002-003 index.FH10

4 - 49
50 - 89
90 - 153
STARS OF ÝZMÝR
Konak Square - Kemeraltý - Hisarönü
Agora Open Air Museum - Kadifekale - Basmane
Culture Park - Gümrük, Pasaport - Tepekule - Asansör
ÝZMÝR: CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION
Ýzmir in History - Ýzmir’s Homer - 7 Churches of the
Apocalypse, Saint Polycarpe - Çaka Bey - Sites of Antiquity
Ottoman Civilization - Churches
A New Life for Jewish People - Ýzmir, the Heart of the Levant
ÝZMÝR: A CITY OF CULTURE AND ART
Culture and Art in Ýzmir - Art Instutions - Art Centers
Open Air Theatres - Cinemas - Other Cultural Centers
Museum and Ruins - Monuments and Statues
154 - 197
ÝZMÝR: STEP BY STEP
Konak and Surroundings - Alsancak and Surroundings
Tilkilik and Surroundings - From Çankaya to Eþrefpaþa
mansions - Buca and Surroundings
Bornova and Surroundings - Karþýyaka and Surroundings
198 - 215
LIFE IN ÝZMÝR
Recreational Areas - Pedestrian Ways - Shopping Centers
Fairs and Festivals - Ýzmir Cuisine - Where to Eat
For Children - Sports - Accomodation - Transportation
Hospitals - City Tour
216 - 261
PROVINCE OF ÝZMÝR
Bergama - Bergama and Environs - Dikili - Çandarlý
Yeniþakran - Aigai - Aliaða - Foça - other Ancient Cities
The Bird Sanctuary - Tantalos and Karagöl
Kemalpaþa - Gaziemir - Menderes - Urla
Karaburun - Ildýrý - Çeþme - Sýðacýk
From Doðanbey to Özdere
From Ahmetbeyli to Deðirmendere - Torbalý
Ödemiþ and Environs - Tire - Belevi - Þirince
Selçuk - The Ancient City of Ephesus
Çamlýk Locomotive Museum - Priene - Miletos - Didyma
262 - 263
ABOUT ÝZMÝR
264 - 266
INDEX
Stars of Ýzmir » Agora Open Air Museum
Agora Open Air Museum
of political meetings and public trials.
Following a strong earthquake in 178
AD it underwent extensive restoration.
Statues of Demeter, Poseidon, Artemis
and Amphitrite were excavated from
the southern section of the Agora and
these can be viewed in the Ýzmir
Museum of History and Art whilst other
statues excavated are on display in
The Ýzmir Archeological Museum.
The Agora lay beneath the cemeteries
of Kocabahçe, Dikilitaþ, and Alaybeyi
which had been in existence since
Byzantine and Ottoman times and was
brought to light during excavations
between 1932 and 1963 following
interest awakened by some marble
columns which had been partially
visible for hundreds of years.
Within the city of Ýzmir, the Agora,
along with Tepekule and Kadifekale
are the three most important historical
sites. The Agora is located in the
district of Namazgah and during
Roman times consisted of a marble
courtyard which was surrounded by
columns and arches which supported
three storeys making this agora the
only one of its kind in the world. It also
had the largest basilica second to the
Traianus in Rome. The word “agora”
means market but it was also the site
20
Stars of Ýzmir » Basmane
Basmane Railway Station
see: Ýzmir, the heart of the Levant, p. 85
Çorakkapý Mosque
This mosque, built by Bostani
Mahmut Efendi in the 18th century is
one of Ýzmir’s most important mosques
and rests on eight supporting walls.
Despite being seriously
damaged by fire towards the
end of the 19th century, it was
rebuilt by the Bostanizade
family true to the original.
Since it was constructed near
what was one of the city gates
during Roman times it is also
known as “Taþrakapý Camisi”.
On the side which faces Anafartalar
Avenue you can see a small enclosed
burial area. During the years that the
mosque was being built the
surrounding area was the site of an
important Muslim cemetery.
situated at the entrance to Gaziler Avenue
Distances: 200 m. from Basmane Metro Station
The New Sadýk Bey Hotel
This residence was built towards
the end of the 19th century for
Uþþakizade Sadýk Bey but was later
converted into a 23-room hotel by his
son, Muammer Bey. In the years at
the beginning of the Republic the
structure formed two separate hotels
– “Kücük Sadýk Bey Oteli” and “Büyük
Sadýk Bey Oteli” but later was made
into one hotel and took on its present
form. Buried beneath the hotel is an
ancient Roman city gate.
situated at the entrance to Hotel Street
Distances: 240 m. from Basmane Metro Station
Hotel Street
It is probably the most wellknown street in the Basmane district.
The street starts in the area which
was known in the 19th century as
Cuma Tekkesi (Friday Dervish Lodge)
and before the establishment of the
Republic was known both as “Dibek”
or “Evliyezade”. Nowadays the
name “Hotel Street” refers not
only to the actual street of this
name but all the arterial streets
where the majority of the old
large residences have been
converted into hotels. Most of
the hotels are patronised by
foreigners, especially those from
African countries. When in the 1980s
the intercity bus station was moved
from Basmane to a new location
outside the city, the hotels began to
lose their popularity. However, after
the restoration done in this area in
2005, it has become once again a
colorful area with people from a variety
of backgrounds. We regret that it has
not been possible to refer to all the
hotels worthy of mention.
1296 Street
Distances: 245 m. from Basmane Metro
Station
Basmane Turkish Bath
see: the Ottoman Civilisation, p. 71
Altýnpark Excavations
see: Antique Sites, p, 60
29
Stars of Ýzmir » Gümrük - Pasaport
Fevzi Paþa Boulevard
This boulevard was constructed
after the Basmane Train station was
opened as a means of access to
Government House and the army
barracks which were on the seafront.
The construction began in 1917 but
because of the ensuing war and for
various other reasons it was not
completed until 1941 and was opened
to traffic that year.
Çatalkaya Caravanserai
The caravanserai is on the corner
of Fevzi Paþa Boulevard and is now
a branch of the Vakýflar Bank. It was
built in 1931 by the architect and
engineer, Kemal Bey and reflects both
the art deco style and the Turkish First
National Architectural Period.
Gümrükönü
Sevili Caravanserai
It is thought to have been built at
the end of the 17th and beginning of the
18th centuries. Most of it was
demolished when Fevzi Paþa Boulevard
was built but a small corner of it remains
next to the Mirkelamoðlu
Caravanserai. It bears the
distinction of being one
of the three
caravanserai that have
doomed roofs - the
other two being Büyük
Vezir Caravanserai
and Küçük Demir
Caravanserai.
Paþa Boulevard
Ýzmir Main Branch of the
Osmanlý Bank
It stands at the beginning of Fevi Paþa
Boulevard and was formally a branch
of the Banco di Roma. Unfortunately
because of changes to the structure
it has lost some of its Neo-Classical
architectural features.
Fevzi Paþa Boulevard
Büyük Kardaçalý Caravanserai
Found at the beginning of Mimar
Kemalettin Avenue it was built in the
Neo-Classical style by Mimar Mehmet
Fesçi in 1928.
Cumhuriyet Boulevard
Mimar Kemalettin Avenue
This avenue lies between
Cumhuriyet Boulevard and Gazi
Osman Paþa Boulevard and during
the Great Fire of 1922 it and the
neighbourhoods adjacent to both it
were destroyed. In the same year it
was rebuilt to a plan drawn up by Rene
and Raymond Danger. This area is
distinctive for its mix of traditional and
contemporary architectural features.
Büyük Karaosmanoðlu Caravanserai
see: Caravanserai, p. 67
43
Stars of Ýzmir » Asansör
Asansör
The Asansör or elevator is something
which distinguishes Ýzmir from many
other cities in the world. The
development of the city from Konak
Square to the west began in an
organised and planned way in the
middle of the 19th century. The
Asansör takes you to the top of a hill,
known as Deðirmendað, which faces
Konak Square and was once the site
of the famous Temple dedicated to
Aesculapius as well as the largest
Jewish cemetery in the city. The
Asansör is built on one of the hills
which rise like walls behind the
suburbs and extend from Konak along
the narrow coastline as far as the
surburb of Güzelyalý. As these hills
became populated it was necessary
to provide access by building steps
into the steep hillsides. You can see
these steps and spectacularly steep
streets, which local residents use
48
everyday, in the area from Konak to
Göztepe. In the 20th century the
steepest ones were found in the
Karataþ district and the people who
had to use them were taken pity on
by a Jewish businessman called
Nesim Levi. He decided to build an
elevator which would provide access
between Mithatpaþa Avenue and Þehit
Nihat Bey Avenue which is at an
elevation of 40 meters. The elevator
was built on the site of an old stone
quarry. Completed in 1907 the elevator
tower has three floors.
Ýzmir: Cradle of Civilization » Ottoman Civilization
Hisar Mosque
Mosques (Camiler)
During the Ottoman period Ýzmir was a city rich in mosques. Even though
the Great Fire of 1922 completely destroyed many places in Ýzmir the number
of mosques lost was minimal. Many of the places of interest have only
survived because the fire did not spread to the Turkish market area in
Kemeraltý.
It is possible to visit the mosques from dawn to dusk but not during prayer
times and the taking of photos is allowed. You should remove your shoes
before entering the mosque and some mosques provide you with galosh to
wear over your shoes. Women should cover their heads and wear something
round their shoulders if wearing tops which are revealing.
Hisar Mosque
This is the most important
mosque in Ýzmir. It is in the centre of
Kýzlaraðasý Han (Caravanserai) and
the Yorgancilar (quilt makers),
Yaðcýlar (oil producers) and Peyniciler
(cheese makers). It takes its name
from a hisar (fort) which was located
nearby at the time the mosque was
being built. Even though it is not really
known by whom or when it was built,
some sources claim it was constructed
in 1598 and bore the name Molla
Yakup Efendiðlu Camisi. It is also
believed that the mosque had three
benefactors and for this reason has
three entries and three niches showing
the direction of Mecca. The reason
for the mosque only having a small
courtyard is that at the time it was built
the sea reached up to the front of it.
It is the only example in Ýzmir of a
mosque with six supporting walls.
Þadýrvan Mosque
This mosque, like Hisar mosque,
is the second of five mosques that
were located on shore of the
landlocked sea and for this reason
has no courtyard. Towards the end of
the 16th century and beginning of the
62
17th century this mosque was known
by two other names; Býyýkoðlu or
Niflizade mosque. It is better known
as Þadýrvan mosque because of the
fountains located both next to and
below it. The district also takes its
name from these fountains. There is
no information about who they were
built by or when. The baldachin or
ornamental canopies around the
dome are of particular interest and
can also be seen over the fountains
of the Konak Clock Tower.
Kestanepazarý Mosque
This is the third of the mosques
which were located on the shores of
the landlocked sea and is situated
between the Baþdurak and Þadýrvan
mosques and is surrounded by the
Zahire Pazarý. It was built on top of
shops and some believe that is on the
foundations of the Saint Apotre Church.
Ýzmir: Cradle of Civilization » Churches
Churches
Over the centuries Ýzmir has been host to people from many different cultures
and backgrounds always showing tolerance and understanding towards
other religious groups and even providing refuge for them.
Ýzmir has been a hub for religious tourism as it is not only at the center of
the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse but the House of the Virgin Mary is
also situated wthin the boundaries of the province of Ýzmir. Ýzmir has always
had a Chrisitan community. Most of the churches in the city of Ýzmir are only
open during times of worship but the most important ones usually have
someone on site to help you.
Santa Maria Church
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary this
church was opened for worship in
1689. But after falling into disrepair it
was torn down and rebuilt in its present
form in 1890. Despite the exterior
being architecturally very plain the
interior is elaborately decorated.
Halit Ziya Boulevard – Pasaport
Saint Polycarpe Church
This church was built by special
permission of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman
in 1630 by monks of a strict
sect of the Franciscan
order who came to
Ýzmir at the beginning
of the 17th century. It is
one of Ýzmir’s oldest
surviving churches.
The land the church stands on was
purchased by the King of France and
donated to the congregation. It sustained
fire damage in 1680 and was restored
and then became a basilica in 1775.
Chapels were added to the basilica
during the years between 1892 -1898
and the majority of the interior
decoration was undertaken by
S. Raymond Pere who was also the
architect of the Konak Clock Tower.
The church takes its name from Saint
Polycarpe, born in 69 AD, and an
important saint who played an
leading role in the spreading
of Christianity in this area.
St. Polycarpe who came
from Ephesus to Ýzmir was
condemned to death by the
Romans in 155 AD.
Necatibey Boulevard – Çankaya
72
Saint John Cathedral
This Roman Catholic cathedral
is located at 29 Þehit Nevres Boulevard
in the district of Alsancak. The land it
stands on was purchased in 1857 by
the Archbishop of the time, Anthony
Mussabini, and construction was
begun in 1862. The cathedral was
Stars of Ýzmir » Konak Square
Government Building
It is the center of government for
the province of Ýzmir although this has
not always been so
as twice during the
19th century the
city of Aydýn took
on this role. The
wood building
known as
“Katipzade Konaðý “,
previously stood on
the site of the
present day building and served the
same function. It is from this wood
residence or “Konak”, from which that
the area of Konak took its name.
Because the Katipzade Konaðý was
in such a state of disrepair it was
decided to demolish the building and
construction of a new Municipal
Building began in 1868 in order to
8
house all the various government
departments under one roof. The
architect of the new building was the
French engineer, Rufo, while Haci
Ahmet Salepçioðlu was responsible
for the actual building work. The
building was completed in 1872 and
survived the 1919 occupation and the
1922 liberation only to succumb to fire
in 1970 which
resulted in its
destruction.
However, although
the building was
sympathetically
restored, many multistorey government
buildings, such as
the Konak
Kaymakamlýðý
(County Governor)
and the Ýzmir
Security
Headquarters, have
gradually been
erected around it.
Stars of Ýzmir » Konak Square
Yalý Mosque
See: Mosques, p. 63
Monument built to Hasan
Tahsin who fired the first bullet
against the invading troops
This monument by the sculptor, Turgut
Pura, stands in Konak Square in front
of the Ýzmir Büyükþehir Belediyesi
(Ýzmir Metropolitan Municipality
Building) and was commissioned by
the Ýzmir Journalists’ Associaiton. It
was officially unveiled in 1974 by the
In this book Konak Square,
specifically The Clock Tower, is
taken as the main point of
reference for distances given.
In some cases the Ýzmir Harbour,
Konak Pier or the Metro have been
used as the point of reference.
At all times of the day Konak
Square is both bustling and vibrant.
You can feed the pigeons,
examine the floor mosaic which
illustrates the historical
development of Ýzmir or visit one
of the many exhibitions held at
various times throughout the year.
It is also the beginning of
Kemeraltý which is the largest
Bazaar in Turkey. You can travel
with ease to every part of Ýzmir
from Konak Square by using
Konak Pier to take the ferry boats
to Karþýyaka, Bostanlý or Bayraklý;
the metro to go to either Üçyol –
Üçkuyular in one direction and
Bornova in the other; or take one
of the many buses to go to almost
anywhere in Ýzmir especially if you
are willing to bus hop. All roads
out of Ýzmir go from Konak Square.
then President, Fahri Korutürk. As part
of a project to revamp the area it was
moved forward from its original position
by 20 meters towards the sea.
Hasan Tahsin, born as Osman Nevres
or Nevres Recep in Thessalonika in
1888, was a journalist. After
graduating from the Faculty of Political
Sciences in Paris, he settled in Ýzmir
and began publishing a local
newspaper. On May 15th, 1919 he
fired the first shot at the invading troops
and was killed the same day.
84 X 40 mm
9
Ýzmir: Cradle of Civilization » Ýzmir-The Heart Of The Levant
The concession for the “Ýzmir
– Kasaba Temdidi Demiryolu
Hattý” (Ýzmir-Kasaba
extended Railway Line) was
given to the British
entrepreneur, Edward Price,
on July 4,1863. Although this
line was built for the purpose of
connecting the Gediz basin to Ýzmir,
another aim was to provide a railway
link to Bornova and Karþiyaka. In order
to construct the train station many
properties and pieces of land were
bought by compulsory purchase order.
The British company handed over the
concession to a new company
established in Paris in 1894. This
then became the property of the
Turkish Republic in 1934. Until
recently, the Basmane train station
was the departure point for trains to
Bornova, Karþiyaka, Çiðli, Manisa,
Bandýrma and Ankara but because of
86
work being down on the
construction of the metro and
fast train line the station is
out of service. It is a building
worth seeing not only by
those interested in railways
but also those interested in
architecture. The building has a
very steep roof and the beautiful 19th
century iron work in the portico is of
particular interest.
Fevzi Paþa Boulevard was constructed
to allow the easy transportation of
export goods from the station to
customs. This boulevard gives another
depth and dimension to the station
building allowing a clear view of the
station for 1,000 meters from the
direction of Gümrükönü.
Basmane
Distances:
1,500 m. from the Konak Clock Tower
2,820 m. from the Alsancak Harbour
Ýzmir: City of Culture and Art » Art Centers
Art Centers
Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center
This concert hall was built by the Ýzmir Metropiltan Municipality and is
the first hall in Turkey to be built complying to world standards. The main concert
hall has a seating capacity of 1,153 and a secondary hall seats 243. The complex
also has a “city square” and a “culture platform” which provide extra areas for
performances and events. Arts’ products can also be purchased here.
Mithatpaþa Avenue - Güzelyalý
Distances: 5,970 m. from the Konak Clock Tower
9th September University
Sabancý Cultural Center
This is owned by the 9th September
University and has a 538 seat hall with
orchestra pit and a smaller hall with a
seating capacity of 123. There are
also foyers which are used for
exhibitions. Concerts and plays are
staged all year round.
Mustafa Kemal Boulevard - Konak
Distances: 855 m. from the Konak Clock Tower
The Aegean University
Atatürk Cultural Center
This center belongs to the university
and has two large halls named “Adnan
Saygun” and “Yunus Emre” which seat
652 people and 624 people
respectively. It also contains a 340
seat theater, small art rooms and a
470m2 art gallery. The center was
renovated in 1998 and stages plays,
hosts concerts, etc. all year round.
Mithatpaþa Avenue - Konak
Distances: 495 m. from the Konak Clock Tower
96
Ýzmir: City of Culture and Art » Cinemas
Cinemas
AFM Maviþehir
Located inside the shopping
arcade the cinema has six theaters.
The showings are continuous from
10:30 to 22:50 but on Saturdays and
Sundays the last showing is at 00:50.
Ege Park Shopping Center, Maviþehir
2774800
3,110 m. from Bostanlý ferry boat station
AFM Park
The cinema has four theaters.
The showings are continuous from
10:15 to 22:00 but on Saturdays and
Sundays the last showing is at 00:00.
Park Shopping Center, Bornova
3737320
3,130 m. from Bornova Metro Station
AFM Forum
The cinema is located in the
Forum shopping center and has six
theaters. The showings are continuous
from 10:30 to 22:10 but on Saturdays
and Sundays the last showing is at
23:45.
Forum, Bornova
3730350
2,000 m. from Bornova Metro Station
AFM Passtel
This cinema is located in the
Passtel (Orkide) Shopping Arcade. It
has eight theaters and the showings
are continuous from 10:45 to 22:00
but on Saturdays and Sundays the
last showing is at 23:30.
Vali Kazým Dirik Avenue - Pasaport
4892200
1,110 m. from the Konak Clock Tower
100
Ýzmir: City of Culture and Art » Museums and Ruins
Ýzmir Etnography Museum
It is located in the same garden
as the Archeological Museum.
Its fortlike tower and interesting
stone work draw your attention.
Its construction as an orphanage
began during the time Rahmi Bey
was Governor of Ýzmir but the
occupation left it incomplete until
it was taken over by the Greek
forces to provide shelter for
Greek orphans. After the
establishment of the Republic it
was first used as a Public Health
Institution but then for many years
as the Provincial Department of
Health until in 1984 it was
transferred to the Ministry for
Culture. Part of the building
became the Ethnography
Museum while the other part was
used as the Provincial
Department of Culture. The
museum is mainly devoted to
portrayingTurkish daily life and
traditions in Ýzmir and its environs
during the 19th century. On the
ground floor is a “guests’ room”
where costumes and
accessories of the zeybek and
materials used in various
occupations and handcrafts are
displayed. On one section of this
floor is all the equipment and
materials used by the “Ýttihat
Ezcanesi” (Ittihat Pharmacy)
which was in existence at the
beginning of the 20th century.
Also of interest on this floor is the
needle lace and evil eye bead
workshops. On the second floor
is a room set up like the bridal
room which has on display
weaving, guns, bridal
headdresses and kitchenware.
4837254
Working Hours:
Winter:
08.30 – 12.30 / 13.30 – 17.30
Summer:
08.30 – 17.30
(Closed on Mondays)
118
Ýzmir: City of Culture and Art » Monuments and Statues
Monument to World Peace
Unveiled on July 9, 2008 this
monument is situated on the slopes
above Karþýyaka and was constructed
by the Karþýyaka Council.
It is located
2
in an area 65,000m and stands 50
meters high. The globe made of steel
sits on three hands which represent
the elements of earth, water and fire.
A pool surrounds the monument and
(Soðukkuyu Kavþaðý) you should
follow the signs for Gümüþpala District.
Alternatively busses run regularly
from the bus station by Karþýyaka ferry
boat station or there are minibuses
which leave from the front of the
Karþýyaka Law Courts (Adliye).
Nafiz Gürman District - Karþýyaka
Distances: 4,750 m. from Anadolu
Avenue
Mevlana Statue
This statue stands on Týngýrtepe
which is the highest point in
Buca. It is located in a 20 acre
recreational area created by the Buca
Council. Including its base it is 25
meters high making it the world’s third
tallest statue. It was created by the
artist, Eray Okkan, by moulding
fibreglass onto a steel skeleton which
at the edges of this pool are statues
of Smyrna, King Tantalus, Alexander
the Great and Homer as well as
inscriptions. In addition to this
monument is the July 2
Monument (2 Temmuz
Anýtý) which was
erected in memory
of those artisans
and intellectuals
who were burned
to death in Sivas in
1993. In the
landscaped areas
there are walkways
and picnic areas.
From the viewing
platform, which
represents the
Equatorial line,
there are
magnificent views
of the city of Ýzmir
and its bay. On clear
days it is
recommended you visit the
viewing platform at dusk
as the city lights provide
a magical panorama.
travelling here by private
transport after taking
Anadolu Avenue on
approaching the
crossroads at
Soðukkuyu
152
was then covered with 25 tons of
copper. In the area surrounding it are
statues of dervishes on a much smaller
scale. At nights the statue is
illuminated by laser lights and from
time to time the dervishes come here
to perform their ceremony (sema
gösterisi).
Yaylacýk District - Buca
Distances: 3,600 m. from the Buca
Train Station
Ýzmir Step by Step » Waterside Residences
Waterside Residences
From the middle of the 19th century until the first years of the Republic all
the areas on the coastline to the south of the Ýzmir Bay from the districts
of Karataþ to Güzelyalý were collectively known as “Yalýlar” (the waterside
residences).
These districts developed along Mithatpaþa Avenue which runs east to
west and they had their own particular style until the construction of
apartments which heralded the destruction of Ýzmir’s architectural beauty.
178
Life in Ýzmir » Recreational Areas
Büyük Park
This park in Bornova contains
two important buildings; the Uður
Mumcu Cultural Center and the Ayfer
Feray Open-air theater. It also has
cafeterias and relaxation areas.
Kazým Dirik District - Bornova
Distances: 690 m. from the Bornova
Metro Station
Homer’s Valley
This recreational area was
created in 2008 in a valley which
covers 7 km and is one of two areas.
The first of these two areas is the
Kayadibi Recreational Area which has
202
Ýzmir has a number of other
recreational areas and parks which
have not been included in this
guide. Provision of both
recreational areas and parks is one
of the priorities for the Ýzmir
Municipality.
five ponds and a picnic area. The
second area, the Homeros Vadisi
Recreational Area, is joined to the
first by a road. This area has a cave
which is claimed to have been the
home of the famous bard Homer
during the Antique period. The valley
can only be reached by private
vehicles.
Bornova
Distances: 9 km from the center of
Bornova
Bostanlý Recreational Area
This landscaped area begins at
the Karþýyaka ferry boat station and
continues parallel to the coastal road
in the direction of Bostanlý. It then
continues from the Bostanlý ferry boat
station for 2 km as far as the
fishermen’s wharf in Maviþehir. The
area provides facilities for various
sports and is ideal for walking.
Life in Ýzmir » City Tours
City Tours
Most of the places of interest in Ýzmir, especially those near the
center, are within easy walking distance. Below are some
suggestions for short city tours but you can add to them other
places of interest that appear in the guide book or combine any
of them together to personalise your city tour. The tours have
been organised according to the various sections in the guide
book and arranged to make the route easy to follow.
Tour 1
“Kemeraltý from Konak to
Basmane-1”
› The Konak Clock Tower
› Monument to Hasan Tahsin
› Yalý Mosque
› Government House
› Güzel Ýzmir Caravanserai
› Beyler Street
› Hacý Mahmut Mosque
› Meserret Hotel
› Kemeraltý Mosque
› Kemahlýoðlu Caravanserai
› Baþdurak Mosque
› Jewellers area
› Kestanepazarý Mosque
› Þadýrvan Mosque
(Distance: 1,400 meters)
If you need a rest after Þadýrvan
Mosque you are in the area of
Hisarönü and can relax at one of
the cafes or restaurants or you
can cross Eþrefpaþa Avenue and
continue with a tour of the Tilkilik
district.
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Tour 2
“Kemeraltý from Konak to
Basmane-2”
› Police Museum
› Hasan Hoca Mosque
› Tevfik Paþa Turkish Baths
› Manisa- Akhisar Hotel
› Kadý Turkish Baths
› Hatuniye Mosque
› Dönertaþ Public Fountain
› Mumyakmaz Mosque
› Emniyet Hotel
› Altýnpark ancient site
› Çorakkapý Mosque
(Distance: 790 meters)
The Province of Ýzmir » North of Ýzmir
The Bird Sanctuary
This is located to the south of the delta created by the river Gediz, known in
Antiquity as Hermos. It is also the second largest watercourse in the Aegean.
It is protected by the Ramsar International Agreement and is one of the areas
with the greatest variety of bird species
in Turkey with 281 different species of
bird having been identified.
Some of these are: the bustard, little
bustard, the white-tailed eagle, the
kingfisher, the corncrake, the wheatear,
white-headed duck, common goldeneye, the short-eared owl and other rarer
species. On average there about a
100,000 birds visit the sanctuary during
a year.
The Gediz delta has natural swamps along the coast
stretching from Maviþehir to Çamaltý Tuzlasý. These
provide breeding grounds and feeding areas for the
visiting birds. There are two tour routes for visitors
to the Bird Sanctuary.
The Blue Tour
This starts from Çamaltý Tuzlasý and goes to the
Homa Dalyan (Homa fish trap). It is possible to see
many waterbirds in the salt marshes on both sides
of the road. The observation tower at Homa Dalyan
provides great opportunities for birdwatching
especially towards sunset.
The Green Tour
Over time the Gediz delta has reclaimed land and
contains three hills which were once islands. They
are named Lodos, Orta and Poyraz. The best vantage
point for the delta is Lodos. This tour is about 5 km
long and is focussed on the Lodos hilltop. An added
bonus is that as you progress to the hilltop you pass
through the remains of the ancient city of Leukia.
You can reach the Bird
Sanctuary from Çiðli or
Maviþehir by taking the
Ahmet Piriþtina Avenue as
far as the village of Sasalý
then follow the signs for
“Kuþ Cenneti”.
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The Province of Ýzmir » South of Ýzmir
Didyma (Didymaion)
Unlike other ancient sites covered in
this book Didyma was not a city but a
temple and the seat of the oracle of
Apollo, bound to Miletus. It was a
sacred place to the local people before
even the Greeks arrived in
western Anatolia. During
completion of the temple became
impossible. The statue of Apollo, which
stood in the first temple, was taken by
the Persians only to be brought back
when construction of the new temple
was begun. The Temple of
Apollon at Didymaion and the
excavations the oldest
inscription discovered has been dated
to the 6th century BC. The first temple
was destroyed by the Persians but
later rebuilding work gained pace in
the third century AD. Unfortunately
the construction could not be finished.
During this time we see the spread of
Christianity and at the end of the 4th
century AD with the prohibition of all
types of soothsaying and sorcery the
Temple of Artemis in Ephesus
were two of the three greatest temples.
The reason for this temple not being
built on higher ground to make it even
more imposing is the fact that the
Sacred Apollon Spring was located
here. The temple did not have a roof
as it was impossible to build one on
a structure of its height with the
technology of that day. For this reason
the statue of Apollo was placed in the
small Ionic temple within the larger
temple, near the spring. The temple
could be accessed from both floors
by means of labyrinths but the reason
for this still has to be explained. The
site also contains one of the best
examples of the Medusa`s head, an
important symbol of the Antique
period. Quite close by the temple you
can visit the remains of the Temple of
Artemis
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