CITY OF IZMIR

IZMIR CITY

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İzmir is a metropolitan city in the western extremity of Anatolia and the third most populous city in Turkey, after Istanbul and Ankara. It is one of the most westernized cities in Turkey.

The ancient city was known as Smyrna (Greek: Σμύρνη ), and the city was generally referred to as Smyrna in English, until the Turkish adoption of the Latin alphabet in 1928 made "İzmir" the internationally recognized name.

CLOCK TOWER

This landmark clock tower stands in Konak Square near the

promenade. It was designed by the Levantine French architect

Raymond Charles Père and built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th

anniversary of Abdulhamid II's (reigned 1876–1909) ascension to

the throne.

The clock itself was a gift of German Emperor Wilhelm II (reigned
1888–1918). It is decorated in an elaborate Ottoman architecture. The tower, at a height of 25 m (82 ft), features four fountains, which are placed around the base in a circular pattern, and the columns are inspired by North  African themes.

AGORA

The Agora was originally partially excavated in 1932-41, revealing

 an open square (140x140m) flanked by porticoes and a huge civic

 basilica on the north side. Work started again in 2002 and is still in

 progress; hundreds of roman graffiti’s have been found in the

 basement of the Basilica. Inscriptions also indicate the existence of

 a church. Colonnades of reconstructed Corinthian columns, vaulted

 chambers and arches give some idea to what a Roman Bazaar

 would have once looked like, a stone’s throw away from the 

Ottoman Kemeralti Bazaar.

KEMERALTI BAZAAR

Kemeralti is the famous market area behind Konak Square. You can find many shops specialized in different trades. It's especially crowded during the weekends. Tourists also prefer this area. You can bargain with the prices of most items. There are shops to get some souvenirs and some cafés to rest after shopping.

Directions: Just behind Konak Square

KONAK SQUARE

 Due to the presence of such official institutions as the municipal

 and governorship buildings coupled with a concentration of 

shopping facilities in this square, it setrves as a meeting and 

intersecting point for transportation within the city.We invite you

 to follow us on a step-by-step tour of Izmir, starring with Konak

 Meydani. On this short tour, which we will be taking on foot, let’s

 get acquainted with the historical and cultural sites of Izmir. 

KIZLARAGASI HAN

According to the inscription date at the inn built in 1744 in the year it was built by Haji Agha Bashir.  arcades ' s is one of the oldest buildings in. Sub shop floor, the upper floor was used for accommodation.

One of the main structure to Izmir Kızlarağası is Han. It is believed that the building was completed in 1745. Although no precise information about the production, make the person is known to be Kızlarağası Haji Bashir Agha. Izmir Port, just behind the castle, and started to build the inn in 1744 and completed in 1745.

TRANSPORT

İzmir is served by national and international flights through the Adnan Menderes International Airport and there is a modern rapid transit line running from the southwest to the northeast. The city is trying to attract investors through its strategic location and its relatively new and highly developed technological infrastructure in transportation, telecommunications and energy

Connection with other cities and countries

Air

The Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB) is well served with connections to Turkish and international destinations. It is located in the Gaziemir district of İzmir.

Bus

A recently built large bus terminal, the Otogar in the Pınarbaşı suburb on the outskirts of the city, has intercity buses to destinations across Turkey. It is quite easy to reach the bus terminal

Rail

İzmir has two historical rail terminals in the city centre. Alsancak Terminal, built in 1858 and Basmane Terminal, built in 1866 are the two main railway stations of the city

Transport within the city

Co-ordinated transport was introduced to İzmir in 1999, the first place in Turkey to apply the lessons of integration. A body known as UKOME gives strategic direction to the Metro, the ESHOT bus division, ferry operations, utilities and road developments. İzmir has an integrated pre-pay ticket, the Kentkart (Citycard). The card is valid on metro (subway), buses, ferries and certain other municipal facilities. The Kentkart allows use of multiple forms of transport within a 90-minute window for the price of a single fare

Bus

All major districts are covered by a dense municipal bus network under the name ESHOT. The acronym stands for "E elektrik (electricity); S su (water); H havagazı (gas); O otobüs (bus) and T troleybüs (trolleybus).ESHOT operates about 1,500 buses with a staff of 2,700.

 A privately owned company, İzulaş, operates 400 buses from two garages, running services under contract for ESHOT.

Urban ferries

Taken over by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality since 2000 and operated within the structure of a private company (İZDENİZ).24 ferries shuttle between 8 quays.

Metro

Main article: İzmir Metro

İzmir has a metro network that is constantly being extended with new stations being put in service. The line is 20 km (12.4 mi) long.

Light Metro

  Main article: İzban

Established in 2006 and began operations in 2010, İZBAN was formed to revive commuter rail in İzmir. Currently, İZBAN operates a 80 km (50 mi) long system, with 31 stations, consisting of two lines: the Southern Line and the Northern Line.

ACCOMMODATION HOTELS

HILTON IZMIR

Enjoy the dramatic setting with staggering views of Izmir Bay and the surrounding mountains from the Izmir Hilton hotel. Spanning 34 floors, the hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the region, offering superior views in every single guest room and suite. Located in the heart of the city, near to the Old town, the hotel is within walking distance of shopping, entertainment and dining.

SWISS HOTEL GRAND EFES IZMIR

Overlooking the spectacular Kordon on the Aegean Sea, the

 luxurious 5-star hotel Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir is conveniently

 located in the center of Izmir's commercial district, steps away from

 the heart of the city. Adnan Menderes Airport is less than 15 km 

away.

This deluxe hotel of the renowned Swissotel hotel chain is the best

 accommodation choice in Izmir for demanding business travelers in 

Turkey, thanks to a Convention Center and wireless Internet access
 
 available throughout. Other outstanding facilities of the Swissotel

 Grand Efes Izmir include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool

 with a special area for children and an outdoor tennis court. Guests

 can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite Purovel Spa

,offering signature massages and treatments. The spa is also 

equipped with a sauna, a spa tub, and a Turkish bath.
 

CROWNE PLAZA IZMIR

Towering over Izmir Bay’s shore, Wyndham Grand Izmir Ozdilek boasts spectacular gulf views and is located at the city centre. It offers luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and features a fitness and spa centre. The property arranges free scheduled shuttle services (reservation required) to different points of the city and free private indoor and outdoor parking is also available.

Qualitas SPA İzmir Agamemnon Thermal & Wellness Center offers free services for guests such as indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and Turkish bath, as well as aromatherapy rooms. The SPA also offers a variety of professional beauty, body care and massage treatments. A thermal pool is also available.

You can also find other hotel options for your pleasure,for beaches and  every other infos here

Izmir Province Tourism Directorate

Akdeniz Mahallesi 1344 Sokak No:2 Pasaport/İZMİR 

Tel:0.232.483 62 16 -  483 51 17  -  445 73 90

Faks: 483 42 70 

Adnan Menderes Airport Tourism Office

Tel:0.232. 274 22 14

Izmir, yachts and is located at the beginning of a long and narrow bay surrounded by ships.Along the beach, palm , palm There are trees and wide streets.Port of Izmir is Turkey's largest port after the port of Mersin. Vibrant and cosmopolitan city Izmir, international art festivals and Izmir International Fair also holds an important place with.

Izmir International Fair ( Izmir Fair or, especially in Izmir in, briefly Trade also called) is the day of salvation Izmir in September of each year September 9 'for receivables held within a period of 10 days Turkey 's longest established, best-known and most It is a comprehensive exhibition.

IZMIR BEACHES

In Turkey, the number of blue flag beaches is increasing.The water quality of the sea is located in the Aegean Sea, Izmir bathing water is monitored by Turkey within the framework of the Public Health Agency Tracking System. Namely the quality of bathing water here is very clean (under the coliforms and streptococcus bacteria count limit) and Class B (you can swim-good quality) is located on the beach.

in Izmir city center, according to our records, Flag, Bornova, Karşıyaka, Çiğli, Urla and there is a beach front entered in Narlıdere.Izmir center nearest beaches begin around the Aegean Army Command. It is located between the districts as well as Izmir Aliaga , Çeşme , Dikili , Foca , Urla, Karaburun, Menderes, Seferihisar , Selcuk and Urla 'There are also many beach.

IZMIR WILDLIFE PARK

Izmir Wildlife park is located 30 minutes from the city centrum. It is located in 'Sasalı', a village province of Karşıyaka.

The Wildlife park has become one of İzmir’s most popular attractions.

The park lies on 425,000 sq.mt of land and and is home to more than

 1200 animals of over 120 different species. As the number and

 variety of animals increase, more work is being carried out in the

 park regarding the happiness of the visitors and the education of 

children.

Animals are placed in large enclosures and there are large signs wrote in Turkish and English so that children can learn about the characteristics, the eating habits and the wildlife status of the animal they are seeing. Many of the animals In Izmir  zoo and wildlife park have been placed on the endangered list of world species. The most famous resident of Izmir zoo is a baby Asian elephant that captures the admiration of everyone that meets her. Her name as chosen by the citizens of the city is “Izmir”.

Izmir Wildlife Park Reviews

"Very nice and natural life park. There are many wild animals and the park is really clean and tidy. The entrance price is reasonable and, worth visiting."

"Large space for animals, green area, fresh air. Animals seem happy. You can spend hours there without getting bored" 

"Very easy to reach from Karsiyaka, using bus 777. Very cheap Entrance (3 TL and 1 for students) and the best Quality for money you can imagine! You get a free map with a great visiting plan, the zoo is very cleap and well kept, animals look healthy and all animals have sufficient ground space." - All reviews are sourced from Trip Advisor

How much to entre the park?

Student (Discount): 1 TL Full (Adult): 3 TL  Aged 0-6 years are free of charge.

IZMIR CABLE CAR

Start with the "Teleferik" recreation facilities, which are located next to Balçova's Agamemnon Hot Springs and are well worth visiting. A magical scene that enchants all visitors can be seen from the Teleferik, which was recently renovated by the metropolitan municipality. A cable railway leads up to the Atatepe hills, from where you can get a wonderful view of the whole city. On the other side of this hill lies a manmade lake that also contributes to this beautiful panorama. The restaurant and café located here are at your service all day long, and while visiting this facility and wandering among the pine trees in the midst of the sweet, fresh air, your appetite will surely be stimulated. There are many facilities here for people who enjoy sports and nature. Special paragliding and mountain-climbing tours are also conducted in this area.

Head back down towards the coast to the İnciraltı district, where you'll find sports facilities, cinemas, fast-food restaurants, shopping and entertainment complexes, one of İzmir's most important activity and leisure centers today. If you are interested in seafood, then you definitely must go down to İnciraltı because if you want to eat fish in İzmir, İnciraltı is the place to do it. The seafood available there is both fresh and inexpensive.

Going west from Balçova you will come to the Narlıdere and Güzelbahçe areas, which are famous for their tangerine orchards. The walking and jogging tracks and bicycle lanes that stretch along the coastline, the breakfast salons, the “cook-it-yourself” meat and fish restaurants and the evergreen nature of the area will make you fall in love with Narlıdere and Güzelbahçe.

You can also watch the city with the live cameras on internet

http://www.izmir.bel.tr/CanliYayin/843/tr
(ONLY CLICK ON PICTUES)

THNKS FOR VISITING AND SUPPORTING