About the Region
İzmir province has Mediterranean climate with hot summers and moderately warm and rainy winters. In June, the average temperature is 30 °C and the average sea water temperature is 22 °C.
Known in Turkish as "Beautiful Izmir", the city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships and yachts. The climate is mild and in the summer the constant and refreshing sea breezes temper the sun's heat. Behind the palm-lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline, the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and its port is second only to Istanbul. A cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy during the International Arts Festival (June-July) and the International Fair (August-Sept).
Izmir is the third biggest city in Turkey, with a population of around 4.3 million, the second biggest port after Istanbul, and a good transport hub.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. (at present day Bayrakli), at which time it shared with Troy the most advanced culture in Western Anatolia. By 1500 B.C. it had fallen under the influence of the Central Anatolian Hittite Empire. In the first millennium B.C. Izmir, then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the most important cities of the Ionian Federation. During this period, one of the city's most brilliant, it is believed that Homer resided here. Lydian conquest of the city, around 600 B.C., brought this period to an end. Izmir remained little more than a village throughout the Lydian and subsequent sixth-century B.C. Persian rule. In the fourth century B.C., a new city was built on the reign of Alexander the Great. Izmir's Roman period, beginning in the first century, B.C., was its second great era. Byzantine rule followed in the fourth century and lasted until the Seljuk conquest in the 11th century. In 1415, under Sultan Mehmet Celebi, Izmir became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The city is now a modern, developed, and busy commercial centre, set around a huge bay and surrounded by mountains. The broad boulevards, glass-fronted buildings and modern shopping centres are dotted with traditional red-tiled roofs, the 18th century market, and old mosques and churches.
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Selçuk South of Izmir on the Mediterranean cost, Selcuk is a district of Izmir that has been transformed since the 1990s into a major tourist destination, mainly as a base to visit the famous ruins of Ephesus a few kilometres away. The ancient classical city is one of the best preserved in the eastern Mediterranean and is a great example of Roman architecture. Selcuk has many historical remains of early Christianity, including a house which many believe to have been visited by the Virgin Mary, and Ayasoluk Hill where St John write his Gospel. There are many small hotels and guest-houses, restaurants and shops which make the town a good base to explore the area. The town gets busy during the famous annual camel wrestling festival, held in Ephesus around February. |
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Ephesus Ruins This huge site, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, will take most of the day to see every part in detail. It is easily approached by road from Selçuk, or by public transport from Kuþadasý. According to ancient inscriptions, Ephesus is thought to have been inhabited since around 3000 BC, roughly the same time as Smyrna, and evidence of Ion, Roman, Byzantine, Seljukian and Ottoman civilisations are still seen today. The ancient city was a good centre for trading, mainly because of its location close to coast, and religion. It was known for the cult of Cybele, the Anatolian fertility goddess, then later for Artemis, the virgin goddess for which a temple was built in her honour. The temple was destroyed in 356 BC, and when Alexander the Great passed through in 334 BC he offered to pay for the cost of a new construction, provided it was dedicated to him. The Ephesus people declined, and rebuilt it with great success. When the Romans made Ephesus their provincial capital, it became a busy town with great commercial, trading and political importance, and a population that grew to around 250,000. A significant Christian community grew, and the city was visited by St John the Evangelist in the 1st century, then by St Paul, who was there between 51-53 AD, and wrote some of his epistles. It was also the venue of two Ecumenical Councils. But the success of Roman Ephesus began to dwindle, mainly because of problems connected to the harbour, which was the main source of trade. The Cayster River was pushing silt up the harbour and despite attempts to dredge it and rebuild the harbour, the sea was pushed back to Pamucak, 4km away, and therefore Ephesus lost its source of wealth. By the 6th century, the city was unliveable and was shifted near to St John's Basilica, and by 1090 it was taken over by the Turks. |
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The House of Virgin Mary Beyond Ephesus and on Bulbul Dag (mountain), 8km southwest of Selcuk, the monument is thought by some to be where the Virgin Mary died, and is visited by Christian and Muslim pilgrims from around the world. The small stone house is now a chapel, and probably dates back to the 4th century, although the foundations are thought to be 1st century. It was not until a German nun, Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) claimed that she had visions of Mary living in 'a small, stone house' in even though the nun had never left Germany. Following her descriptions, 19th century clergy discovered the foundations of the house, which was then verified by a Papal visit in 1967. It has since been accepted that Mary spent her last few years in there until she died at the age of 101. The Feast of Assumption, on August 15, is celebrated here by the Orthodox Greeks, and Mass is said daily. The church can only be accessed by car, as no public buses come through the dense forest surrounding it. |
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Sirince Village This small village 7km through the hills from Selcuk, is attractive for its setting among fruit orchards, old-fashioned stone houses with red tiled roofs, and narrow streets. It is also famous for its home-made wine, and lace made by the local women. Once known as Kirkince, the village was built the Greeks around 800 years ago and since the population exchange in 1924 has since been inhabited by Muslims from Salonica. The village has a few guest-houses and restaurants, and is popular with foreign and Turkish tourists to experience a taste of traditional village life in a peaceful environment. |
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Çesme Çesme is a charming convergence of healing mineral springs, excellent beaches, crystal clear waters and sun are perfect for vacationers. It is located 94 km in west of Izmir, on the very tip of the peninsula that bears its name. It was called as the 'little harbour' by sailors, but in the course of time, the area became known as Çesme (Fountain) due to the increasing number of fountains with ice - cold waters. The Erythrai Ancient City excavated in (the village of) Cesme-Ildiri, the Castle, Caravanserai and many fountains from Ottoman Period and the other examples of civil architecture in the historical texture of the city compose the historical and archaeological remains of the area. |
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Gevrek and boyoz
While walking around, you will see many street “gevrek” or “boyoz” sellers in their food-carts. Although “gevrek” looks like the other types of bagels found in other cities, it’s is a pastry unique to Izmir. It is soaked in molasses before baking. This method comes from the Caucasian Turks tradition. A hot, crispy and fragrant gevrek with plenty of sesame makes a great breakfast when served with a slice of goat cheese, fresh tomatoes, green pepper and a glass of well-brewed tea. You can find gevreks at all hours of the day in special glass-fronted cabinets found all over the city as well as in bakeries in Alsancak. Boyoz is a delicious pastry served with baked eggs and brewed tea, it’s a gift of Jews to Izmir and comes from the Sephardic cuisine. In the bakeries in Alsancak you can find different variations of boyoz, such as boyoz with artichoke, spinach, cheese, and tahini.
Turkish coffee
Head to Kemeralti Bazaar. Find a little local cafe and order a Turkish coffee. We have a saying in Turkish, “A cup of Turkish coffee is remembered for 40 years.”
Kumpir
Kamaralti Bazar has many “kumpir” places. Go to one and find yourself a seat. Kumpir are baked potatoes or jacket potatoes with cheese and butter whipped with rich toppings.
Mussels & beer
Your next stop is Kordon – the coastal edge of the city. Time for a cold beer with a view of the sunset! While looking for a pub to enjoy the beautiful gulf view, it will be difficult to walk past the stuffed mussels sellers along the way with huge baskets filled with the shiny, black shells and wedges of fresh juicy lemon. Stuffed mussels are called “midye dolma” and locals usually eat them with beer.