Izmir is situated on the western coast of Turkey, known as the Pearl of Aegean. The history dates back to the archaic era of 3,000 BC. The Greek colonists settled at Izmir (Symrna) before the second millennium. Homer, the Iliad writer, was born in İzmir, and Strabo spent his years in this city. When Alexander the Great came from Sardis to Smyrna, he rested after hunting by Mount Pagos (Kadife Kale). When the Pergamon ruled most of the Aegean coats, Smyrnaeans resisted their hegemony for years. Eventually, after the Romans inherited the Pergoman Kingdom, Smyrna passed under the Roman Empire’s control in 133 AD.
With the growth of Christianity in the First Century, Smyrna was mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelations as one of the seven churches of Asia. The first bishop Polycarp became a martyr in 155 AD when he was 86, and he was ordained and installed by St. John in Izmir (Symrna).
Today, Izmir is the 3rd biggest city in Turkey. Although, there are not many remainings from ancient times, with modern architecture, beautiful shore, and neighborhoods such as; Konak Square, which is not far from the Izmir Archeology Museum and the Agora. Alsancak, Bornova and Karşıyaka
You can book Izmir City Tour with Package Tour Turkey
Click below to go back to ‘Destinations’ Page