As a modern and developed city, Izmir is an important center of culture, art, tourism, and trade. It attracts tourists because of its historical (archaeological) and natural beauties. Izmir has a well-deserved reputation due to the richness of its natural and historical assets.
Izmir, where the master of poets Homer was born, has lots of natural beauties, a rich cultural and historical heritage, beaches, thermal waters, and spas. So, this city, known as “Beautiful İzmir” in Turkey, offers visitors many options for a unique holiday experience. It is possible to find a large variety (such as thermal, mountain, religion, sea, coast, health, history, youth, skiing, disabled, agro, fair and congress) of tourism in almost every district of Izmir
Location of Izmir
Izmir is located on Turkey’s Aegean region.
Map of Touristic Places in Izmir
Must-See Historical Places Of İzmir Turkey
For thousands of years, İzmir has been home to many civilizations. This city is the center of civilizations and mythology in ancient Ionia. So, İzmir has many archaeological and historical assets.
The Pergamon Multilayered Cultural Landscape Area was included in the World Heritage List in 2014 and the Ephesus World Heritage Site in 2015. Birgi Historical City, Foça Castle and Çandarlı Castle are included in the World Heritage Temporary List.
Smyrna: İzmir’s First Settlement
Churches and Synagogues of İzmir
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Colophon
Colophon, which is believed that the famous philosopher and poet Xenophanes lived in, was one of the most important cities of Ionia. It’s believed that this city which was the only Ionian city, not to be built by the seaside. This city was founded by Ionian settlers in the 9th or the 8th century BC. It formed a strong union with the Port of Notion and Claros. It’s on the shortest route connecting Smyrna with Ephesus and Notion. This city was settled throughout the Lydian, Persian, Seleucid, and Pergamon periods.
The city was located to the southwest of a hill. The poet Mimnermos came from Colophon. Colophon is located near Değirmendere village.
Ruins of the city had been started to unearth in 1886. Then excavation work started in 1922 in this area. There are a few ruins in the city, little has been preserved from the ancient city. A three-walled vaulted antechamber (in Turkish ‘eyvan’) which dates back to the 4th century B.C., survived to the present day in a good condition and it is the most outstanding one.
Klaros: The city of soothsayers
Ancient Ephesus: From Artemis to the Virgin Mary
Konak Square and Clock Tower
Throughout history, İzmir has been a port city and Konak has been the city center of İzmir. Following recent restorations, this area has also been turned into a recreational center and thus is now a lively spot throughout the day.
In the square can be seen: – the monumental statue of Hasan Tahsin, who fired the “first bullet” at the occupation forces during the War of Liberation, the Yalı Mosque decorated with tiles from Kütahya, the Clock Tower, the Municipality Building, and the Governor’s Office.
The Clock Tower, which is a symbol of İzmir, is located at Konak Square and is a favorite meeting place for today’s residents of İzmir. The Clock Tower was designed by the Levantine French architect, Raymond Charles Père in 1901 in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the ascension of Abdülhamit II.
In the construction, the use of iron and lead elements between the cut stone meant that the tower was rendered earthquake resistant. The clock in the tower was a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany to Sultan Abdülhamit II of the Ottoman Empire as the symbol of their personal friendship besides the Turk-German friendship.
Metropolis: the City of the Mother Goddess
Pergamon
Best Beaches Of Izmir
Izmir is a very attractive area for tourism wiht it’s diversity of activities and resources. lt has deep blue sea with beaches wiht blue flag. The Aegean Sea extends along the west coast of the province with its bays and beaches.
What to Eat: Must Eat Things in İzmir Turkey
Izmir boasts a rich cuisine, featuring grapes, figs, olives, citrus fruits, and seafood.
Things to Do: Tourist Attraction Places Of İzmir Turkey
Izmir has a warm climate and a cooling sea breeze in the summer, therefore, many water sports can be done in Izmir.
Cultural Activities
With the International Izmir Festival and Izmir European Jazz Festival, Izmir occupies a significant place in Turkey’s cultural life.
The International Izmir Festival
The International Izmir Festival is organized annually by the Izmir Foundation for Culture and Arts. This festival is held in the city center and in venues with thousands of years of cultural heritage. In the festival, up to now, such as Ray Charles, Paco de Lucia, John Baez, Tanita Tikaram, Julio Iglesias, Jethro Tull, Chris de Burgh, Sting, Chick Korea, Brayn Adams, Jan Garbarek, Elton John, Kiri Te Kanawa, Nigel Kennedy and James Brown, world-class artists gave concerts. And also, many famous local and foreign communities gave concerts in this Festival.
Izmir European Jazz Festival
With the participation of local foreign jazz communities, this festival is held in the first half of March every year. It brings together jazz lovers in Izmir and makes a significant contribution to the cultural richness of Izmir.
How to Go
Izmir has an airport, named Adnan Menderes Airport. It is an international airport serving Izmir.
Climate
Due to the Mediterranean climate in the region, summers in Izmir are hot and dry and winters are warm and rainy. However, in the winter months, the temperature rarely drops below zero, therefore it is a good place for outdoor pursuits and water sports for most of the year. Thousands of years ago, Herodotus said that about this city: “They have established their city on the earth in the most beautiful skies and the most beautiful climates.”
July and August are the hottest, January and February are the coldest months. Snowfall in the city is almost none.
In the hot summer months, “imbat” winds, which consist of the difference between the warming and cooling of the land and sea between day and night, brings coolness. This wind belongs to İzmir only.
Turkish jazz is lovely