All About Izmir
The Origin Of The Name “İzmir”
İzmir was written as Smurne in Ionian dialect and Smyrna in Athens dialect. Hellens used to pronounce it as Smirni. The name of Smyrna is not a Greek word but it is originally an Anatolian word as most of the settlement names in Aegean Region. The name of Tismurna was encountered in some of the tablets, which were found in Kültepe- Kayseri, dated back to the beginnings of 2000 B.C. ‘Ti’ is a prefix probably identifying a person or a place. It is obvious that people who lived in Bayraklı before Hellens deleted the prefix and named it as Smurna.
History
The history of Izmir stretches back to around 3000 BC when the Trojans founded the city in Tepekule in the northern suburb of Bayrakli. This was the birthplace of Homer, who was thought to have lived here around the 8th century BC. The Aeolians, the first settlers, were eventually taken over by the Ionians, and then the Lydians destroyed the city around 600BC before a brief recovery following Alexander the Greats arrival in 334 BC.
After his death, Alexanders generals followed his wishes and re-established Smyrna on Mount Pagos in Kadifekale, and the city then prospered under the Romans. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 178 AD but later reconstructed and became a major commercial port. After the Byzantines, the city had a turbulent time under the Arabs, Seljuks, Crusaders and Mongols, until Mehmet I incorporated it into the Ottoman Empire in 1415. Under Suleyman the Magnificent, Smyrna became a thriving and sophisticated city and a huge trading centre, despite its frequent earthquakes. It was cosmopolitan, with Greek Orthodox, Jews and Muslims, and many languages were spoken amongst locals and visiting traders.
Following World War I and the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, Greece was granted a mandate over Izmir and entered the area, coming against the resistance of Ataturks nationalists. This resulted in a 3-day bloody battle, during which 70% of the city was burned to the ground and thousands were killed, and the beaten Greeks eventually left on the waiting ships. Ataturk formally took Izmir on 9 September 1922, considered to be the day of victory in the War of Independence and is a national holiday.
Did You Know That... ?
• Izmir was established at least 5000 years ago.
• Epic poet Homer”(9th century B.C), the author of “the Iliad and the Odyssey” was born in Izmir.
• Three of the “Seven Churches” which were mentioned in Bible are in İzmir.
• One of the Seven Wonders of the antiquity, Temple of Artemis is at Ephesus.
• The symbol of the ancient city of Izmir was a lion’s head.
• Parchment paper was first invented in Pergamon.
• The Phokaians built 50- oared boats carrying 500 passengers.
• Phokaians established colonies in the western Mediterranean such as “Velia” in Italy, “Ampurias” in Spain and “Marseilles” in France.
• The earliest temple dedicated to the goddess Athena was constructed in Izmir.
• Izmir was mentioned by famous historian Heredos as” the city under the most sublime blue sky and on the remarkable climate”.
• Alexander the Great was told by Aristo, the philosopher like the following “ If you do not see Smyrna you remain lacking”.
• Xenophanes, philosopher and poet of Colophon lived in the 6th century B.C.
• The famous philosopher Heraclitus(540-480 B.C) lived in Ephesus.
• The famous philosopher Anaxagoras (500-428 B.C) lived in Clazomenae.
• Bucolic poet Bion (3rd century B.C) lived in Izmir.
• Famous physician Galen (131-210.A.D) lived in Pergamon.
• The first church dedicated to Virgin Mary was built at Ephesus
• Virgin Mary’s House where she spent her last days is in Selçuk
• St. John wrote the Bible at Ephesus and died there.
• On his 3rd missionary journey St. Paul preached at Ephesus Theatre.
• Cleopatra spent the winter of the year 188 in Ephesus together with Antonius.
• French poet Lamartine, French authors Chateubriand, Theophile Gautier, and Gustave Flaubert visited Izmir.
• Pope Paul VI and Pope John II visited the Virgin Mary’s House in 1967 and 1979 respectively.
• International Art Festival hosted Ray Charles, Paco De Lucia, Joan Baez, Martha Graham Dance Company, Tanita Tikaram, Jethro Tull, Leningrad Philarmony Orchestra, Christ De Burg, Sting, Moscow State Philarmony Orchestra, Jan Garbarek, Red Army Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Field, Kodo, Chick Corea, New York City Ballet, Nigel Kennedy, Brayn Adams, James Brown in Izmir, Ephesus and Çeşme.
• Famous singer Dario Moreno lived in Izmir.
• Bademler is the first and only village which has theatre in Turkey.
Geography
With characteristics quite typical of a Mediterranean climate, the summers are hot and dry with an average temperature of 28°C in July and August, and winters cool and rainy at around 10°C. Because of its location, the city tends to be a little cooler that the rest of the region, and the average water temperature varies between 11°C (January) to 26°C (August).
What and where to Buy
The busiest shopping area is the Kemeralti Streets, which still retain a 19th century atmosphere of pull-down shutters, thresholds of the doors, low ceilings and old briquettes. On both sides of Anafartalar Caddesi is the lively atmosphere of the street vendors, bronze workers and fishermen, and Fevzipasa Bulvari which is famous for its leather garments.
In contrast to the traditional and busy old market, Alsancak has modern boutiques and Cankaya has a huge shopping centre.
POPULAR SHOPPING MALLS IN IZMIR
Agora Balçova: This is one of the most popular Mall in Izmir where you can find adult and kids clothes, homeware & decoration items, cosmetics and jewelery, cafes, cinema, toy shop, kids entertainment area etc.
Palmiye Balçova: This shopping mall is popular with its cinema and children's game area called Noahs Ark which is suitable for ages 3 8 years.
Egs Park Karsiyaka: This Mall is situated in Mavisehir and has shops, restaurants, cinemas and bowling centre suitable for all age groups.
Kipa Çigli: This Mall has a hypermarket Kipa and department store, cinema and cafes.
Carrefour Karsiyaka: This Mall has a big hypermarket, "do it yourself"store, cinema, fast food restaurants and 2 large toy shops.
Orkide Alsancak: This Mall is situated close to the Hilton Hotel and has a cinema, cafes, kids arcade games and bowling.
Bornova Forum & IKEA: Opened in September 2006 this mall is the newest to Izmir.
POPULAR PLACES IN SPRING AND SUMMER
Ehli Keyif Restaurant &Cafe: It is situated in Güzelbahçe with its huge green garden, kids playground and overlooking the beautiful bay of Izmir. Take a ball and let the children play. Telephone : 234 46 97
Çiçekli köy : After you pass Dostlar sitesi towards Manisa, it is sign posted to Çiçekliköy on the right. It is situated in the forest.
Hanedan Zeytinler: This is the popular place for weekend breakfast. You can get a wide variety of Turkish traditional breakfast.
Naci Usta Restaurant-Narlidere : This restaurant is really famous with its delicious Turkish mezes, meat, fish and freshly baked bread. It has a big garden with children's playground suitable for all ages.
Recreational Areas
CULTURE PARK (FUAR): There are more than 200 precious trees and bushes brought from abroad and the number of the trees reaches 8000. Figuratively called as the lungs of Izmir, in the Culture Park every plant has an identity. 156.000 m2 of 421.000 m2 is dotted with green area. Culture Park made great contributions to Izmirs social and cultural life with its fair ground, running court, open-air theater, museums, sport center, art centers, wedding hall, restaurants, tea houses, amusement park, zoo and parachute tower.
BALÇOVA CABLE LIFT FACILITIES : Functioning since 1974 with its line being 1000 m. at length, the cable lift carries the visitors for about 10 minutes to the hill which is 423 m. high. The sport lovers can experience exciting moments by para gliding and special climbing tracks at the facilities where there are great opportunities for sport and nature lovers.
BUCA KAYNAKLAR POND: Located in the south, 15 km. far from Izmir city center, this recreational area was established by Buca Municipality. It covers an area of 140 thousand square meters. An artificial lake of 30 thousand square meters, an amphitheater hosting 3500 people, scenery terraces, a picnic area, playgrounds, hobby gardens and a paddock are available. This area, where many activities are being held, is one of the important places to visit for the people in Izmir. The Kaynaklar village which is located in the vicinity of the Pond is famous for its century-old plane trees. At the weekends, the nature lovers can start trekking here.
INCIRALTI YOUTH CENTER: Inciralti Youth Center is a new recreational area. Here are cinemas, cafes and restaurants, areas for sport, trekking and picnic and an artificial lake for touring with a rowboat. The center attracts the city people with all these opportunities.
KARAGÖL: It was established on Mt. Yamanlar at 810 meters height by the bank of a tectonic lake on 13 hectares area in 1973. The area is covered by Turkish red pine, black pine and willow trees. Daily capacity is 200 visitors. Tent can also be set up. Parking lot for 500 autos, drinking water, buffet, country side restaurant, WC, picnic units are available. Distance is 40 kilometers to Izmir. Road is good paved asphalt. It can be reached by private car only. Entrance fee is charged.
IZMIR BIRD'S PARADISE: Izmir Birds Paradise consists of huge swamp area encompassing 8000 hectares of land. In 1982, the land was registered as the area for the preservation and reproduction of marine birds by Ministry of Forestry. There are 205 species of birds, 308 kinds of plants and 17 species of reptiles in the Park. The most striking birds are Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), stork (ciconia ciconia), Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), black winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Ruddy Shelduck (tadorna ferruginae), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Hobby (falco subbuteo), Kingfisher (Halcyon Smyrnensis ).
Meanwhile, approx. 50.000 birds pass over the land in a year. At the same time, this area is the Land Natural and Archaeological Sit. There are observation towers and a visitor center in the area. It can be reached by private car from Çigli 10 km. from Karsiyaka 26 km. Entrance is free.
THE BOTANY GARDEN OF EGE UNIVERSITY: It was set up in 1964 in Faculty of Science, then it was joined to the Rector ship of Ege University and started to serve as Botany Garden of Ege University & Herbaryum Searching and Practicing Center. It aims to introduce the natural and culture plants to the public besides searching and teaching services.
The Botany Garden is situated on an area of 48.750 m2. There are 13 searching and teaching centers and greenhouse of decorative plants on 1300 m2 of its part. In these greenhouses, the tropical, kserofit and exotic plants are introduced to the public and students. Botany Garden is separated into these sections: Resting park, Systematic department, Arboretum section, Economic plants section , Pools section, Mount section.
There are about 3000 plants in each department. They are of Turkish and foreign origin. Botany Garden is under the influence of Mediterranean climate. The type of the soil is light and fertile. It is a member of such organizations as the International Preservation of Botany Gardens. It helps to protect the environment and keeps on preserving the flora under extinction.
HERBARIUM: There are more than 35.000 herbarium collected from different regions of our country. They are being kept after drying. It is a two-floored building constructed on 300m2 area. On the first floor are dried flowers; on the second floor are dried plants. Herbarium serves to the researchers making scientific researches in various different subjects, plant importers and exporters, the ones who want to get information about the natural flora.
TANAY : Situated 70 km. to Izmir and 8 km. to Çesme near Ilica Beaches. The area is 70 hectares. It was established in 1976. 100 tent grounds, 2000 visitors per day capacity, beautiful sea scenery, snack bar, stand, fresh water, WC, dressing cabinets, sanitary facilities (dish and cloth washing), benches and fire places are available. There's a source of hot mineral water inside the sea close to the picnic ground. In summer, buses are running every half an hour from Üçkuyular to Çesme. Entrance fee is charged.
GÜMÜLDÜR: It's 75 km. to Izmir and cover over 8 hectares of shore line. Established in 1987, it has 2000 visitors capacity, 300 tent grounds, snack bar, buffet , bakery, market, dressing cabinets, sanitary facilities complex and picnic units. It could be reached by bus from Izmir Central Garage or Üçkuyular Terminal. Entrance fee is charged.
TEOS EKMEKSIZ: Established on Gaziemir-Özdere coastal band in 1987. The area is 40 hectares. Daily visitor capacity is 2000. Also, tent camping is available. Country side restaurant has beautiful sea scenery, buffet, dressing cabinets, parking lot, WC, picnic units are available. It can be reached from Izmir Central Garage or Uçkuyular Terminal by bus. Distance from Izmir is 70 km. Entrance fee is charged.
DENIZPINARI (KLAROS) : Established on Ahmetbeyli-Gümüldür coastal band in 1994. This place is offering camp site, caravan camping, beach and day-use facilities. Distance from Kusadasi is 30 kms. and Izmir 75 km. The area is 5 hectares. There are no facilities in the area at present. It's possible to reach by minibuses from Izmir or Gümüldür. Entrance fee is charged.
KARGACIK: It was established in 1994 on Ahmetbeyli-Gümüldür coastal band. This place is offering camp site, caravan camping, beach and day-use facilities. Distance from Kusadasi is 30 km. and Izmir 75 kms. The area is 5 hectares. There are no facilities in the area at present. It's possible to reach by minibuses from Izmir or Gümüldür. Entrance fee is charged.
KARGICAK: It is situated on the Seferihisar coastal strip on 320 hectares area and it was established in 1988. 2000 daily visitors and 200 tent grounds are planned. Its 50 km. to Izmir and 7 km. to Seferihisar. There is not any facility in the picnic area. Entrance is free.
EFEOGLU: Set aside in 1971 on 24 hectares Turkish red pine forest. It is situated on Izmir-Aydin state highway 22nd kilometers of Yesilkoy locality. Buffet, WC, fresh water and picnic units are available. Visitor capacity is 3000 person/day. It's possible to reach by minibuses from Izmir to Torbali. Entrance fee is charged.
TEOS ÇAMLIK: Situated in a Turkish red pine forest at a distance 50 km. to Izmir and 5 km. to Seferihisar. Area is 10 hectares and set aside in 1964. It has 1500 visitor/day capacity. This place is close to Teos antique city. Buffet, fountain, WC, picnic units and auto parking are available. On your way, you can see the Castle of Sigacik built during the Ottoman Empire. Entrance fee is charged.
PAMUCAK: Established in 1964 on Selçuk-Kusadasi highway 8th kilometer. Area is 7 hectares. It has a daily visitors capacity of 1000 people. Snack bar, picnic units, children playground, parking lot, scenery terrace are available. It can be reached by bus from Selçuk, Gümüldür or Kusadasi. You can tour Ephesus ruins and Virgin Mary if you go about 5 or 10 km. more. Distance from Izmir is 82 km. Entrance fee is charged.
UZUNKUYU : 60 km. from Izmir-Çesme highway in Turkish red pine forest. Established in 1969, the area is 20 hectares, with the daily capacity of 1000 visitors. Snacks, WC, fountain, children playground and picnic units are available. You can reach by bus from Izmir or Çesme. Entrance fee is charged.
BELKAHVE: Located on the Izmir-Ankara highway 20 km. from Izmir. Set aside in 1967 and on 5 hectares area of Turkish red pine forest. It has a daily visitor capacity of 1000 visitors. Buffet, WC, fresh water, picnic units are available. It' s possible to reach from Izmir, Manisa or Kemalpasa. Entrance fee is charged.
YAHSELLI ÇAMLIGI: It's established in 1980 in a Turkish red pine forest and it covers 4 hectares. It is situated on Menemen-Manisa highway 3rd kms. Buffet, drinking water, WC and picnic units are available. Daily capacity is about 1000 visitors. Distance from Izmir is 30 kilometers. You can reach by minibuses from Menemen or Manisa. Entrance fee is charged.
ÇINARLI: Situated on the Bergama-Kozak highway 17 km from Bergama. It was established in 1986 on 10 hectares area. The daily capacity is 1000 person. Country side cafe, WC, parking lot, fresh water and picnic units are available. Distance from Izmir is 115 km. You can see Bergama ruins and the first mint of the historic times when you go to Çinarli. Entrance fee is charged.
GÜVENDIK: Situated in Cesmealti, Urla. Area is 15 hectares, in a Turkish red pine forest. It has an excellent sea view. Daily visitor capacity is about 500 persons. In the area, there are WC and picnic units. It can be reached by bus from Izmir Uçkuyular Terminal to Çesmealti. Distance from Izmir is 55 kilometers. Entrance fee is charged.
GÖLCÜK: Set aside in 1987 on Odemis/Gölcük high plateau. Area is 4 hectares. Altitude is 1100 meters from sea level. The lake was formed in about early Miosen Age by tectonic movements. Open space of the lake is 90 hectares. Maximum dept is 5 meters. There are crayfish, carp and lotfish in this lake. Country side cafe has wonderful panoramic lake view. Drinking water, WC, picnic units are available. Daily capacity is 200 visitors. Nearby, there are natural monument chestnut trees of 2 or 3 meters. This area is 18 km. to Ödemis and 130 km. to Izmir. Entrance fee is charged.
MERMEROLUK: Set aside in 1986 in chestnut and black pine forest. It covers 5 hectares. The capacity is 500 visitors per day. Snacks, fresh water, WC, picnic units are available. It is far from Odemis 25 km., Bozdag 1 km., and Izmir 100 km. In the area , there are natural monument chestnut and plane trees. If you pass through Birgi town, you can see the Cakiraga Mansion, too. There is a revolving restaurant on the opposite ridge of the picnic area. Entrance fee is charged.
KARABEL: Established in 1987 on a Turkish red pine forest. It covers 20 hectares. It is located on the Kemalpasa-Torbali highway 10 km. from Kemalpasa, 50 km. from Izmir. Now, there is no any facility around it.
ÇIÇEKLI: Located on the Izmir-Istanbul state highway 20 km from Izmir. Established in a Turkish red pine forest, it covers 80 hectares. In the picnic area, there are WC and picnic units. Entrance fee is charged.
With many thanks to IWAI members Peral and Nesrin for their contribution to this webpage!