Izmir in Turkey is the third-largest city in Turkey, and one of the most beautiful cities worth visiting. It hosts tens of thousands of university students and educates scientists, artists, business leaders, and academics.
Izmir was once the ancient city of Smyrna. Now a modern, developed and bustling commercial centre, set around a huge bay and surrounded by mountains.
1-Historical monuments in Izmir
Besides its natural beauty; Izmir is one of the places worth exploring for lovers of history and archaeology. Since it was home to different civilizations from Persians to ancient Greeks, and from Romans to Ottomans for 8,500 years, Izmir offers many historical sites that may take days to see.
Agora
It is in the heart of Izmir in Turkey, Agora is one of the best-preserved remnants of the ancient city of Smyrna.
The remains of the agora are located in Izmir. And they are huge historical monuments of the Greek and Ottoman empires, and the remains are formed from some architectural monuments such as the king’s palace, temples, and houses built of rock.
The ancient city of Ephesus
The Greek city of Ephesus is one of the most famous places of tourism in Izmir; with its roots dating back to the year 6000 BC. It was the commercial and cultural center of the ancient world.
Within it there are many historical houses, remnants of the huge archaeological theater, a public square, baths and the historical Selous Library.
Kadivekale Castle
One of the most prominent tourist places in Izmir is the Kadifekale Castle; dating back to the Roman era. It is on the top of a mountain bearing the same name, which form a strategic location due to the supervision over most parts of the city and the Gulf of Izmir, Turkey.
It is 186 meters high and was in the past a military castle and impregnable fortress to protect the city. This castle is famous by its size and the Byzantine and Roman inscriptions that are still visible on its walls.
Konak Square in Izmir
In the middle of the Izmir clock tower is Konak Square in Izmir. The clock tower is a symbol of the city as it was built to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the rule of Sultan Abdul Majid II. The height of the clock tower in the Turkish city of Izmir is 25 meters.
2-Climate of Izmir
Due to its geographical location; similar climatic features are observed in almost every part of the province. And since the average number of sunny days is approximately 300 days, the potential of solar energy is very high in Izmir.
Summers are dry and sunny in Izmir so hot and sticky; that unless there is an air conditioner in your room, you are likely to have trouble sleeping at least on your first night, regardless of whether the windows are wide open or not.
Izmir has dozens of blue flag beaches along its 629 km long coastline. This makes the city a popular holiday destination where you can find every shade of blue and practice all kinds of water sports.
3-Mountain ski “Bozdag Kayak”
The climate of the city of Izmir is characterized by its mildness and warmth, but despite that it contains the Bozdag Kayak Center, one of the most important places of tourism in Izmir, which is a tourist destination for skiing called Bozdag Mountain, where you can enjoy skiing.
4-Izmir bird paradise & Izmir Zoo
One of the most important tourist places in Izmir, is Izmir bird paradise. Which is a very large park with an area of about 8 thousand hectares. It includes more than 500 different types of birds, the most important of which are flamenco birds, pelicans, and others.
İzmir Natural Life Park, which is one of the most important and most beautiful wildlife parks in the Turkish city of Izmir. It is about 30 minutes away from Izmir city center in the Chili region and is considered one of the tourist attractions in Izmir.
5-Izmir’s People
The people of Izmir are just as warm as its climate. The social life in the city is very active, you will have many options in Izmir when it comes to spending your day, you can choose between many cultural activities, or spend your time in parks and forests to enjoy nature.
6-Izmir’s Food
Its fertile soil and favourable climate allow the growth of many agricultural products such as olives, figs and grapes in Izmir.
These tastes from the Aegean Sea make Izmir a city that gourmets cannot remain indifferent to, being a member of the global gourmet cities network since 2015, Izmir has been offering different tastes. Visitors to it through seafood, local herbs, street food, olive oil and wine every season of the year.
There are many unique recipes in Bergama, such as meatballs Bergama, roast beef Bergama York, and the region’s special Çığırtma dish fried with garlic, pepper, tomato, and hummus pastry. Most of the restaurants you’ll find in Bergama are artisan restaurants and meatball restaurants.
7-Tourism in Izmir
Izmir is a very important figure in religious tourism with its mosques, churches and synagogues, conference and congressional tourism with the Izmir International Fair, the largest trade fair in the country.
Having the third largest cruise port makes Izmir one of the most open cities in Turkey. Izmir is also a figure in health tourism; thanks to its modern facilities that are developing day by day.
Conclusion
Izmir owes its position as an economically and socially dynamic city; to its location, climate, and the fact that it has been home to many different cultures and religions.