SMYRNA

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9 Jan 2024

100

8500 YEARS IN ONE DAY

Smyrna (modern Izmir), located on the west coast of Turkey, is one of the most interesting points of tourism with both its natural beauties and the ancient settlements around it. However, while the beaches and sightseeing routes around Izmir are popular, the beauty of the city centre has been overlooked. However, it is possible to experience the thousands of years of history of Izmir in just one day, taste the local flavours and have an unforgettable memory.

Photo:https://izmirtoantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/izmir-city-guide-travel-turkey-1170x614.jpg

The first stop that we will visit in Izmir is Yesilova and Yassitepe Mounds, located in the east of the city, in the district known today as Bornova. These areas, which were first inhabited in the Neolithic Period, are the oldest settlements in the centre of Izmir. These settlements, which were used until the Bronze Age, lost their importance in time and were abandoned. Today, these areas are open for tours and await visitors.

Photo: https://www.arkitera.com/wp-ontent/uploads/2015/03/YHVC_PH_buildingdrone_01.jpg-768x1024.jpg

Our second stop in the city is Old Smyrna. The settlement, which was first established in the 3rd millennium BC and continued its existence until Alexander the Great moved the city to its new location, where Izmir first emerged as a city. Known as the homeland of Homer, this city is famous for its monumental walls and wars with Lydia, as well as the Tantalos tumulus at the foot of the Sipylos mountain in the north, the Temple of Athena, one of the earliest temples of the ancient Greek world. Today, it is possible to see this settlement 500 metres from the coast of Izmir using the metro line.

Photo: https://aktuelarkeoloji.com.tr/uploads/images/thumbs/1200X826-475809d9b65b3b9379b9cbab880b9376.JPG

Our last ancient stop in Izmir is the ancient city of Smyrna. After the Old Smyrna was abandoned, the city was moved to the skirts of Kadifekale and lived here during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, the settlement, where it is possible to visit the city agora and important public buildings, is located in the very centre of Izmir.

Photo:https://gezigezgini.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/agora_antik_kenti_3.jpg

You should not leave Izmir without seeing Kadifekale and the beautiful view of the city from there.

Photo:https://www.letsaegeantours.com.tr/uploads/images/202103/upload_6054ab84a41b2.jpg

At the end of the ancient city tour, which will take a little more than a half day, you can have the opportunity to shop in Izmir's most famous bazaar and taste local delicacies. Kemeralti Bazaar is a very important centre for visitors with its liveliness and colourful texture that lasts all day long.