Mystery of Karsiyaka
[August 2012] The time staying in the bus was very long during the trip of the west Turkey group tour. On this day, it was particularly long. According to our guide, a photo stop was scheduled…
Izmir
İzmir, historically known as Smyrna, is Turkey’s third-largest city and one of the country’s most important cultural, commercial and historical centres. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, it has been inhabited for more than three thousand years and has been shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Today İzmir combines modern city life with ancient heritage, lively waterfronts and traditional neighbourhoods, offering visitors a different perspective on Turkey beyond Istanbul.
The city’s best-known landmark is Konak Square, home to the elegant Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi), completed in 1901 to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II’s reign. The square also features the historic Yalı Mosque and the nearby ferry terminal, which connects different districts around the Gulf of İzmir and offers beautiful views across the bay.
A short walk away lies the historic Kemeraltı Bazaar, one of Turkey’s oldest and largest traditional markets. Its maze of streets is filled with artisan workshops, spice shops, cafés, caravanserais and family-run restaurants serving regional dishes. Exploring the bazaar is one of the best ways to experience the city’s Ottoman heritage and everyday local life.
History enthusiasts should also visit the Agora of Smyrna, one of the finest preserved Roman agoras in Turkey. Rebuilt under Emperor Marcus Aurelius after the earthquake of the second century AD, it still preserves impressive colonnades, arches, inscriptions and underground galleries. Nearby Kadifekale, the ancient hilltop fortress, offers spectacular panoramic views over the city and the Aegean coast.
The seaside promenade known as the Kordon is one of İzmir’s most popular gathering places. Locals and visitors enjoy walking, cycling or relaxing in cafés while watching the sunset over the bay. İzmir also serves as an excellent base for visiting famous destinations such as Ephesus, Çeşme, Alaçatı and Pergamon, all within easy reach.
The city’s cuisine reflects the flavours of the Aegean region, featuring fresh seafood, olive oil, seasonal vegetables and traditional Turkish specialties such as boyoz, kumru and a wide variety of Ottoman desserts.
Blending thousands of years of history with a vibrant contemporary atmosphere, İzmir is one of Turkey’s most rewarding destinations and an essential stop when exploring the Aegean coast.
