Smyrna (İzmir)

Ancient Smyrna is one of the oldest populated places in the Aegean region. The first settlement on this site, Bayraklı, probably dates to the Bronze Age (3500 B.C.). Excavations on its ruins began in 1948, and are still continuing. In the 11th century B.C., Ionian and Aeolians inhabited the coastal city of Smyrna. The remains of these earlier settlements suggest some identity with the Troy II civilization.

In the 8th and 7th centuries B.C., the region came under the rule of the Phrygians and Lydian’s. The city, which was sacked during that period, was later captured by the Persians. In 330 B.C., Alexander the Great took control. Asleep on Mount Pegasus, to the south of ancient Smyrna, he was visited by the goddess Nemesis. She told him to rebuild the city on the hill. And so it was on Mount Pegasus (Kadıfekale) that the Hellenistic city was founded, soon after Alexander’s death. With its harbor and easy access to the rich hinterland, Smyrna soon regained its position as one of the area’s leading cities.

In 288 B.C., the city came under the rule of the Kingdom of Pergamum. After the death of King Attalos III, it was taken by the Roman Empire in accordance the former king’s will. Much later, in the 7th century A.D., it was attacked by raiding Arabs.

Smyrna was an important cultural and religious centre during the classical Roman and Byzantine periods; afterwards, the city was taken by the Seljuk Turks. During their rule, the famous sea admiral Çaka Bey was the mayor of Izmir. When Istanbul was invaded by the Crusaders, Izmir was also taken by European knights. In 1402, the city was captured by Timor (Tamerlane). In 1415, the city came under Ottoman rule.

After the First World War, Izmir was invaded by Greek troops (between May 15, 1919, and September 9, 1922).

Today, Izmir is the third-largest city in Turkey. The International İzmir Fair, begun as a small regional event, has become one of the most important trading and cultural expos for Mediterranean, Aegean, and Middle-Eastern countries.

The ancient agora is one of the important sights in the city. The remains of Roman buildings including aqueduct from Kemer Stream and mosques from Ottoman period are still impressive for the visitors. Statues of Poseidon and Demeter found here are on display in the city’s Archaeological Museum, where there is also a good collection of artifacts from the Aegean region from the archaic through the Roman periods. The aqueduct from Kemer Stream was built in the Byzantine era and reconditioned by the Ottomans.

The house of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (in the Kordon area) is also one of the city’s must-see sights.