Izmir , known as the “Pearl of Aegean Sea”, lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf. It is a five thousand year old city, situated on the west of Anatolia peninsula, surrounded by the Aegean Sea and the cities of Balikesir, Manisa and Aydin. After Istanbul and Ankara, Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey. According to the census conducted in 2000, its population is 3,387,908. It lies at the centre of the most important land, air and sea communication network in the Aegean region. The city is a busy commercial and industrial centres as well the gateway to the Aegean Region.
Izmir enjoys a perfect climate. It is mostly mild in winter and sunny in the summer. Especially for summers due to its hot climate and beautiful surrounding this lively city is one of the most attractive touristic places.
In addition to being a busy tourist center, Izmir is a strategic site for all kinds of cultural activities with its universities, museums, concert halls, cultural and art associations. As such, it is home to many national and international festivals. For many years Izmir has enjoyed a reputation for its cosmopolitan city culture. The Izmir Cultural Center hosts opera and ballet performances as well as musical concerts. International Izmir Festival, the most prominent entertainment event in Izmir begins in mid-June and continues to mid-July. World-class performers-soloists and virtuosos, orchestras, dance companies, rock and jazz groups give recitals and present performances in Izmir. The International Izmir Fair (August-September) attracts a great number of foreign and native visitors each year.
Izmir has been the centre of the most historically significant locations due to the sacred places belonging to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The existence of holy places in the vicinity of Izmir such as Virgin Mary’s House proclaimed as a significant place of Pilgrimage, the Double Church dedicated to Virgin for the first time, the Basilica of St.John including the tomb of Christ’s beloved friend, the Grotto of Seven Sleepers and the Seven Churches of Revelation built to serve the spread of Christianity have also been giving rise to a promoting centre in terms of Faith Tourism.
City of Izmir, where various civilisations flourished and people have lived together in tolerance and brotherhood, acquired her name from an Amazon queen called Smyrna and was mentioned by famous historian Heredotos as” the city under the most sublime blue sky and on the remarkable climate”.
Historical Buildings
Hisar Mosque (1592), St. Polycarp Church (1625), Hatuniye Mosque (early 1600′s), Sadirvan Mosque (1636), Basdurak Mosque (1652), Kestane Bazaar Mosque (1663), Kemeralti Mosque (1671), Kizlaragasi Inn (1741), Konak Yali Mosque (1754), Bikur Holim Synagogue (1800), Çakaloglu Inn (1805), Dönertas Fountain (1814), Ethnography Museum (1831), Alsancak Train Station (1858), Pasaport Pier (1876), Mithatpasa Art Institute (1881), Atatürk High School (1888), Izmir Trade Stock Exchange (1891, now housing the Pr ovincial Directorate of Tourism), The Clock Tower (the symbol of the city for over one hundred years), Beth Israel Synagogue (1905), Salepçioglu Mosque (1906), the Asansör (historic elevator in the Karatas neighborhood, 1907), Atatürk Statue (1933), other inns, antique markets, Turkish baths, fountains, and bazaars are among the multicultural elements that have decorated the city for hundreds of years.
Museums
In the city of Izmir: the Archeological Museum, Ethnography Museum, Atatürk Museum, Art and History Museum, Ahmet Piristina City Archives Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Natural History Museum, and Ege University Botanical Garden.
In other districts throughout the province: the Ephesus Museum, Çesme Museum, Bergama Museum, Birgi Çakiraga Mansion, Ödemis Museum, Tire Museum and Çamlik Train Museum.
Izmir…
Izmir Bird Paradise, Culture Park, Hot Springs of Agamemnon, Windsurfing in Alaçati, Ilica and Sifne Thermal Springs,Phocaea Islands and the Siren Rocks, Tire Bazaar Historical Sites throughout Izmir’s many neighborhoods
Ancient Smyrna, Kadifekale ( Velvet Castle ), Kizilçullu Aqueducts, Agora (Roman marketplace ), Baths of Diana, Kemeralti (Izmir’s Old Bazaar) Selçuk-Ephesus ( most extensively uncovered and restored city of the twelve ancient cities in the Ionian League), Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), St. Jean Church, Tomb of the Seven Sleepers, Fountain of Trajan, Hadrian’s Temple, the restored Library of Celsius, the magnificent ancient amphitheater which can seat 24,000 spectators, the Double Churches (the first church dedicated to Mary and site of the church hosted the council meeting in 431 AD), Basilica of Saint John (4th century AD) and Isabey Mosque (1375 AD). The House of Virgin Mary welcomes everyone where it is located above and behind Ephesus, on Bülbül Mountain.
Sirince Village (Kirkince), Pergamon (modern day Bergama), Aesklepion, Erythrai (Ildiri), Clazomenae (Urla), Panaztepe, Pitane (Çandarli), Cyme (Nemrut), Phocaea (Foça), Teos (Sigacik), Lebedos, Colophon (Degirmendere), Claros (near Gümüldür), Nymphaion (Kemalpasa), Metropolis, Çesme, Birgi
