Izmir

The history of Izmir dates back to around 8500 BC, with some believing it was founded by the Amazons. The city’s first established settlement was in Bayraklı, near the site of the old Tepekule, located approximately 3 miles from downtown. Between 2000-1200 BC, the city was ruled by the Hittites, before being conquered by the Aeolians. Around 800 BC, Izmir became one of the 12 Ionian cities. In 600 BC, the Lydians, led by King Coresos, took control, but the Persians from Iran later invaded and the dark age began. At the start of the Persian rule, the 12 Ionian cities formed the Ionian Federation, a primitive example of the United Nations, but it failed and the Persian rule lasted for around three hundred years. In 334 BC, this period came to an end with the arrival of Alexander the Great, who crossed the Dardenel, drove out the Persians, and liberated the Ionian cities one by one.
During his stay in Asia Minor, Alexander spent some days in Smyrna and, according to legend, he spent a night near Mount Pagos. In his dream he was counseled to refound the city near the bay of Izmir. The following morning, he advised his generals to relocate Smyrna to the bay of Izmir as a port city, and this directive was carried out by one of his generals, Lysimachus, in 300 BC.

After Lysimachos, the city was added to the Pergamene Kingdom and later gifted to Rome without war by the last king, Attolos III, in 133 BC. Between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, Smyrna was the second most important city in the Roman province of Asia after Ephesus, with a population of around 200,000. Ephesus and Smyrna were two major ports of export and import during the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). This period of glory ended in the late 5th century AD, and Smyrna became a small Byzantine town in the 6th century. Smyrna was besieged by several nations and troops between the 7th and 8th centuries, and the Umayyads, Abbasids, Sasanids, and Turks captured the city in 1095. However, a year later, Byzantine troops retook the city and it remained in their hands until 1317, when Aydınoglu Umur Bey conquered it, thus placing it under Turkish control.

For around a century, the Later Crusaders caused great destruction, and in 1426 Smyrna became an Ottoman town. The first European merchants to arrive were the Venetians in 1530, and soon after, British and Dutch business people began trading with the Ottomans. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Smyrna became a cosmopolitan city with foreign settlers. After 1850, thousands of Turkish immigrants from the Aegean Islands and Greece were forced to settle in Smyrna. During World War I, Greek troops invaded the city in 1919, causing great destruction, but were saved by Turkish troops in 1922, led by Atatürk. As the Greek troops were driven out in 1922, they set fire to Smyrna, and two thirds of the city were destroyed. The city was rebuilt and given a new name, Izmir.

CITY OF TOLERENCE

İzmir has been renowned for centuries as the City of Tolerance due to its allowance of the three major religions of the world – Islam, Christianity, and Judaism – to be freely practiced by its believers. The Turks first captured the city in the 14th century, and then in 1492, the Ottoman authorities permitted Jewish immigrants from Spain (known as Seferads) to settle down as citizens. The Europeans arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries to engage in trade, leading to a shift in the city’s demographic. The population is now around four million, with the majority being Turkish, but there are also Jewish and Christian minorities. All mosques, churches, and synagogues are open to prayer.

CLIMATE

Izmir is located in the middle of the Aegean Region, which is considered to be the best part of Turkey in terms of climate. It was once known as Ionia in history. The city is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate; summers are hot and dry whereas winters are mild and rainy, with an average of 300 sunny days per year. This excellent weather makes the area fertile for growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and grains; thus, Izmir is the center of agricultural production in Turkey. Famous sultana raisins, Turkish tobacco, Smyrna figs, red wine, cotton and olives are grown here and exported around the world, providing a great contribution to the local economy.

2ND CHURCH OF THE REVELETION

The Second Church of Revelation, located in Smyrna, was visited by St. John the Evangelist and given a letter by him to the church elders as a warning from God. This church is known to have been poor, and Polycarp, one of the earliest believers in Jesus, was martyred in this city. Therefore, Jesus condemned the church and advised them to stay faithful even to the point of death.

The coastline of Izmir, stretching from Konak Pier to Alsancak train station, is known to locals as the Kordon. It is around 5-6 kilometers long and is alive with activity day and night. Here, lovers stroll hand in hand and people can be found sitting in street cafés, sipping Turkish coffee, listening to live music from taverns and pubs, and watching the pigeons fluttering in the air. For those with free time, there is the opportunity to play music on the street, lay on the grass and observe the sky, or simply savor the atmosphere.

Velvet Castle was constructed in the 3rd century BC by one of the generals of Alexander the Great, situated in the center of Izmir Gulf. Bearing Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman remains, the castle was utilized as a fort for defense. It stands 185 meters above sea level and covers six square kilometers. The northern and eastern walls have been completely destroyed, yet the western and southern walls with five towers remain standing, ranging in height from 20-35 meters. Today, ruins of Byzantine arches, a mosque, and a large cistern can be found inside the castle.
KEMERALTI MALL

Kemeraltı Mall has been the most vibrant shopping center of Izmir for centuries, stretching from the Mezarlıkbasi district to Konak Square. When it was first built in the Ottoman period, it was home to a grand bazaar with vaults, which is how it got its Turkish name. Along the narrow streets, visitors can find traditional stores, modern business centers, herbalists, spice shops selling saffron and cinnamon, cinemas, and cafes. There is something for everyone here, from traditional Turkish handcrafts such as rugs and kelims, to ceramic and wooden souvenirs. Kemeraltı Mall is not only a great place to shop, but also to relax and unwind for a while.

CLOCK TOWER 

The famed clock tower stands in Konak Square and was constructed in 1901 by Grand Vizier Sait Pasha to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid’s accession to the throne. Konak Square is a sight to behold with its sleek design, complete with pointed arches, small domes, stalactite work, and geometric figures creating a striking image from a far. The clock atop the tower was a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II. This clock tower, which is renowned as a symbol of Izmir, has fountains in the chambers located in the four corners.

THE LIFT

Due to the difference in elevation between the two streets, a Jewish businessman named Matt Levi built an elevator in 1907 to facilitate easy access to the road. Previously, people living here were forced to climb 155 steps to get to their houses, so the lift, called Asansör by the Turkish people, made life much easier for inhabitants of the two districts. There is a large tower with two lifts; while the left one worked with a steam engine, the other was powered by electricity. In 1985, both lifts were refurbished and adapted to the electric system. It has become a popular, nostalgic stop for visitors. When you reach the top by lifts, you will be able to admire a splendid view of the Gulf of Izmir.

GREEK AGORA-ROMAN FORUM

The Agora in Izmir, known in ancient times as a market-place and political meeting-place, is still being excavated. The site has made a great impression on visitors, with its grand columns, porticos (collonnaded walkways for shoppers or listeners), stores with rounded arches, and statues of Demeter and Poseidon that hark back to the Roman era. All the findings from the Agora are on display at the Izmir Archaeological Museum.