Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir (now Izmir) is a sprawling city in Turkey with a population of over 4 million people. It is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, not far from the Gulf of Izmir. It was founded in the year 3000 BC-AD and receives its name from an Amazon queen; it is the third largest city in Turkey and the country’s second most important harbor.
It represents the Hittite kingdom and has been around for millennia, as evidenced by the many monuments and ruins that can be found in and around the city’s historic core. Seeking suggestions about what to do and see in Izmir? If you are looking to go there soon for the perfect Turkey vacation. Without thinking much, start planning, make swiss air booking in any class, and save up to 60% off on every flight till the last minute. To assist you with the best, take a look below.
To ensure you don’t leave any of Izmir’s charms unexplored, we’ve compiled a list of the six items you should pack for your vacation.
Mosque of Yali
Building the Yali Mosque was a labor of love for Ayse Hanim, the wife of Izmir’s governor in 1755. This building is not only unusual in that it is an exact octagon, but also because of its location on Konak Square, next to the Clock Tower and the Governor’s Palace. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit, but they are required to remove their shoes and cover their faces with a veil if they wish to access the fairer sex. The single-domed mosque with the diminutive minaret should be on the itinerary of anyone visiting Izmir.
It’s Time in the Tower of the Clock
In terms of city landmarks, the Clock Tower stands out as the most prominent. In 1901, during the silver jubilee of Abdul Hamid II’s ascension to the throne, a French architect by the name of Raymond Charles Père created this structure. The Clock Tower dominates the popular area of Konak, which is located in the city core.
The building is as stunning as its surroundings, the picturesque Konak Square, the hub of Izmir and home to the city’s most prestigious institutions. Don’t be shy about trying a real kebab, which is extremely different from anything you may have in France; the plaza is filled with kebab stands.
Asansor
The Sponsor is a vertical historical landmark that was built in 1907 by a wealthy banker in the Karatas neighborhood on the edge of a cliff. The Ascensor was designed to be functional, and its name is a nod to the common French elevator. It was made specifically so that goods may be transferred more quickly and easily between levels.
As one of the city’s most recognizable structures, it now welcomes guests to have a meal while taking in the spectacular view. At the highest pinnacle of the tower, diners who are not frightened of vertigo can enjoy a unique dining experience and local specialties like grilled lamb skewers wrapped in vine leaves.
Karagol
A lot of heat and humidity in Izmir, right? You may relax in Karagol, a mountain lake that stretches out into the countryside just fifteen kilometers to the north of the city. Despite the fact that its Turkish name translates to “black lake,” campers need not be afraid of being attacked by any monsters because there are numerous campsites conveniently located on either side of the lake. Grape ice cream, a regional specialty, is a favorite among local children and draws crowds throughout the hot summer months.
Ascending Sipylos
Mount Sipylos, or Spil Da as it is known in Turkish (let us not forget that the cultures of Greece and Turkey are inextricably entwined, especially in the western region of Turkey), towers over the province of Manisa and keeps an eye on the city of Izmir. Its height of 1513 meters makes it an ideal trekking destination since it is crossed by numerous trails that lead to breathtaking panoramas over the Izmir Gulf and its neighboring cities. It’s a great hiking opportunity for anyone visiting Izmir and looking for things to do.
Located in the heart of Izmir, the Ethnographic Museum
Where should one look in Izmir for opportunities to grow personally? Those interested in the Seljuk era should make a cultural detour to the museum’s ethnographic collection. The museum is located in a beautiful historic structure that was once used as a hospital, and it provides insight into Ottoman culture, local architecture, and daily life along the Smyrniot coast. Spending time in this museum is a must if you find yourself in Izmir, and the fact that it costs you nothing to enter is just icing on the cake.
Conclusion
Because of its proximity to the west, Izmir has become a progressive and welcoming metropolis that is also home to a famous seaside resort. So why wait? Get packed and book your trip to Turkey with AirlinesMap right away and make sure to visit these spots on your trip to Turkey..!