The original city was established in the third millenium B.C., and at that time shared with Troy the most advanced culture in Western Anatolia. By 1500 B.C. it had fallen under the influence of Central Anatolia's Hittite Empire. In the first millenium B.C., Izmir, then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the important cities of the Ionian Federation; during this period -- one of the city's most brilliant -- it is believed that Homer lived here. The Lydian conquest of the city, around 600 B.C., brought this period to an end, and Izmir remained little more than a village throughout the Lydian and the subsequent 6th century B.C. Persian rule. In the fourth century B.C. a new city was built at the instigation of Alexander the Great on the slopes of Mount Pagos (Kadifekale). Izmir's Roman period, from the first century B.C., gave birth to its second great era. Byzantine rule followed in the fourth century and lasted until the Seljuk conquest of the 11th century. In 1415, under Sultan Mehmet Celebi, Izmir became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The 3rd largest, and one of the most beautiful provinces
of Turkey is Izmir, extending on the shores of an attractive
bay, filled with ships and yachts. Backed by mountains and
facing the sea, this site offers a fine appearance, both
with its natural panorama and its modern and orderly view.
Lovely palm trees decorate the promenades and avenues, where
new and impressive buildings stand.
Walking around this charming city, one can see a lot,
ranging from the oldest remains, to the most recent
establishments scattered around.
The clocktower stands in Konak Square as a symbol of the
city while nearby the Archelogical Museum houses many finds
from the early western Anatolian civilizations. In the city
center, there is the Kultur Park (Culture Park) where the
famous annual International Fair is held.
Filled with pretty restaurants, cafes, shops and bars,
Kordonboyu is a long promenade, which provides a restful
atmosphere and the typical elegant scenery of the city.
Kemeralti Bazaar is a smart place with limitless shopping
opportunities for here you will find almost anything you
want, at the most appropriate prices.
Karsiyaka is another attractive district on the opposite
side of the bay, where the Olaf Palme Park exists near the
open-air museum, which houses many interesting statues.
Known as "Smyrna" in ancient times, the province of Izmir
has a long history, dating back to the 3rd- millenium BC
when it was one of the most advanced cultural center in
Western Anatolia. Legendary Homer lived here in the lonian
period, which was the most splendid age of the city, dating
to the 1st-millenium BC. Today some beautiful examples from
this long past can be found inside the city. Here is the
Kadifekale (the Velvet Fortress) located on Mount Pagos,
overlooking the area. A marvellous view of the Gulf of Izmir
is provided from this castle built in the 3rd-century BC,
and later restored at various times. Another important sight
is the Roman agora, constructed during one of the most
brilliant periods of the province. The seven churches
mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelation are also in
Turkey and are spread around Izmir, which are Izmir (Smyrna),
Efes (Ephesus), Eskihisar (Laodicea), Alasehir (Philadelphia),
Sart (Sardis), Akhisar (Thyatira), and Bergama (Pergamum).
Today, Izmir has an important port, as well as a lovely
holiday resort with numerous sandy beaches stretching over
its towns and environs. In addition to famous sites like
Efes, Kusadasi or Cesme, Izmir possesses Balcova, one of the
important thermal centres in Turkey, which is known as the "Agamemnon
Baths". They offer modern facilities to visitors, in the
midst of wonderful surroundings.