Izmir is one of the largest cities in Turkey. Historians believe that the settlement on the site of the city arose 7000 years BC (according to legend it was founded by Tantalus - the son of Zeus), therefore the region has a rich history and is associated with the names of Alexander the Great, Homer, and Marcus Aurelius. Many pages of the history of the region are full of tragedy, but at present it is a prosperous port city, tourist and business center of Turkey.
Location Izmir
Izmir is only being mastered by tourists, so many are interested in where Izmir is located and what sea in Izmir? The city is located in the west of Turkey in the upper part of the Izmir Bay on the eastern shore of the Aegean Sea and is connected with the capital of Turkey by air, rail and road. The distance from Istanbul to Izmir is 600 km. The city has its own airport of international importance, located 25 km from Izmir.
Weather in Izmir
The climate in the region is moderately Mediterranean with warm and dry summers, cool and rainy winters. The tourist season lasts from May to the end of October. The most popular time of rest in Turkey in Izmir is July and August, in these two months the annual tourist flow exceeds 3 million people. Most of the hotels are located at some distance from the city center, so the summer influx of tourists is not so noticeable. Beaches Izmir are well-groomed. Here, conditions are created for both relaxing lying on the sand and bathing in the warm sea, and for active water recreation. The most famous beach is Altynkum, where windsurfing is convenient because of the absence of large waves and winds. The remarkable beach of Ylynj is famous for the hot mineral springs that beat from the bottom of the sea.
Izmir Attractions
Tourists visiting the western Turkish region will have no problems what to see in Izmir.
Complex Agora
For many thousands of years the city built a lot of architectural structures, then they were destroyed by invaders or turned into ruins of an earthquake. The pre-Ottoman monument of Izmir is the Agora complex, founded in the 2nd century BC. Until now, a colonnade of 14 columns, canals and streams has been preserved.
Fortress Kadifekale
The Byzantine fortress, whose name translates "Velvet", was erected under Alexander the Great. Here you can see ancient halls and basement dungeons. In summer, visit the tea garden, located at the main tower.
Clock tower
A recognized symbol of Izmir is the Clock Tower, located on Konak Square. The tower, built in the Ottoman style at the beginning of the XX century, was presented to townspeople by Sultan Abdulahmid.
The Hisar Mosque
The Hisar Mosque - the largest and most luxurious mosque in the city was built in the 16th century. Other mosques are located in the Kemeralty quarter: Kemeralty and Shadyrvan (the 17th century) and the Salepcioglu mosque built in the last century.
Park of Culture
An extensive recreation area stretches in the central part of Izmir. Thoughtful infrastructure of the park allows you to have a good rest both during the day and at night. In the park there is a lake, a parachute tower, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts. Guests can visit performances in two theaters, sit in tea gardens or spend time in restaurants that work and at night.
Museums of Izmir
To get acquainted with the history and culture of Turkey, we recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Ataturk Museum. Near Izmir in Yedemishe there is a village in which archaeologists found ancient items.
Shopping fans like visiting fashion, souvenir and jewelry stores. Anafartalar Street passes through the most beautiful bazaar in Turkey - Kemeralty.
