İzmir

 

Located on the stunning Aegean coast of Turkey, İzmir is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. As the third-largest city in Turkey, İzmir boasts a rich tapestry of influences from its ancient past to its modern-day cosmopolitan vibe.

With a history dating back thousands of years, İzmir has been a melting pot of civilizations, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Byzantines and Ottomans. Its strategic location as a major port city on the Aegean Sea has made it a hub of trade, commerce, and cultural exchange throughout the ages.

One of the highlights of İzmir is its spectacular waterfront promenade, known as the Kordon, which stretches along the shoreline for several kilometers. Lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants, the Kordon is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to stroll, relax, and enjoy stunning views of the sea and the city skyline.

İzmir’s bustling bazaars and vibrant markets are a feast for the senses, offering everything from fresh produce and spices to handicrafts and souvenirs. The historic Kemeraltı Bazaar, with its maze of narrow streets and bustling alleys, is a treasure trove of Turkish culture and tradition, inviting visitors to haggle for bargains and sample local specialties.

The city’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its impressive landmarks and monuments, such as the ancient Agora of Smyrna, the Kadifekale Fortress, and the iconic Clock Tower in Konak Square. Visitors can explore museums, art galleries, and archaeological sites, immersing themselves in İzmir’s fascinating history and heritage.

İzmir is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues catering to every taste and preference. Whether enjoying live music at a waterfront bar, dancing the night away in a trendy nightclub, or sampling traditional mezes at a cozy taverna, İzmir offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement after dark.

Surrounded by rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque coastline, İzmir is also a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby mountains of the İzmir province offer hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching opportunities, while the pristine beaches of Çeşme and Alaçatı beckon sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

Whether exploring its ancient ruins, savoring its culinary delights, or simply soaking up its vibrant atmosphere, İzmir offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience, inviting them to discover the timeless beauty and charm of Turkey’s Aegean coast.

DOWN TOWN

MUSEUMS

Clock Tower
Clock Tower, which is located in Konak Square and is the symbol of Izmir, was constructed in 1901 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid . This building is 25 meters high and has four floors and an octagonal plan. Platform is made of white marble and other structures are made of cut stone. . The clock of the tower was presented by the German Emperor Wilhelm II. The tower was damaged in the earthquake of 5.2 magnitude in 1974 and the clock of the tower stopped at 02.04 when the earthquake occurred. Within two years the tower was repaired again and the clock still works today..

 
 

Atatürk Monument
The Atatürk Mask is a large concrete bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, located in Buca district of İzmir. The sculpture was completed in 2009 at a cost of ₺4.2 million. The Atatürk Mask, at 138 ft high, is the highest relief sculpture in Turkey, and the tenth highest relief sculpture in the world. It is built up over a scaffolding and not carved into the side of the mountain.. In the lower left corner of the sculpture, Atatürk’s quote “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” and his signature are embossed.

Alsancak Railway Station
Alsancak railway station is one of the two main railway terminals in İzmir and is the second-oldest railway station in Turkey, after Kemer, being completed in 1858. Located at the beginning of the Izmir-Aydin Railway, Alsancak Station was put into service in 1858. The line has been used extensively since 1866.

 
 

İzmir Agora
İzmir Agora or Smyrna Agora is an agora built in the 4th century BC in Konak district of İzmir. It functioned as the state agora of the city of Smyrna in its time. After the earthquake in 178 AD, it was rebuilt with the support of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. During the Ottoman period, it was used as a cemetery and a place of worship. The first excavations at the site were carried out in 1932. In 2020, Izmir Agora was included in the World Heritage Tentative List by UNESCO as part of the heritage area created under the name “Izmir Historic Port City”. In October 2023, a 700-meter-long promenade was built at the ruins

Evangelist St. John Anglican Church
Evangelist St. John Anglican Church, which is one of the Anglican churches in Izmir, is the main Anglican church in Izmir with its ceremonial room and other facilities.Located in Alsancak, St. John church is one of the 42 churches affiliated to the Gibraltar Episcopacy with the authority given by the Archbishop of Canterbury..

 

İzmir Museum
The first archaeological museum in Izmir was opened in 1927 in the Ayavukla Church in the Basmane district after three years of collecting and compiling artifacts. Later, a second archaeology museum was opened in 1951 in Kültürpark. However, due to the large number of artifacts from the surrounding ancient cities, a new museum was needed. For this reason, a new and modern museum building was built on an area of 5000 m² in Bahribaba Park in Konak and the Izmir Archaeology Museum was opened to visitors on February 11, 1984. The museum is organized to meet all kinds of needs with its exhibition halls, laboratories, storages, photography room, library and conference hall. The artifacts exhibited in the museum are over 5 thousand.

 
 

Izmir History and Art Museum
The Atatürk Mask is a large concrete bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, located in Buca district of İzmir. The sculpture was completed in 2009 at a cost of ₺4.2 million. The Atatürk Mask, at 138 ft high, is the highest relief sculpture in Turkey, and the tenth highest relief sculpture in the world. It is built up over a scaffolding and not carved into the side of the mountain. In the lower left corner of the sculpture, Atatürk’s quote “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” and his signature are embossed.