which is 20km and costs around €20 by a taxi, unless other transfer alternatives are considered.

The places of interest in Izmir are:

Smyrna (Tepekule):
Ancient Smyrna’s first settlement area was Tepekule in Bayrakli district in 3000 B.C. On the hill of Bayrakli (205m), there are some remains belonging to King Tantalus, a mortal son of Zeus which date to the 7th.century B.C. Between 8th-7th.centuries B.C., Phrygian and Lydians made their mark on the city of Smyrna. In the 6th century B.C., Persians captured the city, which was later freed by Alexander the Great during the 4th. century B.C. Until Smyrna’s harbour was blocked by the alluviums by the Meles river in the 4th century BC, the city played a key role in the region.

Pagos (Kadifekale):
Pagos city was founded in the 4th.century B.C by one of the generals of Alexander the Great due to the military and commercial needs on the land and sea (here are also many myths about the foundation). As seen from the Acropolis wall ruins and from the defence walls, the city was influenced by the Roman and Byzantine era as it fell to Roman control in 133B.C. The remains of Agora, as well as aqueducts, a stadium and theatre can be seen around Pagos Hill.

Agora:
Agora was established during the 4th.century B.C. in the period of ancient Smyrna in Pagos (Kadifekale). It was surrounded by the governmental buildings of the period. Agora,which dates to the Hellenistic period, was rebuilt with the support of Marcus Aurelius in Roman times after an earthquake in 178 A.D. Stoas (galleries with columns) and their basements in the northern and western parts were excavated and a large basilica was found during these excavations.  Due to its size, Smyrna Agora Basilica is the largest known basilica in the Roman period.

Aqueducts: 
The Aqueducts date to the late Roman era. They were built to bring water from Meles river. Some of them were used by Byzantines, Seljuks and the Ottomans.

Faustina Gate and Ancient Street: 
One of the main streets of Smyrna that divides the Agora into two equal parts. At one end of the street, i.e., at the western entry of Agora, there is a magnificent gate with a relief of Marcus Aurelius’s wife Faustina, showing the faithfulness of the Smyrnian people to Marcus Aurelius for his support in rebuilding the Agora which was destroyed by the earthquake in 178 A.D.

Clock Tower: 
The Clock Tower is in Konak Square, built by architect Raymond Charles Pere in 1901to commemorate the 25th year of enthronement of Ottoman Emperor Sultan Abdulhamit. With fountains around the four sides, the 25 meter high tower is Izmir’s main landmark.

Museums:
Izmir Archaeological Museum, Paintings and Statues Museum, Ataturk Museum, Ethnography Museum.

Other highlights:
Kizlaragasi Han, Asansor (elevator), St. Polycrap, Anglican, St. Jean, Notre Dame De St. Holy Rosary, Notre Dame Lourdes, St. John Baptist, Santa Maria, St. Helen Churches, Havra Street, Hisar, Salepcioglu, Sadirvan, Yali Mosques, Kemeralti Market, , Beth Israel, Shaar Ashamayan and Bikur Holim Synagogues are just some of the highlights of the city of Izmir.

Neighbouring Beauties in Izmir:

Izmir Bird Paradise:
Here in this paradise, at the Aegean Coast where tjhe Gediz River deposits its silt, vast amounts of birds and many different mammals including the globally threatened Mediterranean Monk Seals live and breed. The paradise is known as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and has serious protection mechanisms in place.

Cable Car (Teleferik):
The cable car offers one of the best vantage points in Izmir. It climbs more than 420m, and while climbing you can see the most amazing bay of Izmir. Make sure you don’t forget to bring your camera. At the peak point, there are many facilities available for eating and drinking, and there is even a beautiful picnic area to relax in while making a BBQ. Since everything is available here, you don’t need to bring anything else.

Elevator (Asansor):
Elevator (Asansor) is one of the main landmarks of Izmir. It was built in 1907 in order to allow people to climb up the steep cliff at the coastal side of Izmir. Initially it was driven by water operated mechanisms, though today it is replaced by electricity power. At the top there is a nice restaurant where you can glance at the beautiful city view while dining and tasting the delicious Aegean cuisine.

Agamemnon Thermal Springs (Balcova):
The springs are located in Balcova. The springs and the spa center takes its name from Agamemnon of the Trojan war, who used these springs as a cure center for his wounded soldiers. The springs were used by Alexander the Great and the Roman Emperor Caesar. Due to an agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Health, many Norwegian tourists visit the spa center which  has a treatment success rate of 95% and is especially effective against rheumatism.

Karagol:
Karagot is a beautiful rehabilitation area; a rounded, picturesque crater lake surrounded by pine trees, located on Yamanlar Hill. The lake is associated with the myths of Tantalus, who was the region’s first known ruler.

Urla:
Urla is located 38km away in the western part of Izmir. Urla is a small historical town which has born witness to the Persian, Roman, and Byzantium periods. A fine example regarding it’s history would be the Tumulus of Limantepe as it has a history spanning 8000 years. The town also features  thermal springs, wonderful clean beaches and waters, untouched coves, forests, and a very rich flora and fauna. With its nature, history and very friendly and relaxed people, Urla looks forward to welcome its guests.

Seferihisar:
Seferihisar (in Top 10 Page) is a town of historical and natural beauty, located 50km from the city of Izmir. Seferihisar was a Carian town, which was founded by Cretan people in 2000 B.C. Similar to other regions along the Aegean coast, Seferihisar also embraced many civilizations such as the Lydians, Persians, Pergamons, Macedonians, Hellenics, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and the Ottomans. These civilizations have all left their remains behind, some of which can still be observed in the area today. Seferihisar is the meeting point of the turquoise waters of Aegean sea via its long coastline with several natural coves and beaches. Seferihisar is famous for its natural bay of Sigacik, which is located 5km from the town, and is surrounded by vast amounts of tangerine groves. In early history Sigacik was an Ionian city called Teos, and was the Ionian civilization capital and rival of Ephesus. With its turquoise blue sea, wonderful beaches and lovely fish restaurants, Sigacik deserves its popular reputation. Another of Sigacik's bays, called Ekmeksiz bay, is one of Turkey’s cleanest and coldest bays due to the fresh, cool springs situated beneath the sea.

After fulfilling many criteria, Seferihisar has achieved the status of Cittaslow (Slow City) town. It is the only Cittaslow town in Turkey. The idea of Cittaslow is mainly based on improving the life quality of the inhabitants, and to spread the philosophy of slow food to local communities by applying the concepts of ecogastronomy  to everyday life. The eligible municipalities are motivated with the authenticity of products, good food, enriched fascinating craft traditions, squares in the town, places of spirit and unspoilt landscapes,  theaters, shops, restaurants characterised by respect of traditions through the joy of slow and quiet living.  You can visit cittaslow's official site to find out more.

Dikili:
Dikili is situated to the North of Izmir city. It is a small, friendly, reasonably priced town. Until recent years, Dikili was undiscovered by the tourism industry, however, this  is no longer the case. It offers a broad bay with several kilometers of beaches. Dikili is an ancient town with a history dating back to 5000 B.C. The town has been host to many civilizations and cultures, from Akheans, Lydians, Persians, Phrygians and Mysians in the early ages, followed by Romans, Pergamons, Byzantines, Seljuks  and the Ottomans, all of which left important historic remains behind them. Among the numerous places of interest we recommend you to see are Aterna Hill, Aya Nikola Monastery, Botanical Garden, Caglan brook, Candarli Castle, the thermal springs (Zeytindali, Bademli, Camur, Nebiler, Kocaoba), Nebiler cave and waterfall, Necropolis, and last - but of course not least - are the Stone Columns.

Foca:
With its well preserved ancient flavour, Foca is a lovely town situated 65km north of Izmir.

Cesme and Alacati:
Undisputable stars of tourism Cesme and Alacati are approximately 90km away situated at the west of Izmir city.