Izmir (Smyrna, İzmir) — the oldest city in Turkey and the Mediterranean basin. It is the third largest city in the country in terms of size and population (3000000 local residents), and the second largest Turkish seaport. It is second only to Istanbul and Ankara in these criteria. It is scattered in the western part of Turkish territory, located on the shores of the Gulf of Izmir and in close proximity to the eastern coast of the Aegean Sea. It occupies an area of 7340 square kilometers. It is especially popular with foreign tourists, being considered one of the best beach resorts in Turkey.
Historical facts
According to available historical information and artifacts, five thousand years ago, small ancient Greek settlements were located on the site of modern Izmir. Over time, they expanded and united with each other, forming the entire city of Smyrna (Σμuρνη). Due to its very favorable and strategically important location, it constantly came under the attention of the powers that be of that era and suffered numerous attacks from outside. In 133 BC, the city came under the jurisdiction of Rome, gaining the status of the capital of the Roman province of Asia. After that, it became part of Byzantium (1102), then the Nicaean Empire (1207), and then the Ottoman Empire (1300). After the end of World War I, Izmir had to endure partial destruction and the loss of its Greek Christian population (massacre of 1922). The reason was the brutal fighting between Turkey and Greece for its territory. Since the founding of the Turkish Republic, Izmir has been populated by immigrants from Anatolia and has become a significant port, industrial, cultural and tourist center.
Attractions, excursions, beaches, hotels – everything Izmir is famous for
Izmir's fame is due to its past and present. The resort town is especially attractive to tourists who are eager to learn more about ancient worlds, ancient and medieval history.
For fans of myths and legends, secrets and treasures, architecture and the heritage of the “hoary past”, Izmir awaits:
- The famous Agora square in the Namazgah district is the main attraction of the city;
- The ancient Ataturk Street, leading to Konak Meydani (the central square of Izmir), directly to the majestic Clock Tower (the height of the “Saat Kulesi” building is 25 meters);
- Asansör Tower with a public elevator – offers an excellent panorama for a “high-altitude” view of Izmir;
- In the Miniature Mosque "Yali" and the Mosque "Khizar" (16th century);
- The ancient elevator (Asansor, Tarihi Asansor) that connected the lower and upper parts of Izmir
Izmir invites lovers of entertaining and educational recreation to:
- For walking along its wonderful embankment and creative district "Alsancak", colorful Izmir streets and the Culture Park, the piers of the city port;
- Visit the largest zoo in Turkey, Izmir Wild Life Park (more than one and a half thousand species of wild animals);
- Go on excursions to the Ataturk Museum, the Automobile Museum (Key Museum), the Arkas Art Center;
- Take a boat trip;
- Take a ride on the Izmir Cable Car (Izmir Teleferik) to the Dede Dağı mountain.
Shopping will add adrenaline and good mood to travelers - a tour to the Turkish markets "Kemeralti" (17th century architecture) and "Bospa" ("Bostanli - Bazaar"). Also, tourists in Izmir will be able to "shop" well in local shops, stalls, and at "street markets".
Izmir is rich in a variety of hotels, boarding houses, private hotels, student hostels. The coast of the Aegean Sea is strewn with high-class hotels of different star ratings with their own beaches, sports clubs, excellent entertainment and show programs for adults and children. A tourist here always has something to choose from, both in price and in other important criteria.
From Izmir you can go to the nearby beaches in Cesme or Kusadasi, and for longer tourist trips - to Pamukkale, Pergamum, Ephesus, Troy.
