Recent archeological discoveries indicates that the city existed since 8,500 years. It is said that Homer was born in Izmir (Smyrna) and that we owe the name of Smyrna probably to a Queen of Amazons who according to a mythical tradition was supposed to live in this region. Around 2000 BC Izmir was under the occupation of the Lelegs.
First Aeolian settlements were discovered at Bayraklı. Lydians and Persians conquered Smyrna, one of the 12 ancient Ionian cities. The important Aeol and Ionian settlements are as follows: Bergama (Pergamon), Manisa (Magnesia), Izmir (Smyrna), Urla (Klazomenai), Kemalpasa (Nimphaion), Cesme-Ildiri (Erythrai), Sigacik (Teos), Phokaia, Selcuk (Ephesus).
Finally Alexander the Great bringing an end to the Persian domination moved Izmir to the slope of Mount Pagos (Kadifekale).
When Izmir ally of Pergamum and Rome, incorporated into the Roman province of Asia (AD 1) it was in such a period of prosperity and advancement that Strabo described as “the most beautiful of all cities”. During the Byzantine period the Pisans, the Genovese and the Venetian instaure a medium scale trade with the Izmir Port. Izmir became also important in the Christian history as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and Saint Polycarpus.
The Turks first appeared in 1084 with Çaka Bey, then with the Aydinoğlu’s. For a certain time the city was divided between Turks and Latins. Finally in 1414 it was included in the Ottoman Empire. A prominent city in all periods, as from the XVII century gain a great importance as a trade city with its port from where goods were shipped to west and east. Izmir became a very cosmopolitan city admired by all visitors and poets. At the end of the First War it was occupied by the Greeks but with the War of Independence of Atatürk liberated in 1922 became of one of the leading metropole cities of the Republic.
The climate in Izmir is quite typical Mediterranean climate. The summers are hot and dry and the average temperature is 28°C. The winters are cool and rainy at around 10°C. The average water temperature is between 11°C (January) to 26°C (August). It can be said that, the city has comfortable climate, with a relatively mild summer due to the refreshing breeze from the Aegean.
Izmir is the third biggest city of Turkey and has a vast variety of activity. Here are some activities that you can enjoy:
Walking: The inner city offers great opportunities to take walks. Birince Kordon stretches the entire length of the city up to the Alsancak Ferry Terminal and is a popular spot for evening walks. There are also several cafes along the coast.
Yachting: Izmir and Cesme have one of the Turkey’s most established marinas. The harbours are well equipped and contain all the services and provisions any yacht would require. Izmir Airport provides quick links to marinas of Izmir.
The area between Cesme and Kusadasi is especially popular for yachting/ cruising. (1) Alacati Harbour located in the south of Cesme can accommodate 80 yachts and has many facilities. (2) Urla Harbour can accommodate 20 boats with another 175 in the fisherman’s shelter, and (3) Ozbekkoy harbour can accommodate 80.
Yachting Activities: Levent Marina located between Urla Pier and the Karabun Peninsular is a good place to start with. There are small islands, with beautiful beaches and excellent moorings with the possibilities for swimming, snorkelling and diving. There are enjoyable hotels in Karaburun, tea gardens and fish restaurants. Altin Yunus Setur Marina and the harbours in Ilica and Dalyan are all rather safe.
Thermal Baths/ Springs: The thermal baths in the area, and the natural springs provide soothing relaxation. Waters, since ancient times, have been used to cure various ailments. Even the members of army of Alexander the Great used the spring to heal their wounds. The hot water mud baths and mineral springs containing sodium bicarbonate and chloride are said to cure upper respiratory inflammation, nephritis, rheumatism, skin diseases and metabolism problems.
Thermal Tourism Centers:
- Bayındır Hot Springs: these thermal springs are located 8 km north of Bayındır which is 60km southeast of Izmir. The temperature is roughly 40ºC. The waters contain sulphur and sodium bicarbonate, and are said to heal rheumatism and skin diseases.
- Menemen Hot Springs: The Spring is located in Menemen, just northwest of Izmir. Its waters said to heal broken bones and poor blood circulation.
- Ilıcagöl Hot Spring: It is situated in northwest of Menemen. It is a lake fed by hot springs, and mud baths with the warm sulphur water. Its water are said to heal rheumatism, skin diseases, and problems affecting the urethra.
- Dikili Hot Spring: It is at Nebiler, 4km west of the Dikili-Ayvalik road, and contains hydro-acetate ions.
- Tavşan Adası Hot Spring: It is located 15 km southwest of Tire and around 100km southeast of Izmir. The water is said to cure rheumatism, skin diseases and gynaecological disorders.
Things You Can Do When You Visit Izmir:
1. An Attractive Tour of Izmir City
2. Visit Ephesus & Mary's House
3. Pergamon Tour
4. Sardis Tour
5. Priene - Miletus - Dydima Tour
6. Pamukkale Tour
Mountaineering: Balçova Hill, Mount Yamanlar and Madran Mountains are the places for mountaineering.
Youth Tourism: Youth tourism is rather developed in Izmir and there are forestry and youth camps. The followings are some important centers: İzmir Tourism Training Center, İzmir Forestry Camps and İzmir Youth Camps
Skiing: Bozdag Mountain has a natural ski run at its north base. It is only 90 minutes from Izmir. The center is well-known for being the highest point and the lowest humidity in the Aegean region. There are a ski school, 22 visitor bungalows, 12 hotel rooms, a restaurant, a café, a bar, a shopping centre and a health service.
Ornithology: Lake Ildır and Kucuk Menderes Delta belonging to Kücük Menderes Basin are significant areas for bird watching.
Water sports: Bays of İzmir have appropriate points for diving and all kind of water sports activities.
Kültürpark
It is located in the city centre and one of the spots of green areas in the city. It covers an area of 30 hectares. In the park, a zoo, artificial lake, parachute tower, open-air theatre and a collection of bars and cafes can be found. It is located in Alsancak.
Kemeraltı Bazaar: It is a major shopping centre and has a good collection of goods and all kinds of traditional Turkish handicrafts inside. There also are shops and cafes. Antiques, dried fruit, household, ceramic ware, wooden objects, clothing, and leather goods are for sale. Beside you can also do your daily shopping (food).
Havra Street: The Street is an important part of historical Kemeralti neighborhood. Fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and meat are found here and it is popular within local people. The street gets its name from many Jewish synagogues (exactly nine) built here.
Halim Aga Bazaar: it is a covered market in which hand-made products, carpets, leather and souvenirs are for sale. The Bazaar has many entrances: from Basmane, Konak and Anafartalar.
The province of Izmir has a long coastline on the Aegean Sea, with beaches and areas for water sports. The beaches are easily accessible from the city by private or public transport. Good beaches of Izmir are as follows: Pamucak, Urla, Gulbahce, Cesme, Altinkum, Foca and Dikili.