About İZMİR City / Turkey I am 8500 years old... the city of Homer İzmir: The pearl of the west, is Turkey’s third largest city and one of the most important port cities. It has a great nature and a rich historical and cultural heritage. Also known as Old İzmir, Smyrna, built on an islet of hundred acres flourished into a great center of civilization over time. Established about 8500 years ago, the city is now home to a variety of world heritages. The largest city of the Roman Empire which set an example to other ancient cities, Ephesus with its architectural and cultural landmarks is one of the most visited regions near to Selcuk in İzmir province. The city is known as “beautiful İzmir” as it is blessed with numerous scenic beauties and is under the effect of the Mediterranean climate. The summer is hot and dry where as the winter is mild. Lush for all seasons, İzmir is one of the biggest pine nut production areas. One of the most beautiful descriptions of this city was made by Herodotus, who was also from İzmir: “they have founded the city under the most beautiful sky and the best climate that we know on Earth.” Thus, the city has earned its place in history. İzmir, with its thriving investments and developing facade, has become a cultural capital of the Aegean and is rapidly on the way of becoming a world trademark. The whole of the coastal road is enchanting. The districts of Alsancak and Karşıyaka are areas offering great opportunities to meet the locals in the many restaurants, cafes and along wolking paths. İzmis is attractively multi-cultural. From the perspective of cultural identity, its present socio-demographic composition is still characterized by tolerance towards different religions and cultures due to its Levantine, Jewish and Christian heritage. The synagogues and churches, which are open to visitors and still used, are important signs of this multi-cultural character. Havingi a total land area of 11.973 km2. İzmir is composed of the following districts: Aliaga, Balçova, Bayındır, Bergama, Beyda, Bornova, Buca, Çeşme, Çiğli, Dikili, Foça, Gaziemir, Güzelbahçe, Karaburun, Karşıyaka, Kemalpaşa, Kınık, Kiraz, Konak, Menderes, Menemen, Narlıdere, Ödemiş Seferihisar, Selçuk, Tire, Torbalı, Karabağlar, Bayraklı and Urla. Mediterranean Monk Seal Mediterranean Monk Seal oil and skin of which were used for various purposes in ancient times due to their economic value is of great importance in mythology as well. It was believed that seals were under the protection of the god of sea, Poseidon and the god of sun, Apollo. Excavations carried out in Phokaia, which was situated at the very north of Ionian League that consisted of 12 town states, coins with seal figures dating back to 500 BC were found. Ancient Greeks named Mediterranean Monk Seal as “phoka” which meant a chubby animal. Today, it is believed that the name of the ancient town Phokaia that was founded on Foça derives from seals. Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) is not a fish. It is a mammal which uses sea for feeding, swimming and sometimes for sleeping. In Foça islands, sea caves with air are their habitats. In these caves, they breed and struggle for the continuation of their kind. Apart from fishermen, Municipality of Foça and World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) together carry out projects for the preservation of seals. For the Mediterranean Monk Seals which are totally 400-450 in number around the world, experts say, “If Mediterranean Monk Seal can still be seen in sea in 2010, it would be the success of humanity,” and draw attention that they are on the blink of danger extinction. Konak Square Throughout history, İzmir has been a port city and Konak is the city centre of İzmir. Following recent restorations this area has also been turned into a recreational centre, and thus is now a lively spot throughout the day. In the square can be seen: -the monumental statue of Hasan Tahsin, who firet 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. Clock Tower İzmir’s century-old symbol The Clocak Tower, which is a symbol of İzmir, is located at Konak Square, and is a favourite meeting place for today’s resitents of İzmir. The Clock Tower was designed by the Levantine French architect, Raymond Charles Pere in 1901 in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the ascension of Abdülhamit II. Bayraklı /Smyrna İzmir’s first settlement The history of İzmir was re-written as a result of the excavations carried out by the Archaeological Department of the Aegean Universty in the District of Bornova in the 2000’s. Significant artefacts such as reliefs and small statues of animals, arrows made from flint stone, short handled spoons made of fired earth and seals with labyrinth motifs were unearthed particularly at Yeşilova Höyüğü (Mound) and classified as dating back to the Neolithic Period. These are very recent historical developments for İzmir, and these have proved that the city had been a continuous settlement for 8500 years. Kadifekale İzmir’s first crown Taking a bird’s eyes view of İzmir and the port, Kadifekale, which was called Pagos in Ancient Times, has the characteristics of an acropolis due to its position at an altitude of 186m. The ruins of walls on the western. Agora Centre for arts, trade and philosophy Agora, etymologically, means “city square, shopping centre, market place”. At the heart of all trade. Agora with its open vaulted three-walled porches, monument, altars and statues had commercial, judicial, religious and political functions besides it was a venue for intensive artistic activities. It was also the place where the foundations of philosophy were laid. Kemeraltı A historic bazaar Kemeraltı is a hictoric bazaar covering and area extending from the Neighbourhood of Mezarlıkbaşı to Konak Square. As in the past, Kemeraltı Baar is a major shopping centre in İzmir today. The bazaar, having an autdoor and indoor section, offers visitors a rich variety of products and services ranging form traditional Turkish handicrafts like ceramics, tile pyanels, wooden products, copper, carpets, rugs and leather products, to delicious Aegean foodstuffs. Konak Pier Modern Shoppingi Centre Fustav Eiffel,y in his offices in France, designed Konak Pier, which is also within walking distance of the business and commercial centres such as Alsancak and Konak, before it was built in the Ottoman Period between 1875 and 1980. It served as a customs building until the mid-20th century. Famous for its steel construction, this structure has been restored and re-designed as a modern shopping and recreational centre. There are restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and about 50 stores in a 20.000m2 area of this centre which was re-named the Konak Pier. Alsancak Kordonbayı Saurce of inspiration for poets and songs Kordonboyu (1.Kordon) is just like a pearly necklace running along the coast in the District of Alsancak, enjoying the popularity it has received for providing the inspiration for many poems and songs. It offers romantic sunsets, sea breezes, cafes, fish restaurants, stylish stores, parades, running and biking courses. It also provides and idealatmosphere for entertainment and recreational activities, bringing together the people of İzmir. Church of Saint Polycarp (İzmir Church) Oldest church in İzmir Built with the permission of Süleyman the Magnificent in 1625, this church is the oldest church in İzmir, which is still in service. The interior, famous for its glamorous frescoes and wall decorations, depicts the killing of Saint Polycarp, the protective saint of İzmir, by the Romans in the ancient stadium at Kadifekale. Architect Raymond Charles Pere, a native of İzmir, who restored the frescoes in the 19th century, depicted himself as someone watching the event helplessly with his hands tied. Mary Pere, the doughter of Charles Pere, is depicted as the child Mary in the scene “The Saint Mother and Child Mary” on the sidewall of the northern nave. Church of St. Jhon Construction began in 1862 and services started in 1874. The main altar was gift from Pope Pius IX. Both Protestant and Catholic American communities presently use the church. Church of Saint Helen Located in the District of Karşıyaka bearing the signature of Raymond Charles Pere, the Church of Saint Helen is the most monumental example of recreating the Gothic style. The church was built on a plot of land donated by the Levantine Aliotti family following permission by Abdülhamit, the Ottoman emperor of the time. Asansör The Asansör (lit. elevator) Building, which was constructed by the Jewish businessman Nesim Levi in 1907 to facilitate reaching the upper part of Mithatpaşa Street, is one of the interesting tourist spots in İzmir today. This aesthetically designed building is rocognized as one of the indispensable social structures in İzmir. Parks and Recreational Spots Culture Park The Culture Park is major recreational spot for the inhabitants of İzmir offering a number of sports and recreational facilities within an area displaying palm and vegetation typical to the Mediterranean landscape. Since 1936 the annual International İzmir Fair is held in this park at the end of August. Cable Car Facilities The cable car located in the Balçova Neighbourhood charms visitors with the bearthtaking scenery displayed on the journey. Marinas The southern part of the Çeşme Peninsula in İzmir, in particular, forms one of the major yacht routes in Turkey. The route between Çeşme and Kuşadası is the area where yacht tourism has developed the most. The small bays which extend side by side in the south of the sub-district of Alaçatı are paradise for yacht lovers. Balçova Spas “Agamemnon Spas” cited by Homer’s leggends and the geographer Strobo’s works have been used as a curing centre from ancient to present times. The spas where the wounded soldiers of Alexander the Great were treated were very popular in those times. This region is presentl called “Balçova Spas” and offers thermal waters, mud baths and a soruce of drinking water. Beaches 101 km of golden sands The Aegean coastal strip in the Province of İzmir runs for a length of 629 km. A 101 km section of this coastal strip is a natural beach the geographical formation of İzmir’s coastal strip consisting of a peninsular and some small bays provides ideal opportunities for water as well as the use of a beach. The most popular beaches in the province include beaches at Pamucak, Urla, Gülbahçe, Çeşme, Ilıca, Alaçatı, Altınkum, Gümüldür and Özdere, as well as those at Dikili, Çandırlı, Foça and Ören in the north. Transport to and from the beaches is very convenient. Throughout the day there is transport from the bus stations at İzmir central and Üçkuyular to almost every district. Cuisine The combination of its cultural accumulation dating back thousands of years with the climate and the geography enables the city to offer visitors a cuisine which is one of the richest cuisines in Anatolia. The multicoloured and tolerant history of the Aegean civilizations has made its mark on this diversified cuisine. The cuisene of İzmir is a very different experience... “Meals cooked with olive oil” are a kind of meal that the Turks familiarized themselves with upon their immigration to Anatolia. Olive trees, one of the oldest plants in the geography of the Eastern Mediterranean civilizations, have also played a significant part in the Aegean Region for thousands of years. Olives, which are part of the common cultural heritage of the Mediterranean nations, were a historical sustenance. Olive oil, which is the source of health, beauty and healthy nutrition, is the most important ingredient of vegetable based meals such as vine leaves, broad beans, small reddish coloured beans, black eyed peas, stuffed peppers, artichokes, spinach, pumpkin, pumpkin flowers and cabbage. Sea food is another major stop during the journey into the cuisine of İzmir. Fish dishes such as sardines cooked in vine leaves, sole fillet, fried picarel, sea bream, fried papalina, fish cooked with milk (sütlü balık) and salty fish, octopus nibbles, scallops, shrimps, mussels, stuffed mussels, cuttlefish and hermit crab are a selection of what wil be served at table. There are several delicious desserts, namely lokma, lor tatlısı, Aegean fruit salad, fırında sütlaç, tulumba, kalburabastı, kazandibi, revani, sakızlı muhallebi, su muhallebisi, şambalı and zerde, which will entice someone into taking this journey again. Social Life Inhabitants of İzmir prefer spending most of their times outdoors, a sociocultural reflection of the warm Mediterranean climate. Scenes peculiar to inhabitants of İzmir include, those starting the day with a freshly baked simit (bagel) at Vapus İskelesi (lit. ferry pier) and drinking tea, those enjoying a cup o Turkish coffee while wathcing the sunset at Kordon, and those fishing or strolling by the seaside or taking a ride on phaetons or shopping at the traditional Kemaltı bazaar. Bars and restaurants are lively when evening comes and night falls that it is not surprising to see new hot spots opening all the time in the Karşıyaka, Bostanlı and İnciraltı neighbourhoods, where there are opportunities to relax after a hard day, enjoy lively conversation and share dinner with friends. South - İzmir Torbalı The City of the Mother Goddess Torbalı, which is on the İzmir - Efes Highway, is located on a hill overlooking the plain between the villages of Yeniköy and Ephesus (Efes), Smyrna (İzmir), Colophon (Değirmendere) and Notion (Ahmetlibeyli) was built during the reign of the Seleucid Kingdom of in the 3rd centruy B.C. and this settlement was named Metropolis, meaning “the City of the Mother Gôddess”. Monumental public structures can be seen, such as the Temple of Ares in the acropolis, an eyvan (three-walled vaulted antechamber, open at the front) and a theatre up on a hill. As a result of excavations carried out, the stage building of the theatre, the orchestra floor and sections of seat rows including seats and altars allocated for the noblemenwere unearthed. It is understood that the eyvan was built from the donations of philanthropists in the first half of the 3rd cenetury B.C. The outer walls of the acropolis surround an area of about 16 thousand spuare meters, and are recognized as the most cuccessful example of the architecture from the period when it was built. Tire Authentic village life surviving in modern times 80 km from İzmir and 40 km from Selçuk, Tire is one of the most popular sites in the Aegean Region, particularly for its cultural and natural assets. It is a tourist’s treasure trove comprising of hundreds of historic structures, a meseum, handicrafts, authentic houses, a bazaar and local cuisine. It is possible and easy to do this tour as a day trip. Selçuk Cultural Summit The Selçuk District is on the İzmir -Aydın Highway, 74 km south from İzmir. Selçuk rihgtfully prides itself as a home to a large number of historic works and ruins, over an area of 10 km2. These include: the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; House of the Virgin Mary, which is sacred for Christians; the Ancient City of Ephesus, which is the most splendid ancient city in Turkey; the tomb and church of St John, who was one of Jesus Christ’s disciples; Seven Sleepers Cave; İsa Bey Moswque; Selçuk Castle; aqueducts; and civil architecture examples in Şirince Village. This locality, which was for centuries filled with the alluvium from the River of Küçük Menderes, is just 9 km from the Bay of Pamucak, a preservation site with a crystal clear sea and a glittering beach. Ephesus From Artemis to the Virgin Mary The Ancient City of Ephesus, called the centre of civilizations, was the capital of the Asian State of the Roman Empire, and was once the most populated city in Anatolia, with a population of 200,00 between the years 100-200. Ephesus witnessed many historic events including the efforts of St Paul to spread Christianity, visits by the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and the Roman Emperor Mark Anthony, and the last days of the Viirgin Mary and St John. It is Turkey’s most important cultural heritage site attracting about 1.5 million tourists a year. The Church of the Virgin Mary (Twin Chuches) Located opposite the Byzantine bathhouses, The Church of the Virgin Mary has a special importance for Christianity. This is the church where the Council convened in 431. The structure, which was converted into a basilica during the Roman Period in the 2nd century, was originally dedicated to Virgin Mary, and at the Third Council held there, the dogma that Jesus Christ was the son of both St Mary and God was upheld. In the 7th century, a second church was built, reached via a second door from the apse of the church, and thus, this was called “Çifte Cuhrches” (Twin Churches) thereafter. After a blessing by Pope Paul VI in 1967, the church was declared a sacred centre, because it was the first church dedicated to Virgin Mary. Şirince A village of nostalgia 9 km from Selçuk, the Village of Şirince is a place that has managed to preserve and protect its heritage. The foundation of the village dates back to the 5th century B.C. It is recounted that Esphesians escaping from the occupation under Aydınoğulları founded the village, which was formerly called Kıkınca and Çirkince. The houses that reflect village architecture are built of stone and brick have multiple windows, two floors and balconies proportionate to the sizes of the windows. In Şirince, Orthodox Christians as well as the Muslim population pay visit to the House of Virgin Mary on August 15 every year. Şirince is a village full of nostalgia with its locally produced wine, traditional cuisine and authentic life style.
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 03:48:51 +0000
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