THE “PEARL OF THE AEGEAN” – IZMIR

Izmir (approximately 3.5 million inhabitants) is located on the Turkish Aegean coast and is the third-largest city in Turkey, after Istanbul and Ankara.

It was founded as early as 3000 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. In ancient times, the city was known by the Greek name Smyrna. The Turks affectionately call Izmir the “Pearl of the Aegean.”

In Izmir, you’ll find the second-largest port in Turkey, after Istanbul.

The international airport (Adnan Menderes Airport, Izmir) is located about 18 km south of the city. In addition to numerous museums, Izmir is home to a state theatre and the state opera with a renowned orchestra.

This shows that the city is also playing in the cultural top league. To underline its significance, Izmir applied to host Expo 2015.

Conclusion: For those who want to discover not only sun and beach but also culture, bazaars, and real Turkish city life during a holiday in Turkey, a trip or stay in Izmir is highly recommended. Autumn and spring offer the most pleasant climate for exploring the city.

Izmir: Sun, shopping, history, culture. Enjoy your time in Izmir during your treatment.

Thanks to the city’s 5,000-year history, there’s plenty to see. The landmark of the city is the Clock Tower in the Izmir harbour. This beautiful 25-meter high marble tower was gifted to the city in 1901 by Sultan Abdülhamid II. Another notable site is the Agora, the central square of the ancient city of Smyrna. This square served as both a marketplace and an important cultic center for the city-state community. You can explore the history of the partially preserved Agora of Izmir at an open-air museum.

There are nine synagogues in Izmir, located either in the traditional Jewish quarter of Karata or on Havra Sokak (Synagogue Street) in Kemeralti. All of them bear the signature of 19th-century architects, as they were either built during this time or rebuilt on the foundations of former structures.

Izmir has several notable museums. The Ethnographic Museum (currently closed) is housed in a former hospital and showcases typical life in the 19th century. Right next door is the Archaeological Museum, which displays some of the most important artifacts in the country, including significant statues, glass, ceramics, and mosaics.

History and present, sea and sun embrace each other in Izmir.

We wish you a wonderful holiday in Izmir right from the start.