Izmir Things to Do

The antique name comes from the king of Mykene who attacked Troya, today known as "Balcova Kaplicalari" was also mentioned by Homeros and Strabon. Although the ruins have not been found that relate the spa with that of Agamemnon, thanks to writings of Homeros and Strabon, the spa in today's Balcova is accepted to be that of Agamemnon's. There are modern facilities where you can enjoy 63 degree hot water, mud baths or the nice pools where you can get most out of Izmir's sun.

Kordon is the road that lies along the sea in Alsancak District. It has been renewed in the past years thanks to former mayor Ahmet Pristina: Now it is a popular area for young lovers, families with children, skaters and many others when they feel like smelling the sea or feeling the local wind, "meltem".

Along Kordon, there are many cafes and bars where you can enjoy your drink, smoke nargile, play backgammon or just enjoy the rhythm of the city.

At the shoulders of Izmir, there is Yamanlar Peak, the highest hill of the city with a crater lake known as Karagol. Birds Paradise Natural Reserve (Kus Cenneti) is next to Karsiyaka, where there are over 200 bird species including many domestic, summer immigrant, winter immigrant, and transit species pulling for a stop here.

Karsiyaka district is in the north shore of the Izmir Gulf and is one of the residential centers of the city. The name literally means "Opposite Shore" in Turkish, as location-wise it is. The residents of this fine district are so proud of living here that they even consider themselves as living in another town; they don't say that they live in Izmir, but in Karsiyaka. Also, the national traffic code is 35 but the residents of Karsiyaka claim that theirs is 35,5.

The district has many old houses and mansions with large gardens, but lately many fancy apartments have been built along the waterfront.

Alsancak district, called Punto in old times, is one of the centers of Izmir and an elegant and exquisite residential area. The neighborhood is stretching from the waterfront, called Kordon which is lined up with nice bars and fine restaurants, to the inner land. Along the waterfront there is a nice pedestrian promenade where one can enjoy fine shops and fine dining without the traffic noise, looking at the Aegean Sea.

This is the oldest Christian church in Izmir which was built in 1625 with the permission of Sultan Suleyman (A.K.A. Suleyman the Magnificent) of the Ottoman Empire and by the wish of King of France Louis 13th.

It was dedicated to St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, who was martyred by Romans in 155 AD, at the age of 86, in the stadium near Kadifekale. The church was badly damaged during earthquakes and fires in the 17th century, and was restored each time.

The synagogue was built in 1905 by Nisim Levi in the Karatas district where an important Jewish community lived at the time. At the entrance of the synagogue, there is the opening date of 5668 according to the Jewish calendar, and on the upper-left corner there is Shaday (God) name inscripted.

The interiors of the synagogue are beautiful and the wood works are very impressive. Lower floor is reserved for men and has a capacity of up to 600 people, and upper floor is reserved for ladies.

Beth Israel is the biggest synagogue iz Izmir and one of the two most frequently used synagogues today for important ceremonies in Izmir. Many other synagogues are rarely used.

The aquaducts were built during the late Roman period on the Meles (Kemer) river to bring fresh water to the city. Same aquaducts were restored and used also by Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.

Today only few sections left from a long aquaduct. You can see them at Sirinyer (old Kizilcullu) district when going from the airport to the city center. You'd be luckier if you manage to see them at night when the lights are on! (Check the picture)