İzmir, the “Pearl of the Aegean”
İzmir, the “Pearl of the Aegean”. “Beautiful İzmir”, where Homer, the famous ancient epic bard was born, is an important center of tourism, arts, culture, trade and industry. It is a focal point of interest due to its historical riches dating back to ancient times as well as its scenic wonders.
Bayraklı, the first settlement in İzmir, was established in 3000 B.C. İzmir came under the influence of the Hittite State after 1500 B.C. In the 4th century B.C., Alexander the Great had the citadel constructed, and he rebuilt the city on the slopes of Kadifekale. The city was a prominent center during the Roman period and Ottoman sovereignty came after the Byzantine period. İzmir, was occupied by the Greeks in 1919 and liberated on September 9, 1922 in the National War of Independence, and it quickly became Turkey’s third largest city. The Clock Tower at Konak Square, located at the city center, is the symbol of the city. The largest Atatürk statue in Turkey is at Belkahve, where Atatürk entered İzmir.
The Kültürpark (Culture-park), at the center of the city, is the scene of the annual International İzmir Fair which draws great interest. The city is also known for the International
İzmir Festival, which is among the most prestigious festivals in Turkey. Çeşme, located to the west of İzmir, is a large peninsula. There are mountains, forests, numerous beaches, settlements, holiday towns and ancient cities around Çeşme. Urla port and Çeşmealtı are famous for their beautiful beaches and islands. Balıklıova attracts visitors because of its fresh fish; Mordoğan and Karaburun are famous for their virgin, unspoiled shores and verdant areas, where narcissus and hyacinth grow in the mountains in wintertime.
