İzmir is Turkey's third-largest city, a cosmopolitan Aegean port that blends ancient Greek ruins, Ottoman bazaars, and a modern waterfront promenade. Known for its liberal culture, vibrant café scene, and easy access to Ephesus, Çeşme, and Pamukkale, it serves both history seekers and beach lovers.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped İzmir.
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1
Bayraklı Mound (Proto-Smyrna) first settled
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2
Homer traditionally associated with Smyrna
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3
Alexander the Great orders Smyrna rebuilt on Mt Pagus
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4
Smyrna becomes part of Roman Province of Asia
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5
Earthquake; Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius funds rebuilding
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6
Ottoman capture of Smyrna
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7
Konak Mosque built
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8
Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower) erected as gift of Ottoman Sultan
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9
Great Fire of Smyrna; end of multi-ethnic city
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10
Turkish Republic declared; city renamed İzmir
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11
İzmir International Fair established
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12
Mw 6.9 earthquake kills 116 people in İzmir
Historical sites
Places where İzmir's past comes alive.
Historic
Agora of Smyrna
Where: Konak district
Admission: 120 TRY (~$3.70 USD)
Historic
Kadifekale (Hellenistic/Roman Fortress)
Where: Kadifekale hill
Admission: Free
Historic
Bayraklı Mound (Ancient Smyrna)
Where: Bayraklı
Admission: Free
Historic
Saat Kulesi (1901 Ottoman Clock Tower)
Where: Konak Square
Admission: Free
Historic
İzmir Archaeological Museum
Where: Bahribaba Park, Konak
Admission: 100 TRY (~$3.10 USD)