Izmir, Turkey Travel Guide

1. Konak Square / Clock Tower / Yali Mosque

The center of Izmir and the pole of tourist density is the Konak district, where the Konak Square (Meydani). The square is named after the Vali Konagı (İzmir Provincial Governor's Mansion), which is located here. Konak Square is the absolute center of Izmir. It has a square shape, on one side being the mentioned mansion and the Town Hall. The square is populated with pigeons, which come in large numbers to be fed by passers-by. On one side of the square is a very beautiful fountain. Also here are two other sights: the Clock Tower and the Yali Mosque.

In the center of the square is the symbol of Izmir, Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi), built in 1901. The monument was designed by the Frenchman Raymond Charles Père and commemorated the 25th anniversary of Abdulhamid II's accession to the throne. The clock was a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II. The building is built and decorated in the Ottoman style. The tower is 25 meters high and surrounded by four circular fountains. The column of the tower is of Moorish inspiration. Izmir's clock tower was also featured on the 500-pound note, which circulated for 6 years in the last century.

At the exit to the bazaar is Konak Mosque (Yali). We visited it quickly as it is a small and simple place of worship. It was built in 1748 by Ayse Hanim. It is built in an octagonal plan and has only one room. You have to take your shoes off at the entrance.

More information here https://mytravel.express/obiective-mte/turnul-cu-ceas-konak-izmir-turcia/

2. Kizlaragasi Bazaar / Inn

Address: Tarihi Kızlarağası Hanı Han Yönetimi 871 Sokak No:19/106 Hisarönü, 35250 Konak. It is open from 9am - 7pm, except Sundays.

Near Fevzi Pasha Boulevard we entered the bazaar (kemeralti). The bazaar is one of the emblems of Turkish trade. In the bazaar you can say you can find everything, but that's not really true. The abundance and diversity of products, the competition between vendors and the Turkish bargaining spirit give color to the place. In one area of the bazaar Kizlaragasi Inn, which is nothing but a covered bazaar in the shape of a maze of halls.

3. Cumhuriyet Meydani

In the market Cumhuriyet Meydani Several traffic arteries meet in the semicircle, on the other side of the semicircle is the pedestrian area. The square is beautifully lit in the evening. A large statue attracts attention. It is a monument representing the struggle for Izmir's independence.

4. Kültürpark

Address. No.50, 35220 Konak.

Kültürpark is a public park with wide walkways, monuments, fountains, sports fields and an open-air museum. Palm trees, lilies, orange trees and magnolias with large flowering magnolias are the attractions to be found in the park. It has several entrances, Kapisi. One large magnolia tree is 30 meters. We also found a monument with Egyptian inscriptions. The open-air museum had blocks of masonry, stacked two on top of each other, with bags hanging between them. Near the fountains are white statues. The Izmir International Fair is held here.

More information here https://mytravel.express/obiective-mte/kulturpark-izmir-turcia/

5. Smyrna Agora

Address: Namazgah, Tarik Sari Sokağı No:29, 35240 Konak, daily 8:30 - 17:00.

Smyrna Agora or İzmir Agora Ören Yerı is an ancient Roman agora. The settlement of Smyrna, Izmir's first name, was built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. The agora was ruined by an earthquake in 178 AD. The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ordered its reconstruction. The Agora included several gates, harbor access, theater, stadium and Pagos. Visit the basilica and its northwest gate, the temples, the ruins, the western portico and the Faustina Gate. From the Agora there is a beautiful view of the Velvet Fortress at the top of the hill.

You can read more on the links https://mytravel.express/obiective-mte/agora-din-smyrna-izmir-turcia/ yes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agora_of_Smyrna

6. Velvet Castle

Kadifekale or Velvet Castle is located in the northeast of İzmir, only 2 km from the Aegean coast, on the 186-meter-high Mount Pagos, which is more of a hill. The fortress was built in the 3rd century B.C. From the castle there is a wide view of the bay and Izmir. The hotel informed us that it is not safe to visit this sight.

7. The elevator

Address. Nihatbey Cd. 76/A, 35000 Konak. Visiting hours: daily from 6 - 24.

The elevator or Asansör It was built by Nesim Levi, a Jewish businessman, in 1907 to overcome the topographical barrier between the neighborhoods of Mithatpasa Street at sea level and Halil Rifat Pasa Street at the top of the hill. Until the elevator was built, 155 steps had to be climbed, which still exist today. It is a public elevator. Access is free of charge. At the top station there is a superb view of the Aegean Sea and the Bay of Izmir. Two binoculars are installed on the station balcony.

You can read more on the links https://mytravel.express/obiective-mte/ascensorul-istoric-izmir-turcia/ and http://www.izmirjh.com/en/ana-sayfa/yeni-yahudi-mahalle/asansor/