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Izmir
The 3rd largest, and
one of the most beautiful provinces of Turkey is Izmir, extending on the shores
of an attractive bay, filled with ships and yachts. Backed by mountains and
facing the sea, this site offers a fine appearance, both with its natural
panorama and its modern and orderly view. Lovely palm trees decorate the
promenades and avenues, where new and impressive buildings stand.
Walking around this charming city, one can see a lot, ranging from the oldest
remains, to the most recent establishments scattered around.
The clocktower stands in Konak Square as a symbol of the city while nearby the
Archelogical Museum houses many finds from the early western Anatolian
civilizations. In the city center, there is the Kultur Park (Culture Park) where
the famous annual International Fair is held.
Filled with pretty restaurants, cafes, shops and bars, Kordonboyu is a long
promenade, which provides a restful atmosphere and the typical elegant scenery
of the city. Kemeralti Bazaar is a smart place with limitless shopping
opportunities for here you will find almost anything you want, at the most
appropriate prices.
Karsiyaka is another attractive district on the opposite side of the bay, where
the Olaf Palme Park exists near the open-air museum, which houses many
interesting statues.
Known as "Smyrna" in ancient times, the province of Izmir has a long history,
dating back to the 3rd- millenium BC when it was one of the most advanced
cultural center in Western Anatolia. Legendary Homer lived here in the lonian
period, which was the most splendid age of the city, dating to the 1st-millenium
BC. Today some beautiful examples from this long past can be found inside the
city. Here is the Kadifekale (the Velvet Fortress) located on Mount Pagos,
overlooking the area. A marvellous view of the Gulf of Izmir is provided from
this castle built in the 3rd-century BC, and later restored at various times.
Another important sight is the Roman agora, constructed during one of the most
brilliant periods of the province. The seven churches mentioned by St. John in
the Book of Revelation are also in Turkey and are spread around Izmir, which are
Izmir (Smyrna), Efes (Ephesus), Eskihisar (Laodicea), Alasehir (Philadelphia),
Sart (Sardis), Akhisar (Thyatira), and Bergama (Pergamum).
Today, Izmir has an important port, as well as a lovely holiday resort with
numerous sandy beaches stretching over its towns and environs. In addition to
famous sites like Efes, Kusadasi or Cesme, Izmir possesses Balcova, one of the
important thermal centres in Turkey, which is known as the "Agamemnon Baths".
They offer modern facilities to visitors, in the midst of wonderful surroundings.
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