The city, known as "Beautiful Izmir", lies on
the shores of a large bay furrowed by ships and yachts and
encircled by mountains. The climate is a mild one. and
during the summer the heat is tempered by the constant,
refreshing sea breezes. Behind the palm-lined promenades and
avenues, the city gently ascends in terraces to the slopes
of surrounding hills. Along the coastline from Izmir, you
will discover magnificent ancient sites such as Troy,
Pergamon, Aphrodisias, Didyma, and of course Ephesus. A
cosmopolitan and lively place at anytime, Izmir offers the
ideal setting for a meeting destination with an abundant of
luxurious hotels. the original city was established in third
millennium B.C. (at present day Bayrakli) and at that time
shared with Troy, the most advanced culture in Western
Anatolia. Homer was born in Izmir and resident here during
the Ioanian Federation in the first millennium B.C.. Today,
it is third largest city in Turkey and its port is second
only to Istanbul.
ACTIVITIES
Shopping: In the streets of the Kemeralti Market, it is
possible to find fascinating antiques, both fine and fun
jewelry, a great variety of clothing and the dried figs and
sultanas for which Izmir is famous. Havra Sokak is
particularly interesting for its old buildings and
synagogues, while the best modern shopping areas are along
the Kordon promenade.
Art, Culture and Entertainment: Izmir has for many
years enjoyed a reputation as a cosmopolitan and cultural
city. The Izmir Cultural Center hosts performances of opera,
ballet and musical concerts, and the city is home to the
Aegean Philharmonic Orchestra as well as a thriving
theatrical scene. During the annual Izmir International
Festival, international and Turkish artists perform at
various venues in the city and surrounding area, including
the theater at Ephesus. Take a horse-drawn carriage along
the promenade or absorb the lively atmosphere of the bars
and cafes around Pasaport Pier.
EPHESUS
A visit to Ephesus, an important city of antiquity, is one
of the highlights of any visit to Turkey. The city which had
many splendid buildings, was dedicated to the goddess
Artemis, whose temple was considered one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World. It is recorded that St. John
brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the death of Christ
and that a small house (Meryemana Evi) was built for her on
Bulbuldagi
(Mt. Nightingale) where she spent her last days.
