Izmir / Turkey

Overview

 

Izmir is located on the Aegean coast and is Turkey's third largest city, with a population of around 4 million. It is the region's major commercial hub, with an airport and a large seaport, and has a more European feel than other Turkish cities, with many bars, cafes and restaurants dotting the waterfront. Travelers to Izmir often use the city as a base to visit other nearby places of interest such as Kuşadaşı, the ruins at Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's house.

 

History

Formerly called Smyrna, Izmir's history dates to 3000 B.C. Archaeological remains show that the Trojans, Hittites and Lydians all had settlements in Izmir until it was taken by Greeks around 1000 B.C. The Romans built Izmir into an important trade center and the city fell under Byzantine control when the Roman Empire divided. Izmir changed hands several times until the Ottomans conquered it in 1426. The city was almost completely burned to the ground in 1922, when the Turks drove out the Greeks during the Turkish War of Independence.

Surrounding Attractions

The most popular place to visit outside of Izmir is the amazingly well-preserved ancient Roman city of Ephesus (Efes). Located near the town of Selcuk, Ephesus has remains of roads, a library and several temples and villas. Not far from Ephesus are the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and Mary's House, a small dwelling that is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. Other attractive tourist places include the hopping resort town of Kuşadaşı, with crowded beaches, bars and nightclubs, and the sleepier towns of Çeşme and Foça, with stunning blue water bays and white sand beaches.