Izmir is located in the western Aegean region of Turkey and is a very ancient city with a long and interesting history. Smyrna was one of the ''Seven Churches of the Revelation''. The famous bishop Polycarp had served in Smyrna from 115-156 AD and was also martyred here. According to legend it is said that the blind poet Homer was born and lived in this area. Izmir is a modern, tolerant and vibrant city and a major port on the Aegean. It has a dramatic setting, because the city surrounds a great bay and is backed by mountains to the west and south. There are palm tree lined boulevards along the water, cafes, restaurants and shopping. Izmir is a convenient base for visiting Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardes and other important ancient sights and here are some things to see in and around Izmir:
The Agora of Smyrna
This agora is well preserved but many parts are still buried under modern buildings. Serious consideration has also been given to excavating the ancient theater which is still buried under an urban zone on the slopes of Kadifekale (Mount Pagos). The ancient market place, was first built in the 4th century BC. The agora was a meeting place for all commercial, political, and religious activities for the local people. It was surrounded mostly by state buildings on a rectangular plan with a large central courtyard and a covered stoa around it. The agora was destroyed several times by strong earthquakes and it was rebuilt. The final restoration was carried out by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. A large basilica has been found on the northern stoa. One of the main streets of Smyrna city intersected the agora dividing it in two equal parts, and there were entrance gates at both ends.
Clock Tower of Izmir The clock tower on Konak Square was built by architect Raymond Charles Pere in 1901 to commemorate 25th year of enthronement of the Ottoman sultan Abdulhamit I. The clock tower is 25 meters tall and has four levels on an octagonal plan. The North African style column capitals and the filled-in horseshoe-shaped
arches are interesting features of the tower. The clock mechanism was a gift from German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
This agora is well preserved but many parts are still buried under modern buildings. Serious consideration has also been given to excavating the ancient theater which is still buried under an urban zone on the slopes of Kadifekale (Mount Pagos). The ancient market place, was first built in the 4th century BC. The agora was a meeting place for all commercial, political, and religious activities for the local people. It was surrounded mostly by state buildings on a rectangular plan with a large central courtyard and a covered stoa around it. The agora was destroyed several times by strong earthquakes and it was rebuilt. The final restoration was carried out by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. A large basilica has been found on the northern stoa. One of the main streets of Smyrna city intersected the agora dividing it in two equal parts, and there were entrance gates at both ends.
Clock Tower of Izmir The clock tower on Konak Square was built by architect Raymond Charles Pere in 1901 to commemorate 25th year of enthronement of the Ottoman sultan Abdulhamit I. The clock tower is 25 meters tall and has four levels on an octagonal plan. The North African style column capitals and the filled-in horseshoe-shaped
arches are interesting features of the tower. The clock mechanism was a gift from German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
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