The city of Izmir is a historic location that is popular among tourists. Here are things to do in Izmir while visiting this beautiful city on the banks of the Gulf of Izmir. Izmir boasts historical structures, peaceful mosques and bustling marketplaces that are a must-visit. According to archaeological evidence, the city has been continuously occupied by humans since the Neolithic Age. Izmir has a rich history because Izmir was controlled by Greeks, Romans and the Ottomans. The ancient structures, the gorgeously domed mosques and the lively city centre make Izmir the perfect destination for a unique and astonishing trip.
7 Things To Do In Izmir City For A Mesmerising Experience
The culturally rich city of Izmir offers a lot to travellers. Here are 7 Things to Do in Izmir that make for an unforgettable trip.
1. Izmir Agora
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Agora is the Greek name for the market. During the times of the ancient Greeks, Agora was a public space, serving as a centre to facilitate social and political life. The Izmir Agora or the Agora of Smyrna as Izmir was known during ancient times was built in the 4th century BC by the Greeks.
The Agora has a Faustina Gate, Corinthian-style Colonnade, Cisterns and Vaulted chambers that would have been part of a multi-level marketplace. The Agora is a valuable part of the history of an ancient civilisation and is among the unique things to do in Istanbul.
Must Read: Historical Places in Turkey
2. Hisar mosque
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Other things to do in Izmir, Turkey include visiting the venerable Mosque, Hisar Mosque.
The Mosque is a gorgeously domed mosque that was constructed in the 16th century. The construction was completed in the year 1598 and ever since then, the mosque has been a place for prayer. The designs inside the mosque are along the customary Ottoman Islamic Artwork. The Mosque is built from cut stone and has a main dome supported by eight pillars One of the top things to do in Izmir, the mosque situated amid the bustling city centre offers peace and serenity to its visitors.
3. Ruins of Ephesus
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One of the things to do in Izmir is visit the ruins of Ephesus. Ephesus was once a city in ancient Greece. Built in the 10th century BC, the city was famous for the Temple of Artemis during ancient times. The city of Ephesus, now in ruins, had been inhabited by humans since the Neolithic Age. The ruins stand as proof of a thriving civilisation that once was. The Aqueduct system of the city was one of the most advanced of its time.
The city would have been full of life, having the temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus and a theatre within it.
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4. Temple of Artemis
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Among the things to do in Izmir turkey is visit the Temple of Artemis. The temple of Artemis, located in the city of Ephesus was a temple dedicated to the goddess of the Greeks, Artemis. It was constructed in the 6th century BC and was of such magnificence that it was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Only the foundations and a single column remain of what was a grand temple. According to legends, the temple was set on fire by a man named Herostratus who had done so for immortalising his name. The temple was once a grandeur structure but is only in ruins now.
5. Salepcioglu Mosque
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Other things to do in Izmir city include visiting another beautiful mosque, the Salepciouglu Mosque. Located in the heart of the Cosmopolis, next to Konak Square, Salepcioglu mosque was built in 1905. The mosque boasts intricate designs and is typical of Islamic artwork. The mosque has an Emerald green exterior and a single minaret. It has a main dome and three smaller domes, the inside of which has beautiful carvings. It has a baroque design and was constructed by Salepcizade Hajji Ahmet Effendi, a patron. Due to its beautiful exterior as well as interior, the mosque is among the unique things to do in Istanbul.
Suggested Read: Mosques In Istanbul
6. Pamukkale
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Visiting Pamukkale is among the unique things to do in Istanbul. It is perfect for a one-day visit from Izmir and is located in the Denizili province. The region is famous for mineral-rich thermal water which is believed to have healing properties. Tourist attractions in Pamukkale include the Travertine Pools, Heirapolis and the ancient Amphitheatre. The Travertine pools are thermal pools which offer mesmerising views. Heirapolis is an ancient settlement and is famous for its architecture which is inspired by the influences of ancient civilisations.
Included in the travel list as the must-see places by many tourists, Pamukkale is an experience like no other.
7. Konak Square
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The top things to do in Izmir include visiting Konak Square. Konak Square located at the centre of Izmir is visited by thousands of tourists. A shuttle is available to take visitors to the Konak Square. The tourist attractions in Konak are many, including the very famous Clock Tower that was built in the year 1901. The elevator is another historical structure that is the symbol of the city. It offers panoramic views of the whole city of Izmir. It boasts of historical structures, a bustling urban life and a culture like no other. The Konak Square is a bustling spot that is a Must-Visit place.
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Izmir in Turkey is a famous city in the Mediterranean World. The city has been historically significant and owing to the Greek, Roman and Ottoman occupation, Izmir has an abundance of historical monuments and a rich and captivating past. The ancient structures, the gorgeously domed mosques and the lively city centre make Izmir the perfect destination for a unique and astonishing trip. Plan your trip to Turkey to the historically rich Izmir for the wanderer in you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Izmir
Why is Izmir famous?
Izmir is famous for being one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean world. Izmir boasts historical structures, peaceful mosques and bustling marketplaces that are a must-visit. It has been historically important for the last 5000 years. The city has ancient settlements that are contemporaneous to the City of Troy.
How many people visit Izmir?
Izmir is a beautiful place that is worthy of being on everyone's travel wish list. The city is beautiful, has historical buildings and has a very different charm from the European cities.
How do tourists get around in Turkey?
Izmir has a well-developed and well-connected public transport system that is fairly priced convenient and easy to understand. Izmir has buses, ferries, suburban trains and subways for public transportation. The ancient structures, the gorgeously domed mosques and the lively city centre make Izmir the perfect destination for a unique experience.
Is English spoken in Izmir?
English is a fairly well-spoken language in Izmir. Cities like Istanbul, and Ankara and small towns like Izmir and Bodrum have a high English-speaking population. Communicating with the locals in Izmir is easy.
Is Turkish food similar to Indian food?
The similarities in both cuisines are there. Both cuisines borrow ingredients from Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Greek cuisines. The flow of people into both places has led to an even more diversified food scene where tracing the origins of one type of food becomes difficult. Turkish and Indian foods are greatly loved and cherished for their flavours.
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