Neighboring the Archaeological Museum, the collection of the Etnografya
Muzesi (Ethnographical Museum) contains folkloric artifacts among which
are a fine collection of Bergama and Gordes carpets, traditional costumes
and camel bridles.
Situated on Ataturk Caddesi in an old Izmir house used
by the founder of the Turkish Republic, the Ataturk Muzesi (Ataturk
Museum) exhibits photographs of the leader as well as some of his
personal effects.
The Selcuk Yasar Muzesi (Selcuk Yasar Art Museum) is a
private museum on Cumhuriyet Bulvari with a collection of 20th century
Turkish art.
On Kadifekale, Mt. Pagos, stand
the impressive ruins of a castle and its walls, built by Lysimachus in the
reign of Alexander the Great, which still dominate Izmir today. The castle
offers an excellent vantage point to enjoy the magnificent view over the
Gulf of Izmir.
The Agora, or marketplace, in the Namazgah Quarter was originally
constructed during the rule of Alexander the Great. What remains today,
however, dates from the rebuilding under Marcus Aurelius, after the
devastating earthquake of 178 A.D.
The Sirinyer and Yesildere Aqueducts,
two examples of Roman engineering which span the Meles River, supplied
Izmir's water throughout Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
An 18th century
Ottoman inn, the Kizlaragasi Han, a fine example of the architecture of the
period, is being restored to its former state.
Recently restored old houses fill the old quarter known as Karatas.
Hydraulic elevators, Asansor, provide access
between the lower and upper streets and are now being reconstructed. The
internationally renowned singer, Dario Moreno, had a house in this district
that is being restored for conversion into a museum.
If you find yourself on Havra Sokak, notice the old buildings and synagogues.
Hisar Mosque is
the largest and oldest in Izmir. Build in the 16th century, with
restorations in the 19th century, it has a delightful interior with an
interesting mimber (pulpit) and mihrab( altar).
Next door the Open Air Museum Park has statues
scattered through the grounds.
Standing in
Karsiyaka, the Ucan Yunuslar Aniti (The Flying Dolphins) is a new
monument that symbolizes friendship and brotherhood.
The best modern and elegant shops line the Kordon Promenade, in
Karsiyaka, or Cumhuriyet Caddesi. Take horse drawn carriage ride
along promenade during the day; afterwards spend the evening
absorbing the lively atmosphere of the shops and cafes around
the Pasaport Pier.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. (at present
day Bayrakli), 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 millennium B.C., Izmir,
then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the imponant cities of the lonian
Federation, and it was during this period, one of the city's most brilliant,
that Homer is believed to have 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 sixth century
B.C Persian rule. In the fourth century B.C., a ncw city was built at the
instigation of Alexander the Great on the slopes of Mt. Pagos (Kadifekale).
Izmir's Roman period, from 27 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 I, Izmir
became part of the Ottoman Empire.
Museums
The Arkeolojl Muzesi (Archaeological Museum), near Konak
Square, houses a superb collection of antiquities including the statues of
Poseidon and Demeter which, in ancient times, stood in the Agora.
Historical Sites
The excavations at Bayrakli have unearthed a temple
dedicated to Athena and the wall of the Ionian city which flourished here
between the seventh and fifth centuries B.C. Pottery dating to the third
millennium B.C. has also been uncovered.
The symbol of Izmir, the Saat
Kulesi, or clock tower, stands in Konak Square, in the heart of the city. A
gift from the Sultan Abdulhamid, and built in 1901, it is decorated in an
elaborate, late Ottoman style.
Parks
Kulturpark, the main park of the city, offers many different
activities. It is the site for the International Izmir Fair and contains an
amusement park, zoo, quiet gardens and restaurant.
Olof Palme Park,
situeted in Karsiyaka is a relaxing place to stop. It also offers some
sports facilities.
Monuments
In the center of Cumhuriyet Meydani, or Republic Square,
stands the Ataturk Monument, an impressive statue of Ataturk sitting on a
horse and pointing out to sea. Erected in 1933, the monument
commemorates the liberation of the city by Turkish forces.
Art And Culture
Izmir has for many years enjoyed a reputation as a cosmopolitan and
cultural city. Contributing to this, the Izmir Cultural Center hosts
performances of opera, ballet and musical concerts, and the city is home
to the Ege (Aegean) Philharmonic Orchestra as well as a thriving
theatrical scene. Every year, Izmir comes to life with the opening of the
Izmir International Festival which attracts international and Turkish
artists who perform at various venues in the city and surrounding area,
including the theater at Ephesus.
Shopping
In streets of the Kemeralti Market area it is possible to find
fascinating antiques, both fine and fun jewelry, a great variety of
clothing as well as the dried figs and sultanas for which Izmir is
famous. The fish restaurants in this colorful area serve up the local
speciality, tranca and cipura, two types of sea bream.
