Konak Clock Tower, Izmir, Turkey

Clock Tower and Konak Mosque

Where? When? How much does it cost?

Konak Square is Izmir's most famous square. Konak Square can be reached by ferry or tram T2 or metro M1 to Konak station. As a public place, you can visit Konak Square, the most visited and famous place in Izmir, free of charge anytime.

About Konak Square (Konak Meydanı)

The sights in Konak Square are: the Clock Tower, the Konak Mosque and government building and Konak Square itself. In Turkish they are called Izmır saat kulesı, Konak (Yali) Camııı and Izmır Hüküümet Konağı.

 

1. Konak Market

The name of Konak Square and Izmir's central neighborhood, Konak, derives from the mansion located here, which is today a government building and houses the governor's office. Voyvoda Mansion or Katipzade Mansion was built in the early 19th century and belonged to the Katipzade family. The present building is being reconstructed on the site of the former mansion according to the design of the original one.

Konak Square is a meeting place for tourists and locals. On the opposite flank of the mansion there is a fountain and the whole square is invaded by pigeons. In the middle of the square is the Clock Tower, the symbol of Izmir.

Konak Market

Government House

Konak Market

pigeons in Konak Square

Konak Square Fountain

2. Clock Tower

The Clock Tower was built in 1901 in Konak Square, It is considered the symbol of the city. The project is the creation of French architect Raymond Charles Péré. It was erected to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Abdulhamid II's accession to the throne. The tower is 25 meters high and made of iron and lead. The architectural style is Ottoman, Surrounding it are four fountains designed like Șadırvan in a circle. The columns are inspired by Moorish motifs. The clock itself was a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II. The clock tower was featured on the face of old Turkish 500-pound banknotes.

 

Clock Tower

Konak Clock Tower

Izmir Clock Tower

3. Konak Mosque (Yalı)

The address is: İzmir Valiliği İç yolu No:4, 35250 Konak.

Construction of the Konak Mosque began in 1755 and took 19 years. The name of the mosque derives from the summer villas on the bank, which are called Yalı. The architecture is classic Ottoman. It was built in the shape of a hexagon and the windows were lined with colored sandstone. The mosque has a minaret. To enter the mosque, you have to take your shoes off.

 

 

Konak Mosque

Konak Mosque

outside the Konak Mosque

Inside the Konak Mosque

Recommendation

Probably all tourists visiting Izmir pass through Konak Square. Couple the walk in Konak Square with its Clock Tower with a stroll along the Aegean waterfront and then a visit to the Kemeralti Bazaar.

Visit Konak Market! All the best!

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